The New Intimacy

Sex headaches - how can you tell the difference between " nothing to worry about" and "sign of something serious"?

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Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
For the first time that I can remember, I have twice gotten a stabbing, blinding headache from sexual activity. That is not normal for me at all so I went looking online and found this:

"Most sex headaches are nothing to worry about. But some can be a sign of something serious, such as problems with the blood vessels that feed your brain."

So, the headaches could be normal, or they could be a sign that I'm about to drop dead? That narrows down the possibilities.

I'm not due to see my GYN for a few months, and though I could probably get an appointment to see my GP within a few weeks I'd prefer not to since I'm reasonably sure her answer will be to shove a pill down my throat for the rest of my life.

Does anyone have advice?
09/14/2012
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Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
I get migraines. Have since I was an early teenager. Any serious headache, no matter what brings it on, could be the sign of bigger problems. The person to check that out would be a neurologist. They can usually ask questions about what brings it on, what time of day they happen, where the pain is, how it feels, etc. and make a rough determination on if it's something serious or not. If there's answers in there that bring pause, they'll order more tests.

If I recall from a previous neurologist I had, if you *wake up* with horrible headaches, that's usually not a good sign.
09/14/2012
Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
I get migraines. Have since I was an early teenager. Any serious headache, no matter what brings it on, could be the sign of bigger problems. The person to check that out would be a neurologist. They can usually ask questions about what brings it ... more
I sense multiple doctor visits in my future…
09/15/2012
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
Quote:
Originally posted by Petite Valentine
I sense multiple doctor visits in my future…
I'm sorry. If it's just regular migraines and nothing serious, try acupuncture. All my maintenance meds stopped working one day. I was at a loss on what to do to stop my migraines. I had a few people suggest acupuncture and it's been like a miracle. I hardly get headaches at all and when I do they're mild to moderate.

If it is something serious I wish you luck. Hopefully they can do something for you. I know they wanted to do a spinal tap on me at one point to rule something out. I refused it because, well, OW. Plus I hated the doctor and I think she was just ordering tests to make more money. No other neurologist I had gone to thought it was necessary. Figured I'd warn you that it may be something you have to do if it looks like it may be a big issue.
09/16/2012
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
I'm sorry. If it's just regular migraines and nothing serious, try acupuncture. All my maintenance meds stopped working one day. I was at a loss on what to do to stop my migraines. I had a few people suggest acupuncture and it's ... more
The spinal tap was to analyze your spinal fluid to see if there were any abnormalities that might point to something like meningitis.

@Petite Valentine - Unfortunately, with non-specific symptoms such as a headache, it will probably take some time and tests to figure out if something serious is the cause. Likely, a GP or neurologist will perform a neuro exam to see if they can detect any other deficits that may hint at the source of the issue. They may suggest medications to see how well they alleviate your symptoms because sometimes it is less invasive and more cost effective than further diagnostics. It's not wrong to treat based on an index of suspicion rather than recommend something like an MRI/CT scan right off the bat. Good luck.
09/16/2012
Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
The spinal tap was to analyze your spinal fluid to see if there were any abnormalities that might point to something like meningitis.

@Petite Valentine - Unfortunately, with non-specific symptoms such as a headache, it will probably take some ... more
Kira & Kindred,

Thank you both for the information. The last headache that came on with sexual activity decided to stay, so I spent all of yesterday and this morning being poked, prodded and scanned. The good news is that the tests came back negative! The doctor prescribed antibiotics and painkillers (working theory is that I have an infection), and now I'm just giving the meds time to work.

I hope I get better soon — I want to have sex again!
09/18/2012
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
Quote:
Originally posted by Petite Valentine
Kira & Kindred,

Thank you both for the information. The last headache that came on with sexual activity decided to stay, so I spent all of yesterday and this morning being poked, prodded and scanned. The good news is that the tests came ... more
That's great! Glad there was nothing seriously wrong. Hope the meds work quick for you.
09/18/2012