Sex expert explains why you might be getting headaches after ejaculating

If you've ever rolled over after enjoying some good quality time between the sheets with a partner - or alone - only to have the moment spoiled by a splitting headache, you're not the only one.

In fact, headaches immediately after orgasms and ejaculation are probably more common than you might think - and no, it's not usually a cause for concern.

Sex and relationship coach Catherine Drysdal recently laid out the naked facts on TikTok over the bizarre phenomenon which can affect both men and women alike.

"If you've ever felt a headache coming on as you approach the O, or you got a raging headache right immediately after the climax, this is for you," she told her followers.

Catherine revealed she'd recently been experiencing 'sex headaches,' and went on to share Mayo Clinic's definition, which is a headache 'brought on by sexual activity, especially with orgasms.'

"You may notice a dull ache in the head and neck that builds up as sexual excitement increases," the website explains. "Or, more commonly, you may experience a sudden, severe headache just before or during orgasm."

Catherine, who takes medication for ADHD, recently started experiencing headaches more and realised that shaking up her routine by engaging in sexual activity in the morning - before taking her medication or having breakfast - helps as her medication restricts blood flow and increases the headache symptoms.

The NHS website refers to sex headaches as a 'real and distressing problem,' noting that while many people joke about using headaches as a reason to avoid sex, many men and women experience them during and after the act itself.

"Doctors think sex headaches are due to pressure building up in the head and neck muscles," the website states. "The headaches can happen during foreplay or just before orgasm, and can last for a few minutes or up to an hour."

Fortunately, these headaches are not something to be concerned about most of the time, with head of pharmacy at Chemist4U, Jason Murphy, citing the cause as a 'sudden change in blood pressure and muscle tension during sexual activity'.

"As arousal increases, the blood vessels in your brain can dilate quickly, which can trigger a headache. These are typically harmless, but they can feel intense and catch you off guard," he told LADbible.

“In some cases, it can also be related to dehydration, fatigue, stress, or poor sleep, which all make your body more sensitive to pain signals. Tension in your neck and shoulders can contribute too, especially if you’re someone who is already prone to headaches or migraines."

However, both Catherine and the pharmacist said if the headaches are long lasting or severe then it is important to get checked out by a medical professional, just to rule out any ulterior cases.

The NHS website recommends taking a painkiller a few hours before engaging in sexual activity in a bid to 'block the headache'.