Headache associated with sexual activity (HAWSA) is actually nothing new. It is a type of headache caused by sudden or intense physical activity, such as lifting weights or even sneezing. These headaches can affect anyone, but are more common in men.

Until now, information related to how widespread these headaches are does not have qualified statistical data. Based on The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd (ICHD-3), the diagnostic criteria for HASWA include at least two episodes of head or neck pain occurring only during sexual activity, which must meet the following criteria: 

• Pain that progressively increases as sexual arousal increases

• Exceptional intensity before or during orgasm

• Lasting for 1 minute to 24 hours (even 72 with less intensity)

Sexual activity can cause severe headaches

Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, the duration of HAWSA will vary depending on the severity. It may be longer when the severity is high, and is more risky in people with a history of migraine. Characteristics of headaches associated with sexual activity may include:

• Feeling at the top of the head, on one side of the head, behind the eyes, or all over the head

• A sharp, throbbing, or dull sensation

• The pain is very sudden and extremely painful. 

Is it Dangerous?

Although the pain is very severe, it is generally not dangerous. However, it is possible that the headache is caused by another more serious condition. This is because there have been cases where the condition was caused by ruptured brain aneurysms (balloon-shaped bulges that form in the blood vessels of the brain), and even strokes.

Therefore, if you feel that the headache is very severe, especially the first time you experience it, immediately go to the nearest health care facility to make sure that it is not something to worry about. Because if not, sexual activity that was once enjoyable may not feel the same as previous experiences.

Even though it's not necessarily dangerous, it's better to see a doctor.

How to overcome

As cases are still rare, the treatment for HAWSA has not been fully studied. However, when it is confirmed that the condition is not caused by a serious condition, doctors usually recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or migraine medications (especially for people with a history of migraines).

Therefore, if you have experienced it once and it is not caused by a serious problem, try to anticipate it from occurring during sexual activity by taking over-the-counter pain relievers before sex. Again, it would be best to discuss it with your doctor first, especially regarding whether it is safe and when exactly to take it.

So apparently, headaches due to sexual activity do exist, the term is called HAWSA (headache associated with sexual activity). See a doctor immediately if Ladies experience it, especially if the intensity is very severe and although not necessarily dangerous.

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