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As unfortunate
as it might be to learn this, there appears to be a link between
sexual activity and migraine headaches. However, health experts
aren't exactly sure the nature of that link.
Sexually triggered migraines have been linked with people engaging
in all manner of sexual activities.These include everything from
intercourse to masturbation, regardless of whether there was actual
orgasm. In fact, there seems to even be a possible connection
with the different sexual positions used by people engaged in the
act of sex. Fortunately, sexually-triggered migraines are
not all that common; according to most studies, they affect only
bout one o 350 headaches. Still, the problem is serious enough
to affect a lot of people and to negatively impact their lifestyles.
A migraine
attack caused by sexual activity is called an exertional headache,
effort migraine or more technically, 'coital cephalgia.' These migraines
are sometimes linked with orgasm and sometimes not.In fact, a migraine
attack could strike before, during or after orgasm.
There are three
patterns possible with sexually-triggered migraines.The first is
the "sudden onset" headache, and includes three-fourths
of them. This type of headache begins the night before, or
possibly during or right after orgasm. This type of headache
can be very severe, and might either build up slowly or explode
suddenly inside the head.
The
second pattern is the subacuture pattern; it strikes in about a
fourth of the instances, and starts before orgasm. At this
time, the intensity will build up until orgasm. Those experiencing
this pattern usually describe the pain as a dull ache. It's
often accompanied by vomiting and nausea.
The
third pattern is the least common one. It's the postdural
headache, and causes pain at the lower back of the head. The
pain increases when he she stands erect, and is many times
accompanied by vomiting and nausea.
Given this connection
between sex and migraines, it's ironic that sexual activity can
sometimes be used as a migraine treatment. According to a
study conducted by the Headache Clinic of Southern Illinois University,
many women found they could relieve migraine pain by achieving an
orgasm. Most of those who said they experienced relief described
it s complete relief. However, the study did show that orgasm
was less effective than medication in providing relief.
There have been
other studies which discovered that sex and orgasm could trigger
endorphin rush in a person's brain. This is a chemical reaction
which blocks pain by serving as something of an analgesic.
So what we're
left with is the paradoxical news that for some people, sex is a
trigger for migraines; for others, it's a treatment. It's
up to the migraine sufferer him or herself to determine which is
true in their case, by paying close attention to when migraines
start--and what seems to be best at bringing relief.You can do
this by keeping a migraine journal, noting the circumstances when
you experience an attack.And of course, speak with your doctor
and get his insight on the matter.He will help you develop a strategy
for dealing with all migraines, sex-related or not. |