Sexual problems 'could be behind migraines and headaches'

Washington, Mar 3 (ANI): There is a possible link between migraines, headaches and sexual issues, latest research suggests.

A new study found that 90 percent of women with migraines and tension-type headaches also have sexual problems, and 29 percent of these women are stressed about their sex lives, MyHealthNewsDaily reported.

"Women treated for primary headaches were found to display a high rate of sexual symptoms and distress," researchers said.

According to Huffington Post, they found that migraines and tension-type headaches are linked with the sexual pain and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (low sex drive that results in personal distress, according to the Mayo Clinic), while women with chronic tension-type headaches were more likely to have sexual distress.

WebMD says tension type headaches are the most common kind of headache in adults; they are also called "stress headaches".

The study involved 100 women with migraines (both with and without an aura) and chronic and episodic tension-type headaches. Researchers also took note of whether they had anxiety or depression. These women were observed for three months.

The Daily Mail pointed out that women with headaches sometimes also have depression and anxiety that are also factors in sexual satisfaction. Some headache medication can also affect sex.

Looking at things from the other direction, Everyday Health reported that sex can both help ease or hinder recovery from a migraine, depending on the person. For some people, the release of chemicals in the brain during sex help to make a migraine feel better; for others, sexual activity leads increased blood pressure and blood vessel dilation, which can lead to a headache, it said.

The study was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. (ANI)

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