Prevent post-orgasm migraine?

[VampireBait]

Newbie here, but everyone around here seems to be very nice and informative, so I thought I'd give posting a shot. I'm wondering if anyone here has any suggestions for preventing post-orgasm migraines. I'm not talkin' a little headache or discomfort. I get full blown migraines with aura; numbness, vision problems, the whole nine yards.

This only happens rarely, twice in the past six months, but it's still a terrible inconvenience. It isn't often enough to merit getting meds, because I only get the migraines after orgasm (so far). I've noticed when it happens that I'm usually very stressed, and trying to give myself a quickie while people are out of the house. Think "Get it in ten minutes or don't get it at all." The situations occurs often now, since I've had to move back in with my parents due to my financial situation.

I feel like I literally have to schedule masturbation sessions now (no boyfriend to speak of), because I definitely can't afford to be out of commission with a migraine and lose an entire day of job hunting.

So far I've discovered that if I take my time and build up slowly, no migraine. Right now my prevention consists of that, and popping a couple Advil beforehand and hoping for the best. Anyone else have this problem? Know any surefire ways to keep the post-orgasm migraine away?

 

[Firebrain]

You need to be checked out by a GP - I can't remember where I read this, but it can be an indicator of something more sinister. I hope it isn't!

 

[Luna_Bella]

I agree with firebrain, you should have that checked by your doctor it might be nothing but better safe than sorry....
Migraines are headache associated with changes in the size of the arteries(dilatation) within and outside of the brain which can cause inflammation( that's the reason why Advil and Aleve are often good to help treat mild migraines, they are anti-inflammatories.)The sudden rushing of your heart rate and bloodflow, while you are giving yourself a quicky would be enough to cause a migraine.... while a slower build up is not as much of a "shock" to your vascular system as your heart rate increases at a more steady pace. typically do you masturbate lying down? Propping your head up or trying a sitting position might help to inhibit the blood rush going to to your head and cause a migraine.

 

[SweetErika]

You need to be checked out by a GP - I can't remember where I read this, but it can be an indicator of something more sinister. I hope it isn't!

Exactly. There's all sorts of info on orgasm-triggered headaches, but migraines and other severe headaches always need to be investigated by a good medical professional. Plus, you might as well get medication(s) to treat the headaches so they don't interfere with your life and/or drive you crazy!

Good luck and let us know how the detective work goes.

 

[ecstaticsub]

I have had problems with post-coital migraines for the past 5 years or so. Mine tend to be more often when I am under times of increased stress. These periods of high stress usually cause me to have high blood pressure.

I have tried being on a very low dose of propranolol for just a few months which has helped. I have regular migraines too. I take Imitrex when they get bad. My neurologist told me to try taking a very low dose of Imitrex before sex. I never tried that because i don't like the idea of taking something like that so often.

What I am doing now which has helped a great deal is to make sure I am not dehydrated. It sounds so simple but I make sure I get two classes of water in the 45 minutes or so before sex.

When I first started getting them I did see a dr for a complete exam including a CT scan and then later a MRI. I would recommend getting fully checked out by your dr.

 

[Tyr51]

Sex does cause high blood pressure. Orgasms do as well.
If you are getting sex-related headaches you MUST go see your doctor.

Please don't ignore this and fall victem to a stroke.

It's not a minor problem.

If you are getting migraines durring/after sex, you really must MUST see a General Practicioner (GP). Sooner rather than later, please. This could be a serious problem.

(I sound alarmist. Of COURSE it could be minor. But coming from a family that has suffered stroke and migraines? I would always rather err on the site of talking to your GP).

 

[VampireBait]

You guys are quick with the responses! Lol! Probably should have mentioned that I have seen a doctor about this. Left-side numbness freaked me out enough to hit the ER within five minutes of it happening the first time, and I dragged along my regular doctor for good measure as well. She's a family friend, and was more than happy to help. They did the full battery of head scans and bloodwork, etc, and pretty much told me it was stress related.

They did offer to give me prescription meds but I turned them down, and decided to see if I could control it with otc meds first. So far so good, Advil makes the migraines bearable and I can sleep them off. Also I'm only 23 and don't like the thought of being on a regime of prescription meds so early in life.

@ecstatic: I never thought to make sure I was hydrated! I tend to focus deeply and forget the mundane things like drinking enough water. Definitely putting this on the list of things to try!

@Luna: The pillow idea is interesting, as all the triggered migraines have happened after orgasming flat on my back in bed. I'll be trying this as well.

Thanks again for the feedback, guys!

 

[Firebrain]

If it's affecting your daily life, that is when you ought to start taking the meds - your original post didn't sound much like "so far so good". I'm not much older than you and on them for a blood problem - I rattle when I walk sometimes but aside from that, I'm coping

 

[Luna_Bella]

If it's affecting your daily life, that is when you ought to start taking the meds - your original post didn't sound much like "so far so good". I'm not much older than you and on them for a blood problem - I rattle when I walk sometimes but aside from that, I'm coping

I agree, I am 24 and suffering severe migraines(which for me are hereditary but thankfully not related to sexual activity) And I was against any type of medication except tylenol. until it really started to interfere with my work and my relationships(when you can't bear yourself, it is impossible to bear anyone else close to you!) Now I have a combination of meds which I only use when needed ... and I am grateful for them they really save me lots of headaches!

 

[mentionME]

yea i was going to suggest staying hydrated as well. I'm a male but the only instances i find myself with a headache directly afterwards involves drinking or after exercise. so i equate it with dehydration...then again i dont have any symptoms as extreme as yours

 

[Jagged]

I knew woman who had orgasms to cure headaches which was ironic since she didn't feel she was in the mood prior, but yes talk to the doctor. Stress isn't something that ever should be just brushed aside and orgasms should be enjoyed. At the very least you know how to handle the problem better. Also my simple advice is not to stress yourself. Enjoy some alone time and maybe self pleasure. Rushing it is seldom enjoyed.


Perhaps sit back reading a story online...and enjoying yourself in a dark room nice and relaxed.

 

[nmkingcrab]

I have had Migraines for years. I used to take the shots for them, because nothing else would help. I have found something that for the past 4 years has made life bearable. NIACIN.
Yep good old Vitamin B3. One of the side effects is "flushing" or an opening of all the blood vessels. I have helped many trying this treatment. I always advise them to try the pills first when they do not have a headache. It is important to know what to expect, at a time when you have all your facilities about you. I take 100mg tab when I first feel the headache coming on.

 

[culloden]

I don't know about post-coital migraines, but I've had garden variety migraines for 40 years. When I was a kid, the prescription meds made me sick, so I avoided them entirely until recently. I suffered through the headaches and the chills and the nausea with only ibuprofen providing some relief, if I could keep it down. I can't tell you how much misery I went through, working when I shouldn't have been, or losing an entire day moaning in a dark room. One time, I got a migraine while acting as the best man at a friend's wedding. I held it together just long enough to make the toast at the reception, then begged a ride home. Another time I had to cancel a public speaking engagement. Migraines steal so much.

For a variety of reasons, I talked to my doc about it recently, and she prescribed Imitrex. Holy shit! Last migraine I got was gone in an hour. Do yourself a favor, and consider the prescription meds.