Health

Why some people develop headaches during sex –Neurologist

Published

3 years ago

May 22, 2022

A Professor of Clinical Neurology and Internal Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Ikenna Onwuekwe, has said that people with existing headaches are often more prone to having headaches when having sexual intercourse.

The health urged people who experience headaches during sex not to take it lightly but rather seek medical intervention from specialists.

According to the neurologist, people who have migraine, tension, medications, or fevers often experience a worsening of their headache when they engage in sex.

Prof. Onwuekwe, however, noted that some people without already existing headaches also experience headaches with the onset of sex, before orgasm, or after orgasm.

Onwuekwe, who is also the head of the Neurology Unit and Consultant Neurologist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, explained that since there are possibly confusing reasons for sex to cause headaches, anyone having such must be seen by a competent Neurologist and Headache Specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Speaking in an interview with PUNCH HealthWise, the don said sexual intercourse is a demanding physical activity, adding that it can be associated with the start of or worsening of an already existing headache.

READ ALSO:

He stated that the 2018 International Classification of Headache Disorders recognises the disorder called primary headache associated with sexual activity.

“This primary disorder serves to distinguish it from headache due to other causes such as migraine that can be made worse during or secondary to sexual activity.

“Because sex is a demanding physiological activity, people with already existing headaches from migraine, tension, medications, or fevers may experience a worsening of their headache if they start or engage in sex.

“The primary headache associated with sexual activity describes people who only get a headache with the onset of sex, before orgasm, or at orgasm.

“Such people must not have any prior existing headache condition,” he said.

According to him, for a few people who experience headaches post-orgasm, it may be due to issues with cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

A cerebrospinal fluid leak is when you’re leaking the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. CSF is vital to how your brain and spinal cord work, protecting and cushioning them from outside forces, Cleaveland Clinic said.

Continuing, the neurologist said for primary headache associated with sexual activity, the headache may be severe in intensity for one minute to 24 hours duration or of mild intensity for up to 72 hours.

He said that while there is no accurate data for this condition in Nigeria, about one per cent of the general population worldwide is estimated to have primary headaches associated with sex, adding that men are at greater risk than women.

He added that the typical age of presentation is between 20 – 45 years.

“By way of the cause of this primary headache of sexual activity, the exact reason is unsure though factors associated with haemodynamic instability are incriminated.

“It is known that during sexual activity, the Valsalva maneuver occurs and there are robust increases in blood pressure of these sufferers during sex much more than is seen in healthy controls and people with migraine.

“Systolic blood pressure can shoot up to as high as 160-170mmHg or more in this condition.

“Typically, the headache will repeat with recurrent sexual activity but 15 per cent of cases may have remissions lasting two months at a time in-between attacks. A chronic cause is well recognised.

“In every case of headache brought on by or worsened during sex, it is important to distinguish primary headache (without any other evidence associated condition that can cause headache) from secondary headache syndromes where potentially lethal conditions may exist such as brain aneurysms or tumours or stroke with bleeding into the brain.”

“Another condition that may look like primary sexual headache is called reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome where selected arteries at the back of the brain get temporarily blocked by spasm. This can occur during sex or any exercise but it is not a primary headache associated with sex.

On the diagnosis, he said apart from detailed clerking and examination, neuroimaging modalities and examination of cerebrospinal fluid amongst other investigations may be needed to arrive at the specific disorder and to establish the diagnosis of a primary or a secondary headache syndrome.

He said treatment varies according to the specific cause.

READ ALSO:

“For some people, the Neurologist may recommend reducing the frequency of sex while for others, there may be a need to adopt more passive sex positions and use recumbent postures more often.

“People with hypertension need to be properly controlled on medications and the use of certain drugs that enhance sexual function but cause vasodilation of blood vessels must be strictly regulated.

“For candidates diagnosed to have primary headache associated with sexual activity, certain medications are useful such as indomethacin and propranolol among others.

