Headache during sex - What is the cause?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I was having sex with my partner last night when suddenly I had the most horrendous searing pain throughout the whole of my skull. I was screaming in agony, holding my head and crying for approximately 20 minutes. After 20 minutes I was able to move and went downstairs with my partner but was still in a great deal of pain and shivering with cold. My partner wanted to call an ambulance but I don't believe it warranted this action. However, 15 hours later and I still have the headache although it's no where near as intense. This has never happened to me before. I'm 42 and in good health although I am just getting over flu at the moment. What might have caused this and should I see a doctor?

Dear Yvonne: The headache you've experienced could be a migraine brought on by sexual activity. Most headaches during sex are nothing to worry about. But some can be a sign of something serious, such as problems with the blood vessels that feed your brain. You may need to consult your doctor for further investigations like MRI, CT and cerebral angiogram to rule out any serious underlying problems.