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Can sex trigger a stroke?
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People who suffer a stroke during or within a few hours of sexual activity generally experience warning signs weeks or even months ahead of time. (Shutterstock/File)
P
eople have questioned for years whether sex can cause a stroke. To answer this often-heard question, several scientific research studies have evaluated whether sexual activity can cause strokes and who is at risk.
Link between sex and strokes
The vast majority of the time, a stroke is the result of a buildup of long-term health problems, such as smoking, high blood pressure, elevated fat and cholesterol levels, poorly controlled diabetes, blood clotting abnormalities and heart disease.
Sex- and orgasm-triggered strokes in relatively young women and men are rare, but not unheard of. They require a combination of factors and events that are not unusual in themselves, but which are highly unlikely to occur at the same time.
During sex, the brain release hormones called dopamine in men, oxytocin in women and endorphins. These hormones can increase the blood pressure in your veins. Because of the increased blood pressure, blood clots can be pushed to the brain, leading to a stroke.
(Read also: What you need to know about sex during pregnancy)
Who is at risk?
People who suffer a stroke during or within a few hours of sexual activity generally experience warning signs weeks or even months ahead of time. One of the most common warning signs is a thunderclap headache: a sudden, severe and excruciating headache.
If you have ever experienced a thunderclap headache or any variation of a severe headache during sexual activity, you need to call your doctor, who will perform a thorough medical evaluation. Some people who experience a thunderclap headache during sex do not go on to suffer from a stroke, but about 30 percent to 50 percent are at risk of having an ischemic stroke.
Sexual activity is also a risk factor for those who have a brain aneurysm and thus may trigger a hemorrhagic stroke.
It does not appear that age is necessarily a risk factor for strokes caused by sex. It has been reported that young people — who do not have the typical stroke risk factors — have been among those who experienced a stroke during sexual intercourse. Blood clotting disorders, serious heart defects, brain aneurysms or drug use may play a role in these rare situations.
(Read also: Silent strokes: what you need to know)
Sex problems can be overcome
For stroke survivors, sex can be a sensitive subject. However, try these tips to overcome sex-related problems.
- Plan for sexual activity in advance, just as you would plan for any other activity. This may not seem very romantic at first but it can help to make sex more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Choose a time when both of you are feeling rested, relaxed and when privacy is guaranteed.
- Avoid excessive alcohol as this can have an effect on the ability to achieve or maintain an erection. Alcohol can also increase tiredness and drowsiness.
- If your stroke restricts your movements and/or sensation, explore different positions that might suit you both better. Lubrication jelly may also help.
- Make sure you are comfortable. Cushions can help to support any affected limbs.
- Try talking with your partner and identify any problems you are experiencing. Ways around difficulties can often be found.
The amount of energy needed for sex is about the same as the energy used to walk up one or two flights of stairs. However, while there have been few cases reported, sex can indeed trigger a life-threatening stroke in some people. (kes)
