What if the ‘sexual headache’ is not a joke? | British Journal of Medical Practitioners

BJMP 2010;3(1):304
ABSTRACT

Headaches and sexual activity are often treated with humour as a typical way for women to reject male advances. However, headaches associated with sexual activity can be anything but a joke.

HSA (headaches associated with sexual activity) are by definition benign conditions but the symptoms can be the same as in serious life threatening cerebral conditions and these need to be quickly excluded at the first presentation. Most sexual headaches are of a benign nature. However, the first time an HSA occurs it can be a traumatic, frightening occurrence for the patient. HSA are capricious in nature with poorly understood pathophysiology and uncertain course of the condition. Patients need to have the situation clearly explained to them so that management can be optimal.

However, good overall management of a patient with HSA should also include discussions about possible negative sexual consequences of the HSA experience. Sexuality can be affected by HSA both during the active condition and subsequently. Sexuality must be addressed by the treating physician if the patient/couple are not to be left with an ongoing negative effect on their future sex life as a consequence of the HSA.