We’ve all heard (or maybe used) the classic “Not tonight, honey, I have a headache” excuse. But what if we’ve been getting it backward all this time? What if sex isn’t something to avoid when your head is pounding but actually the solution? Mind. Blown. Right along with that headache, possibly.
Let’s explore the fascinating connection between getting busy and getting rid of that pain in your brain. Could your best headache remedy be hiding right under the covers?
What Science Says: Can Sex Relieve Headaches?
Before you toss your ibuprofen in favor of some bedroom cardio, let’s check what the people in white lab coats have to say about this provocative proposition.
Surprisingly, there’s some solid scientific backing to the idea that sex might help kick headaches to the curb. A 2013 study from the University of Münster in Germany found that about 60% of migraine sufferers reported improvement in their symptoms after sexual activity. Even more impressive, about one-third said their pain disappeared completely.
Another study published in the journal Cephalalgia (fancy word for “headache studies”) suggested that sexual activity might provide relief even comparable to some medications. Now that’s what we call a pleasant prescription!
But before you start telling your doctor “no thanks” to medication and flashing this article instead, let’s understand what might be happening behind the scenes.
How Sex May Help With Headaches
The connection between sex and headache relief isn’t just wishful thinking – there are actual physiological mechanisms that might explain why getting frisky could soothe your aching head.
Endorphins and Natural Pain Relief
When you’re having sex, your body isn’t just having a good time – it’s unleashing a chemical party in your brain. During sexual activity and especially during orgasm, your body releases endorphins, which are basically your internal opioids (but legal and free!).
These natural feel-good chemicals act as pain blockers, binding to the same receptors in your brain that pain medications target. It’s like your body’s DIY pharmacy, and the only side effect is a smile on your face.
Endorphins can reduce your perception of pain while simultaneously creating feelings of pleasure and euphoria. This double-whammy effect might be why some people report their headaches vanishing after a romp between the sheets.
Increased Blood Flow and Muscle Relaxation
Many headaches, particularly tension headaches, are caused by tightened muscles and restricted blood flow. During sexual arousal and activity, your blood vessels dilate (get wider), improving circulation throughout your body – including to your head.
This increased blood flow can help relieve pressure and bring fresh oxygen to tense areas. Meanwhile, the physical activity helps relax tight muscles in your neck, shoulders, and scalp that might be contributing to your headache.
Speaking of blood flow, we’ve seen numerous reviews praising the effectiveness of our hydro pumps for improving circulation in intimate areas, which can enhance the overall bedroom experience – and potentially those headache-relieving benefits too!
Stress Reduction and Mood Improvement
Stress is a major headache trigger for many people. Your boss piles on another project, your kids are fighting again, or you realize you forgot to pay that bill… suddenly your temples start throbbing.
Sex is a natural stress-reliever that can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels while bumping up your feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This mood elevation can help reduce anxiety and tension that might be causing or worsening your headache.
Plus, focusing on pleasure provides a mental distraction from pain, redirecting your brain’s attention to more enjoyable sensations. It’s hard to fixate on your headache when you’re, well, fixated on something much more pleasant.
When Sex Might Not Help (or Make It Worse)
Before you replace your medicine cabinet with sexy time, it’s important to know that sex isn’t a universal headache cure. For some people, it might actually make things worse.
If you suffer from cluster headaches or certain types of migraines, sexual activity might trigger or intensify pain. Especially if your headaches are related to exertion or blood pressure changes, the physical activity of sex could potentially aggravate symptoms.
The position matters too. If you’re bent over with your head down or straining your neck, you might end up with a worse headache than when you started. And let’s be honest – if your headache is severe enough, the last thing you might want is a vigorous activity with lots of movement.
Some people also experience what’s called a “sex headache” – a rare condition where headaches are actually triggered by sexual activity and orgasm. If that happens to you, first of all, our condolences. Second, you should definitely mention it to your doctor.
Final Thoughts
So, does sex help with headaches? For many people, the answer appears to be yes – thanks to those pain-relieving endorphins, improved blood flow, and stress reduction. It’s certainly one of the more enjoyable remedies to try!
Looking at a broader perspective, making sex a regular part of your routine might help prevent headaches before they start. Research has shown the health benefits of sex extend far beyond headache relief, including stress reduction, improved sleep, and better immune function – all factors that can reduce your likelihood of developing headaches in the first place.
