Whether sexual behavior can cause stroke has been a long-standing question. In order to answer this common question, there have been scientific studies to evaluate whether sexual behavior can cause stroke and who is at risk.

The relationship between sex and stroke

Most of the time, stroke is the result of the accumulation of long-term health problems such as smoking, high blood pressure (Hypertension), obesity and high cholesterol, poorly controlled diabetes, abnormal blood clots and heart disease.

Strokes caused by sex and orgasm rarely occur in relatively young men and women, but they are not without cases. They just need to be combined with other factors and events to occur. Although these factors are not uncommon for patients, they usually do not occur. happen at the same time.

During sexual intercourse, the male brain releases the hormone dopamine, while the female brain releases oxytocin and endorphins. These hormones can increase venous blood pressure, and as blood pressure rises, blood clots may be pushed into the brain, causing a stroke.

Who is at risk?

People who have a stroke during sex or within hours after sex generally have had warning signs weeks or even months before. One of the most common warning signs is a thunderclap headache, which is a sudden, severe, and excruciating headache.

If you experience lightning strike headaches, or experience any type of headache during sex, you need to speak to your physician for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Some people experience lightning headaches during sexual intercourse but do not have a stroke, but about 30 to 50% of people are at risk of ischemic stroke.

Sexual activity is also a risk factor for people with brain aneurysms, which can lead to hemorrhagic strokes.

Being older does not mean you are at greater risk for having a stroke caused by sex, and the report points out that younger people without typical risk factors for stroke may also have a stroke during sex. Strokes during sex can be caused by blood clot disorders, severe congenital heart defects, brain aneurysms, or medications.

Tips for Overcoming Sexual Problems

1. Sex is often a sensitive topic for stroke survivors, but here are some tips you can try to overcome sexual issues.
   
2. Plan sexual activities in advance, just like you plan all other activities in advance. Although this may sound unromantic, it can make sex more comfortable and enjoyable.
   
3. Choose a time when you both feel comfortable resting and relaxing while maintaining complete privacy.
   
4. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, as alcohol can affect your ability to get or maintain an erection, and it can also make you more tired and drowsy.
   
5. If your stroke limits movement or senses, try developing different positions to make it feel better for both of you. Gel lubricants may also help.
   
6. Make sure both parties are comfortable. Pads can help support affected limbs during sex.
   
7. Try to discuss and point out any problems you may be facing with your partner, and you can usually find a solution.
   
8. The catheter should not interfere with penetrative sex. Women can stick the tube to the other side; men can use a condom while folding the tube behind the penis.

Having sex requires about the same amount of energy as climbing one or two flights of stairs, yet there are only a few cases where sex can lead to life-threatening strokes.