"I doubt that sex is a reliable treatment for headache," said Evans. "You can't grab somebody in the office and say, 'Hey, it's a medical emergency!'"
That quote from ABC News article Headaches and Sex: "Yes, Tonight Dear" made me giggle so I just had to share. Though I have to disagree with Evans' doubts that sex is a reliable treatment. Sex is the closest thing I've found to meditation. It's the one activity that quiets my mind and helps me focus on me and my partner - husband and best friend of 18 years. The only downside is the pain relief is only temporary, but it is relief and more importantly it's drug-free.
I found an article from WebMD I could relate to entitled "Migraine Sufferers: Are They Sexier?" Could sexual desire be stronger in 20% of Migraineurs? Well, I can't speak for all sufferers, but it sure as hell is stronger in me. And since I suffer from daily pain you could imagine how my poor husband feels about all this.
Another interesting WebMD article lists the 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex. Did you know sex and orgasm creates higher levels of the antibody Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps protect you from catching a cold and other infections? Another benefit is the release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps us bond with out partners and build trust. Thanks to surges of oxytocin, endorphins are increased causing pain levels to decline. And if you thought this hormone wasn't fascinating already, the article goes on to say that increased levels of oxytocin even help you sleep.
With all the benefits there are to having sex I'm sad to report there are a number of Migraineurs who suffer from sex headache. For them reaching orgasm could spell out terrible head pain. I couldn't imagine what that can do to a relationship. The good news is that increased levels of oxytocin don't only occur during intercourse. Just cozying up to your partner or hugging a loved one can do the trick.
3 comments:
That quote is HILARIOUS!
My husband, after knowing me for 6 years, is only just now getting to where he doesn't feel guilty when he takes me up on an offer of sex while I have a migraine. He's always afraid it'll hurt me more, but I think I finally have him convinced that it's a wonderful distraction from the pain (too bad it only gets rid of it for a few minutes...)
I get the orgasm headache about once or twice a year, I'd say. Worth the risk! :) I can't imagine getting it every time. Although according to the book All in My Head, that's actually VERY rare.
I don't usually get increased head pain (though sometimes I do), but orgasm almost always increases my dizziness and nausea. And being a 25-year-old with a healthy sex drive (and daily head pain), that sometimes amounts to torture!
DBF and I have discussed it though, and he doesn't question me if I decide I want to risk it. I'm hoping that when my Migraines are in better control that I won't have so much trouble.
Be well,
MJ
Luckily, I rarely have any negative effects from an orgasm. The difficulty is more logisitics - emerging from my safe dark quiet cave enough to let my husband know I'm up for it. But I'm with you, Jasmine, in being a big fan of oxytocin!
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