Even though most sufferers can be treated successfully, they may develop a lingering fear of sex. It's certainly something that can provoke a lot of fear. They may worry they can never have sex again. But Rains says almost all cases of sex-related headaches can be successfully managed. People can vary their sexual positions, trying more passive approaches to cut down on sexual exertion, Rains says.
Some drugs can be helpful, such as propranolol or endomethicin.
But Diamond says anyone who has a recurring sexual headache should see a doctor to rule out more dangerous problems, such as aneurysms or tumors. But Haas, the New York professor, says the number could be higher than generally is thought. They don't have sex for a week or two, and it goes away, so they don't tell their doctor. So it may be more common than we know. Doctors say a brief, isolated incident is probably no cause for alarm.