Finding Relief

Finding Relief

Tori Douglas on Oct 4th 2019

"Not tonight, honey. I have a headache." It's an old joke, but a well worn one. Turns out, some headache sufferers were pushing aside a valuable tool.


A study at the University of Munster in Germany has revealed findings that sexual activity was helpful for the relief of migraine and cluster headaches. 60 percent of migraine sufferers and one third of those affected by cluster headaches found partial or full relief of headache symptoms with sexual activity. While some reported their symptoms stayed the same or even worsened, it should be noted a large percent were helped by the healing power of the orgasm. Unfortunately, some patients reported they did not even wish to be touched while in the throes of either migraine or cluster headaches. As with most sexual activity, it varies quite a bit from individual to individual. Never try to force sexual contact or activity on a partner, even if you are trying to "help" relieve headache symptoms.

Migraine headaches are more commonly found in females, although men are also affected. Migraine symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headaches are usually signalled my vision disruption, called an "aura". Cluster headaches usually involve pain only on one side of the head, tearing of the eyes, nasal congestion or running, and sharp or burning pain. They occur over time at roughly the same time of day, usually interspersed with headache free periods between clusters of headaches. Cluster headaches usually affect men more than women, although, again, any gender can suffer from cluster headaches.

The study included 800 migraine patients and 200 cluster headache patients. The University of Munster study is the largest scale study done to date on the effects of sexual activity and orgasm and headache relief. Sexual activity could include contact with a partner or masturbation. Having an orgasm was the key factor in relief being achieved.

Many headache patients use sex as a form of therapy for their headache relief. Sex, whether solo or with partners, releases endorphins. Scientists who conducted the study are unsure of the exact mechanism that eases headache symptoms. It is believed to be tied to the rush of endorphins and other hormones that are released during sexual activity and orgasm. This endorphins release has been shown to be a natural painkiller.

On the flip side, there is a type of headache caused by sexual activity. Primary headaches are a type of headache caused exclusively by orgasm or pre-orgasm activity. It is not associated with any other triggers. It is described as bilateral, and the pain is focused on the back of the head. It can last from an hour to an entire day of severe pain, and up to 72 hours of mild pain. Primary headache is very similar in pain and duration to migrane, but, again, are caused exclusively by orgasm or pre-orgasm. Primary headaches can occur in all genders, but are more common in men.

Please visit the resources below for more information, and always contact your doctor for any diagnosis or treatment.

Web M.D.

Mayo Clinic

Live Science