A scientist is urging men to heed his warning following a study regarding the likelihood of experiencing a particular unpleasant side effect after engaging in sexual activity.
Researchers have found that men are twice as likely as women to suffer from what is known as a ‘sex headache,’ or more formally, ‘primary headache associated with sexual activity (PHS).’
Recent research conducted by Jagiellonian University in Poland revealed that about 1.5 percent of male patients at headache clinics were diagnosed with PHS, compared to just 0.6 percent of female patients.
These headaches can occur during or immediately after sex and aren’t your typical tension headaches; they involve a sudden, intense pain that can abruptly end the mood.
So, what exactly triggers these headaches?
Lead researcher Aleksander Osiowski suggests that performance anxiety might be a significant contributing factor to this painful experience.
He stated, “We know men tend to be more worried about not performing or having problems during sexual intercourse. I think that when a man is already worrying about something to do with sex, he might also get this headache, and that will make him decide to see a doctor.”
Interestingly, many men reporting PHS were in their mid-30s. Osiowski pointed out, “Older people tend to have less sex in general, and in your 20s you might not be bothered by this.”
We often hear about midlife crises, but now there’s a potential midlife bedroom crisis to consider—usually thought to occur in later years.
This might surprise some individuals, especially since previous studies have indicated that sex can actually alleviate headaches by releasing feel-good hormones like endorphins.
However, for a small percentage of men, the reverse appears to be true, and it’s something to take note of.
If you’re concerned about whether a post-romantic encounter headache is cause for concern, Unnati Desai, National GP Lead at Nuffield Health, offers some guidance.
“If you are experiencing the symptoms of a thunderclap headache, seek urgent care as this requires emergency assessment in A&E with an urgent scan,” Desai advised The Sun.
Desai highlighted that headaches triggered by activities such as coughing, exercise, sex, or high blood pressure might be indicative of more serious conditions, including internal bleeding or rare infections like meningitis.
She further explained, “If you have an infection and develop a severe headache with neck stiffness or neurological symptoms such as seizures, confusion, difficulty speaking, loss of movement in parts of your body or loss of consciousness, then it is important to be assessed for meningitis and encephalitis.”
So, if you experience a headache following sexual activity, it’s crucial not to dismiss it—it could be a sign of a more serious health issue.