“In all cases, there is a need to stress the critical need for the headache expert to guide the identified sufferer to ensure best practices and better quality health including satisfactory sexual health.

“So many cases have come to public knowledge about people found to have collapsed and died in bedrooms at home and in hotels during sex activity.

These are not usually cases of primary headaches associated with sexual activity but likely cases of lethal consequences of secondary headaches associated with sexual activity.

“In these latter cases, at the height of orgasm or with increasing intensity of sex, there is either a massive acute coronary event such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or a massive intracranial event such as a large cerebral haemorrhage.”

The expert noted that to have satisfactory and safe sexual life, it is vital to have a clean bill of health, to know one’s health risks, and have them controlled by a competent physician.

“Otherwise, one can sometimes pass on to the other side while in active pleasurable service.

“For those known to have a diagnosis of primary headache associated with sexual activity and it happens frequently, the headache can be prevented by taking medications like indomethacin or beta-blockers minutes before the onset of sex.

“But it must be stressed that there is no room for self-prescription here. Expert neurological management is key,” Onwuekwe said.

Related Topics:headaches Neurologist Sex

Up Next

Measles kills 14 children in Anambra

Don't Miss

Ramadan: Consumption Of ORS, Other Energy Drinks Surge In Kano

Health

Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

Published

3 days ago

March 27, 2025

Trends Admin

Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

Experts say prices of drugs are likely to drop following the implementation of the federal government’s executive order on zero VAT and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices.

The Nigeria Customs Service yesterday said it had commenced the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duty exemption on raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement on Wednesday, said the decision was in line with the presidential order to boost local production of healthcare products

President Bola Tinubu had, in June last year, signed the Executive Order to increase local production of pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical devices.

The NCS’ spokesman said: “Critical raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products will be exempted from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) for a period of two years.”

The statement added that the exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients and other vital raw materials required for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents and packaging materials.

READ ALSO:

Maiwada said to ensure that these fiscal incentives are fully utilised, eligibility is limited to manufacturers of pharmaceutical products recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, provided they possess a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Experts speak

Experts said the implementation of the Executive Order would address the skyrocketing cost of medicines.

A former National Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Iyiola Gbolagade, in a chat with our correspondent, described the implementation of the Executive Order as commendable, saying it would lead to reduction of prices some locally manufactured medicines like antibiotics and antimalarial drugs.

A former chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) FCT chapter, Pharmacist Eneojo Made, said the implementation of Zero VAT and exercise duties on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), which are used to produce medicines, would boost the production of essential medicines for various categories of diseases thereby enhancing availability and access to them in the country.

A former National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kenneth Edeh Ujah, said, “When the cost of production of medicines at various stages is lower, of course, it is going to have that direct impact on the eventual cost of the medicine when people visit the pharmacy to buy their drugs.”

Also, Prof Cyril Odianose Usifoh, the immediate past president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), said the potential for success in the order was boosted because specified items include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, essential raw materials required for manufacturing of crucial products, including drugs, long lasting insecticidal bed nets, rapid diagnostic kits and others.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had, in a statement, said the Executive Order is a significant milestone, as it opens the door for local pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to begin fully benefiting from the relief measures outlined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Executive Order

Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

Health

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

Published

5 days ago

March 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Nigerian Consultant Urological/Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

A Nigerian Consultant Urological/Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme on Monday in Lagos pioneered the first West African robotic surgery on a prostrate cancer patient.

Ekwueme, a UK-based medical doctor returnee recently established The Prostate Clinic, (TPC) Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, the first super-specialised clinic in West Africa dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, utilising cutting-edge robotic surgery.

“This is truly historic,” declared Ekwueme, the clinic’s founder.

“We are bringing technology that has never been seen before in this region, giving Nigerians access to world-class treatment right here at home.”

The clinic’s centerpiece is the Da Vinci Robot, an advanced surgical system that provides unparalleled precision and minimally invasive procedures. “

Briefing journalists on the feat, Ekwueme explained that: “The Da Vinci Robot offers three-dimensional imaging and seven degrees of freedom, allowing for surgeries with minimal blood loss and faster recovery times.”

