As you can see: today two taboo topics in one package. True, we are at the stage of removing ads with blue liquid on pads from the screen and saying goodbye to fears and hello to the benefits of masturbation. However, some issues are still socially uncomfortable and embarrassing, and the question about masturbation during menstruation is most often asked in whispers. We will try to answer them – without shame and with enthusiasm :)
What effect does masturbation have during menstruation?
We wrote here that sex during your period can be a pleasant and interesting experience . It's similar with solo sex. As we know, intercourse with another person requires different attention and energy than autoerotic activities. Sometimes during menstruation we just want to cover ourselves with a warm blanket and rest. Put a hot water bottle on our stomach or... turn our palms down thinking about the many benefits that come from caressing during your period.
Here they are:
Relief from menstrual pain
Masturbation can lead to orgasm , during which, in addition to subjectively felt pleasure, wonderful chemical processes take place in our body. Our brain then releases various hormones, such as endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin, and their action improves mood, reduces stress and suppresses the feeling of pain. In addition, orgasm speeds up metabolism and blood circulation, creates a feeling of inner peace and leads to muscle relaxation. Thanks to this, it relieves not only uterine contractions caused by the expulsion of the lining accumulated during the month in preparation for a possible pregnancy , but is also responsible for relieving various pains that accompany menstruation (e.g. back pain).
The characteristic pains that accompany menstruation can be a natural consequence of raging hormones (uterine contractions are controlled by prostaglandins, hormones responsible for symptoms of inflammation in the body) or a symptom of more serious problems of the reproductive system. Menstrual pain, in all its complexity, is described here .
The aforementioned benefits of masturbation have long been repeated by gynecologists and sexologists, but as we know, the world is hungry for documented evidence, and this hunger has finally been satisfied by Womanizer. In 2020, the industry launched a study on the effects of masturbation on relieving menstrual pain. During the experiment, 486 menstruating people were asked to refrain from taking painkillers for period symptoms, replacing them with masturbation. Each month, the respondents recorded and classified the frequency of pain according to a ten-point scale. The results indicate that during the test phase, both the intensity and frequency of pain significantly decreased. The average pain intensity in the initial study was 6.7 points, and after the end of the control month, the values were only 5.4 points, while the frequency of menstrual pain dropped from 7.4 to 4.6 points.
In percentage terms, it looks like this: with regular masturbation (not only during the period), 70% of the respondents had a decrease in the intensity of menstrual pain . As you can see, solo love is not only a pleasure of timeliness here and now, but a practice that can bring long-term benefits in controlling menstrual pain.
Of course, masturbation during your period may not be a pain reliever for everyone. If you are struggling with severe menstrual symptoms, it is worth seeing a doctor.
Increased sensitivity of the genitals
During your period, blood flow increases, making your body more sensitive to touch. Some people also notice an increased libido. It can be easier than usual to achieve pleasure during your period , so why not take advantage of this tempting opportunity?
For better sleep
Oxytocin, in addition to triggering the need for closeness, has a calming effect. In combination with testosterone, it triggers the need for sleep, which is why men need rest after climax. In menstruating people, on the other hand, drowsiness is caused by prolactin released during orgasm . In addition, most people, when reaching the moment of climax, hold their breath a little or breathe quickly and shallowly, and a slight lack of oxygen causes drowsiness.
Some menstruators need more sleep during their bleeding period. And as you can see, a woman's orgasm can act as a nice, effective bedtime story :)
Shortened period?
There is no scientific evidence on this subject, but the empirical evidence speaks for itself - some menstruators notice that frequent masturbation during their period shortens the duration of bleeding . Muscle contractions during climax speed up the expulsion of the contents of the uterus, so the average period can last 1-2 days shorter instead of 5.
A pleasure in itself
Masturbation, whether on a particular day of menstruation or any other, simply gives pleasure. The benefit is not groundbreaking, but it is so convincing and important. As they say, small, everyday pleasures count. And on bleeding days - doubly so :). We can find them in warm tea, a cube of chocolate, in the embrace of another person, but also in the touch we give ourselves.
In these moments of rest and delight, the pleasant is combined with the useful – with the useful knowledge about our own body and what makes us feel good . And this knowledge is a treasure, both our private one and the one we can share with our partner, communicating our needs.
More in our text about masturbation and its impact on health .
Masturbation During Your Period – What to Remember?
Take care of extra hydration
Although menstrual fluid acts as a lubricant, it is worth using a lubricant when masturbating with a tampon or cup in place . These agents actually absorb natural moisture and can cause vaginal dryness . The right fluid should prevent any irritation and make caresses an even smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Take care of cleanliness and hygiene
Before you start, remember to wash your hands . Cleaning your sex toys both before and after use is also a good practice to prevent infections. And putting a condom on them will make cleanup even less.
There is nothing dirty about menstrual fluid, but if you don't want to have close contact with it during masturbation, choose external stimulation of erogenous zones, such as the clitoris or nipples. If you prefer to reach deeper, but you are afraid of staining the sheet, prepare a dark towel . Tissues nearby will provide even greater comfort. With such preparation, all you have to do is relax :)
Try it in the shower or bathtub
On these days, masturbation in the shower can be the cleanest and most satisfying . Your blood will disappear down the drain in the shower. But know that water actually washes away your body's natural lubrication, which can cause unpleasant friction. Who said lube won't work in the shower? No one, so feel free to take it with you.
Douching (or vaginal douching) has long been considered a harmful practice – it can flush out valuable lactic acid bacteria from the vagina, which is crucial for maintaining optimal pH. I would like to point out that directing a stream of water into the vagina as part of masturbation can have similarly negative effects.
Of course, if you feel like it, invite your partner to masturbate at the same time. Watching the other person take pleasure into their own hands can be really exciting!
Solo or in a duet, this is how we can take care of ourselves during our period in such a pleasant way. Both menstruation and masturbation are among the most intimate human experiences , which is why it is worth organizing a special place for them in our lives. The best is right next to each other ;)
Created at: 13/08/2022
Updated at: 13/06/2023