Sex and Migraines

Think about what it takes to have a good sexual experience. You can see how a migraine would limit that, says Teshamae Monteith, MD, chief of the headache division at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Migraines may also have a more direct effect in the bedroom: One study found women with these headaches said they felt a higher level of pain and distress during intercourse. But another study showed sex actually relieved migraine symptoms for some women. Still others report sex with orgasm triggered migraines, but this is thought to be rare. Hold off the Headache Some people, especially those with chronic migraines, may need preventive medicines. If yours happen often, ask your doctor if there's something you can take to help stop them. People with chronic headaches have higher levels of depression and anxiety than those who don't get them. If you have either mood disorder and get it treated, that could boost your enthusiasm in the bedroom. About 75% of people who get migraines are women. If that's you, know that changes in hormone levels right before your period often trigger headaches. Knowing it's cyclical gives you an idea of when a migraine may throw a wrench in your love-making. For some women, taking birth control pills improves migraines, but for others, that can make them worse. Sometimes switching to a different type of pill helps. Many people do better when they stay on a regular schedule for meals and sleep. Daily exercise and drinking lots of water can help, too. "Lifestyle factors can have a profound impact on the condition," Cohen says. While being spontaneous might seem romantic, a "migraine doesn't do very well with change," he says.
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