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.
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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.
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“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.
5 reasons men need to eat pineapple before sexual intercourse
Sex ought to be an enjoyable activity, but many factors can get in the way of such enjoyment. Factors like low libido, lack of stamina, and erections can prevent such enjoyment. That’s why pineapples are so important. Many people believe it only benefits women, but it has many sexual benefits for men.
Pineapples are rich in manganese, an antioxidant that fights free radicals and prevents cellular damage. A manganese deficiency can lead to diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which are linked to erectile dysfunction. However, adequate manganese intake can increase blood flow and prevent infertility.
Pineapples are rich in bromelain, which increases testosterone production and provides many sexual benefits in bed. This hormone regulates libido and encourages nitric oxide oxidation which makes men more sexually active.
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Pineapples are also rich in vitamin C and thiamine which can increase low libido in men. Thiamine stimulates the development of sex hormones, and this is especially important when men can’t have an erection during sex.
Pineapple can help increase sexual stamina, especially for those who find themselves exhausted from sex. Sex requires endurance and stamina, with studies showing men can burn up to 101 calories in 30 minutes of sex. To enjoy bedroom fun without exercising, consider indulging in pineapples, which are rich in vitamins B1 and C, which can help increase sexual stamina.
Pineapple consumption before sex can enhance the taste of ejaculate by making it sweeter. This is due to the high levels of acid and sugar in pineapple, which make semen less bitter and more sweet. The primary benefit for partners is the added sweetness, in case they want to taste it.
Raw pineapple, rich in vitamin C, is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and prevents inflammation. Studies on rats have linked reduced inflammation to improved blood flow, which is important for sexual health.
This is because healthy blood flow is essential for achieving sexual arousal and erectile function for penetrative sex. This increased blood flow and higher blood pressure within the penis make the penis firm and erect.
Finally, a cup of pineapple or one pineapple finely chopped is enough; do not eat more than that, as it will have the opposite effect.
NAFDAC alerts to counterfeit Tandak injection in Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the sale of counterfeit TANDAK injection 1.5g powder and water for injection, manufactured by Intracin Pharmaceuticals PVT. LTD C-1, B-53, G.I.D.C Estate, Nadiad- 387001, Gujarat, India.
A statement released by the agency on Wednesday, April 10, says the counterfeit product was discovered in Gombe State, Nigeria, and reported to the Agency by Marcson Healthcare Ltd. – the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH).
‘’Tandak® injection of 1.5g powder is a co-formulation of Ceftriaxone 1000mg and Sulbactam 500mg. It is prescribed for use in the treatment of various types of bacterial infections. It fights against micro organisms by preventing their growth, and further spread of the infection. Ceftriaxone+Sulbactam 1000mg/500mg Injection should only be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. the statement read
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The illegal marketing of counterfeit medicines poses a risk to the health of people, since by not complying with the regulatory provisions, the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.
NAFDAC has directed all its Zonal Directors and State Coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within the Zones and States.
Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322 or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
NAFDAC recalls Benylin cough syrup
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control has recalled Benylin Paediatrics Syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, following recent toxicity findings in the laboratory on the product.
NAFDAC said laboratory analysis conducted on the product showed that it contains an unacceptable high level of Diethylene glycol and was found to cause acute oral toxicity in laboratory animals.
The agency disclosed this on its website on Wednesday.
A product recall is an important method of managing risks in response to product safety events and emergencies.
According to an online health portal, Science Direct, a product recall is a request to return to the maker, a batch, or an entire production run of a product, usually over safety concerns, design defects, or labelling errors.
“Benylin Paediatric syrup is indicated for the relief of cough and its congestive symptoms and for the treatment of hay fever and other allergic conditions in children aged two to 12 years.
“Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death,” it noted.
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The details of the product showed that the product is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson in Cape Town, South Africa.
With batch number 329304, the product was manufactured in May 2021, and it is to expire this month, April 2024.
NAFDAC, however, implored importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of substandard (contaminated) regulated products.
It said all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
“Anyone in possession of the above-mentioned product is advised to immediately discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. If you witness any adverse reaction/event after the use of this product in any children, you are advised to direct such patients to immediate medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the medicinal product to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” it added.
Meanwhile, the agency said it has directed the marketing authorisation holder (Johnson and Johnson company, West Africa) to initiate the recall of the batch and the notice will also be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System.
NAFDAC regulates and controls the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, chemicals, and detergents.
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