Is Sex Helpful For Relieving Headaches? Here's What To Know

Of all the aches and pains that one can experience, headaches are one of the worst. Not only can they be debilitating, but for some, it doesn't take much to get one in the first place. Too much alcohol? Headache. Not enough caffeine? Headache. Too much stress? Headache. Not enough sleep? Headache. It's no wonder over-the-counter pain relievers are such big business.

But while popping a couple of ibuprofen might offer some relief, there's something else — something far more exciting — that can relieve headaches: sex. To be more specific, orgasms. According to a 2013 study published in Cephalalgia: An International Journal of Headaches, relief from certain headaches is just an orgasm away. As the study found, 70% of those suffering from migraines found "moderate to complete relief" in sexual activity, while 91% of those with cluster headaches reported the same.

Although sex should be about the journey and not the destination whether it's partnered or solo, when we're talking about pain relief, it's all about the destination. So if you're sick of relying on OTC pills for your headaches — migraines, cluster, and otherwise — it just might be time to have an orgasm or two. 

There's a reason why orgasms feel so darn good: endorphins and oxytocin. When we become aroused physiologically, our brain gets a message that basically says, "It's go time." As arousal increases, becoming more intense, the pituitary gland gets ready for the body to climax. Once it does, endorphins, oxytocin, and other feel-good hormones are released into the bloodstream, alleviating or turning down the dial on bodily pain. This is also why people who suffer from menstrual cramps might engage in period sex or masturbation when menstruating.

There's also something called vasoconstriction, which plays a role in relieving pain. "Sexual activity makes your blood pressure higher and increases your heart rate, and it also induces vasoconstriction," neurologist Stefan Evers, M.D., Ph.D. told Health Central. Vasoconstriction is when the blood vessels become constricted, limiting the amount of blood that can flow. When this restriction happens, one can experience pain relief. In fact, some headache medications include levels of caffeine to encourage vasoconstriction to help ease or at least manage the pain. 

Although the research has found that orgasms can help with headaches, it doesn't mean it works for everyone. Even the aforementioned 2013 study published in Cephalalgia: An International Journal of Headaches, didn't have a 100% success rate, finding that sexual activity worsened headaches in 33% of those with migraines, and 50% of people with cluster headaches. If that doesn't throw a wrench into the orgasm theory, a 2017 study published in The Journal of the Turkish Society of Algology found that sex could induce headaches in up to 1.6% of the population. Granted, that may seem like a small amount, but considering the Worldometer puts the earth's population at 8.1 billion, that means over 80 million people are dealing with this condition.

For what appears to be the majority of people, orgasms help relieve headaches. But because the human body is far too complicated to be perfectly cured by a one-and-done situation, it doesn't mean it will work for everyone or that it will work every time. But knowing that orgasms could be an asset in fighting headaches is something worth noting — just in case you needed another reason to get off.