The relationship between headaches and sex has long been the subject of sitcom jokes with portrayals of women refusing sexual intimacy because they do not feel well. But while comedians like to equate headaches with abstinence, there are some people for whom the opposite is true: these headache-prone individuals not only have stronger libidos, but orgasm is a very effective pain reliever. A recent study found that individuals with recurrent migraine headaches may experience a stronger desire for sex than those with non-migraine headaches.
Possible Link to Serotonin
The association between migraines and increased sexual drive is very complex, but seems to be related to the brain chemical called serotonin. Researchers have noted that individuals who have migraines also have chronically lower levels of serotonin in their brains when compared to individuals who do not suffer from migraines. Similarly, individuals who use antidepressant medications that increase brain levels of serotonin often suffer medication side effects that can include lowered sex drive and difficulty achieving orgasm. Because of these facts, researchers believe that higher serotonin levels inhibit sexual desire and sexual response. Thus, individuals with migraines, who are perhaps prone to experience migraines due to low serotonin levels, may also have a higher sex drive for the very same reason.
The Climax Cure
Research focused on whether and how orgasm relieves headaches is still in its very early stages. One small study showed that some women found relief of their headache symptoms after sexual intercourse. The reason for relief of headache pain with sexual intercourse is not clear. Theories include:
• Stimulation of the vagina during sex might provide a pain-relieving effect, perhaps due to some nervous system pathways involved in childbirth.
• Something that happens during an orgasm might suppress pain or even interrupt the process by which a migraine causes pain.
Although more research is needed to understand how headaches and sex are related, it is clear that the connection is complicated enough to be undeserving of a stereotypical comedic relief. And individuals who suffer from migraines may well want to consider using the most organic form of treatment uncovered thus far.
Tags: blurred vision, dizziness, head pain, lightheadedness, migraine symptoms, nausea, vomiting
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