These types of headaches become more severe almost immediately following performing strenuous activity like rowing, swimming, lifting weights or even sexual intercourse. However, usual activities such as running, straining bowel movements, sneezing and coughing can all trigger exertional headaches. More than 10% of the general population suffers from exertional headaches, affecting men more than women. However, they can occur in both untrained individuals and trained athletes. This means that even if you’re not an athlete or a weightlifter, it doesn’t mean you have a lesser chance of experiencing these types of headaches. Primary exertional headaches are more common among younger people, about 18 to 48 y.o.—especially those with a family history of migraine. On the other hand, older people i.e. those who are more than 50 y.o., are more likely to have secondary exertional headaches, which are caused by underlying disease processes.