Sexual Problems May Trigger Migraines

A recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital discovered that women suffering from chronic migraines and headaches also report having sexual problems as well.

The study revealed that roughly 90 percent of women with migraines and tension headaches also suffer from sexual problems, with 29 percent of the women being “stressed” about their sex life. The research also suggests that migraines and tension headaches are linked to sexual pain and hypoactive sexual desire disorder, a condition that results in a reduced sex drive that causes personal distress, with women that suffer from chronic tension headaches being more likely to report sexual distress. One hundred women participated in the study while suffering from migraines and both chronic and episodic tension headaches. The women were observed over a 3-month period and observed for signs of anxiety or depression.

Researchers wrote, “Women treated for primary headaches were found to display a high rate of sexual symptoms and distress.” And while certain individuals may benefit from sexual activity, with endorphins working to lessen the pain of a migraine or headache, certain people report it having a worsening effect, with increased blood pressure and blood vessel dilation heightening the pain symptoms.

As a Santa Monica migraine doctor, I’m glad that research is being conducted into the other aspects of our lives that migraines and severe headaches affect so that all symptoms can be addressed in future treatments. If you suffer from a chronic condition that results in severe headaches, contact a Santa Monica headache doctor to discuss the possible treatments that may be able to help you.

Tags: chronic pain, Headache, headache doctor, medical research, migraine, migraine doctor, Santa Monica, Santa Monica headache doctor, Santa Monica migraine doctor