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How Long Does Coital Headache Last ?

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Posted on Thu, 4 Jun 2015
Question: how long does a coital headache last ? I stil have this kind of headache since 5 days, but less painfull , is it normal ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
I read your query carefully as well as the other queries you had posted before that.

The description of your headache does correspond to preorgasmic headache as Dr Saghafi correctly suggested. However that is a typre of headache which typically subsides within 24 hours, so to have it for 5 days is not typical of this type of headache.
Judging from your description it seems like this is your first episode, is that correct? Have you suffered from headache in the past, even not related to sexual activity, were they similar in location and quality? Also do you have any other accompanying phenomena like nausea or vomiting?

If I were to judge only by the present information I would say that it may be a case of preorgasmic headache which is followed by tension headache, a headache related to stress (which you mention to have) and muscle tension. The preorgasmic headache and the anxiety associated with it may have triggered it. If that is the case over the counter painkillers like Ibuprofen should work.

However that being said I believe that a physical examination is necessary. In any case of very intense headache with neck stiffness an evaluation is necessary to look for neck rigidity and other signs of meningeal irritation. If present it would prompt brain imaging with CT/MRI and lumbar puncture to exclude a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (5 minutes later)
I have a lot of anxiety due to my exams, only when i masturbate again it reappeared :o if not am alright :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for bringing more info.

So it seems that this is not your first episode then, in that case the chance of a subarachnoid hemorrhage is much lower. I still think an MRI should be scheduled, but not on such an urgent basis as I was suggesting before.

My opinion remains then that it is a case of preorgasmic headache associated with tension headache (an association known to occur, preorgasmic headache is thought to be related to muscle contraction/tension).

As I said an over the counter pain killer should help to alleviate the current pain (Ibuprofen, Indomethacine). As Dr Saghafi mentioned preventive treatment consists in Indomethacin or Propranolol, my choice would perhaps be Propranolol since, while not used commonly for that purpose, it might also help with anxiety. Indomethacine apart from prevention can also be used as a pain killer for the current pain.

I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (31 minutes later)
if I don't have sexual activities for the next 2-3 weeks can it help ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Well yes it can help, but since you say that they have been present before there is the chance they might manifest again...and I do not suppose you are willing to abstain from sex forever.

I am not saying you should start preventive treatment right away, it depends on the frequency of these episodes, if they don't always happen it is a question of say once every 6 months you could choose to live with that possibility and stay without preventive treatment, only pain killer like Indomethacin on the rare occasions when it happens.
If they seem to be frequent then preventive treatment would make sense.

And do not forget about the scheduling of an MRI, I think it will come back alright but it is recommended to make sure.

Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (10 minutes later)
first time happenning but I read it could only happen once or twice in a life is that true ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
You should try to be a little more clear in giving your history. I must say I am a little confused as by speaking of "masturbating again and reappearing" I was assuming this was a repeat event and you didn't deny it when I said so.
You must understand that when I mentioned the need to be checked for the possibility of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, I was referring to a hypothesis which should not be taken lightly as it is a serious condition. Since I can't physically examine you I need to take a good history in order to express a responsible opinion.

Sexual headaches can reoccur, they can be episodic, bouts of attacks with long periods of no symptoms in between. They can also can be chronic, repeat attacks with no such remission periods.

Since this seems to be your first episode, only time will tell whether this will be an episodic or chronic case. If it'll be chronic as I said preventive treatment will be necessary.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (7 minutes later)
I asked my doctor and he says it's a coital headache and only time qill make it disapeer
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
We all agree it's most probably a coital headache which is simply continuing longer than usual due to muscle tension, but if you have neck pain and stiffness as you mentioned to my colleagues I think your doctor should physically examine you meningeal signs just to be safe.
Of course it will disappear with time, pain killers are recommended to alleviate the pain in the meantime, time will do the rest.
Hopefully it will remain an isolated episode which won't repeat again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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How Long Does Coital Headache Last ?

Brief Answer: Read below. Detailed Answer: I read your query carefully as well as the other queries you had posted before that. The description of your headache does correspond to preorgasmic headache as Dr Saghafi correctly suggested. However that is a typre of headache which typically subsides within 24 hours, so to have it for 5 days is not typical of this type of headache. Judging from your description it seems like this is your first episode, is that correct? Have you suffered from headache in the past, even not related to sexual activity, were they similar in location and quality? Also do you have any other accompanying phenomena like nausea or vomiting? If I were to judge only by the present information I would say that it may be a case of preorgasmic headache which is followed by tension headache, a headache related to stress (which you mention to have) and muscle tension. The preorgasmic headache and the anxiety associated with it may have triggered it. If that is the case over the counter painkillers like Ibuprofen should work. However that being said I believe that a physical examination is necessary. In any case of very intense headache with neck stiffness an evaluation is necessary to look for neck rigidity and other signs of meningeal irritation. If present it would prompt brain imaging with CT/MRI and lumbar puncture to exclude a subarachnoid hemorrhage. I remain at your disposal for further questions.