“Patients experience significantly less pain and scarring compared to traditional open surgeries.”

Ekwueme, a renowned urologist, emphasised that the technology extends beyond prostate cancer.

“We are treating a range of urological conditions in both men and women, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, kidney stones, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our goal is to transform surgery in Nigeria.”

READ ALSO:

Noting that the key focus of the clinic was accessibility, he said he is determined to make these advanced procedures affordable for all Nigerians.

“My mission is to ensure that no one in this country dies needlessly due to a lack of access to quality care.

“We are working to make these procedures as cost-effective as possible, and we are open to partnerships with the government to expand our reach.”

To address Nigeria’s power challenges, the clinic is equipped with a comprehensive solar power system, ensuring uninterrupted operations. “We understand the importance of reliable power.

“Our 24-hour solar system ensures that we can provide consistent, high-quality care.”

He said he is also committed to training local medical professionals in robotic surgery, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the technology in Nigeria.

“We are investing in the future of Nigerian healthcare. We want to empower our doctors with the skills they need to provide world-class care.”

Debunking common misconceptions about prostate and sexual activities, Ekwueme clarified that there is no proven dietary prevention for prostate cancer. “The primary risk factors are age, race, and family history. Early detection and access to advanced treatment are crucial.”

Looking ahead, Ekwueme revealed plans to introduce groundbreaking technology for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with zero blood loss.

“I am doing a procedure tomorrow, and soon I will unveil a technology that has never been done in Africa, splitting the prostate from the inside with absolutely no blood loss,” he stated.

He said with its state-of-the-art technology, commitment to affordability, and focus on local training, The Prostate Clinic Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery is poised to revolutionise cancer care in West Africa, offering hope and advanced treatment options to countless Nigerians.

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

Health

FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs

Published

7 days ago

March 23, 2025

Trends Admin

FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs

The Federal Government Joint Committee on the destruction of fake, illicit and expired pharmaceuticals has destroyed another 200 containers of substandard drugs worth billions of Naira imported into the country through the Apapa and Tin-Can Island seaports.

This is coming after the committee initially destroyed 250 containers of the same expired pharmaceutical products in January, 2025.

To this end, the committee comprising the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), National Security Adviser (NSA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Army has destroyed a total of 450 containers of expired drugs in the first quarter of 2025.

The destruction exercise which took place in Epe, Lagos State yesterday, was part of a broader initiative of the Federal Government to curb importation of illicit and controlled drugs in order to safeguard public health and curb drug-related crimes in the country.

The pharmaceuticals destroyed were Tramadol, codeine, Apetamine, and Analgin injection amongst others.

Speaking to newsmen, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the initiative was important to prevent the circulation of dangerous substances such as Tramadol and Codeine, which are often abused, thus contributing to criminal activities in the country.

READ ALSO:

Mallam Ribadu, who was represented by Ibrahim Sulaiman, said the destroyed drugs were seized at Apapa, Tin Can, and Lekki seaports.

He, however, disclosed that similar destruction was conducted in Port Harcourt as part of the first phase.

“The National Security Adviser is very passionate about ensuring that these illicit drugs do not remain in circulation. The government will not allow perpetrators to act with impunity; they will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.

The intercepted drugs were either expired or classified as controlled substances that should only be used under strict medical supervision.

Also, the Assistant Customs Controller, A.O Oguntuase from FOU Zone A, emphasised the enforcement efforts of security agencies in tracking and intercepting these illegal imports.

“Through intelligence gathering and swift action, we have been able to prevent the distribution of these drugs.

“The value of the destroyed substances is enormous, with each container estimated to be worth close to a billion naira,” he said.

On his part, representative of the NDLEA, DC Omotosho Solomon, stated that suspects arrested in connection with the goods were being tried in court.

Solomon warned importers engaged in the trafficking of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals to desist from such acts or face the full process of law on illegal importation.