Masturbation during your period has significant health benefits
Masturbation during your period has significant health benefits
When you're on your period, the only things you want to treat yourself to are Advil, Netflix, cozy lounge pants, and massive containers of ice cream. But you're skipping if you've not already given yourself some physical self-love when menstruating.
If you take a minute to consider it, your period is a fantastic time to masturbate. It may reduce cramping, and that is only one of the advantages. (To be honest, masturbating when not on your period has certain health and stress-relieving advantages as well.) So there's almost no excuse not to be masturbating.
Keep reading to find out why you should spend some time alone during your period and how to do so with minimal hassle and maximum satisfaction.
What are the advantages of masturbating during your period?
According to Sonia Bahlani, MD, a gynecologist and pelvic pain expert in New York City, masturbation, in general, enhances the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are connected with pleasure and reduced stress.
She adds that after you orgasm, your body releases the chemicals prolactin and oxytocin, both of which might help you sleep better. Ultimately, you should feel very at ease after that. "Oxytocin, in particular, is considered to reduce cortisol—the stress hormone—levels during orgasm, giving you a sensation of comfort," explains Dr. Bahlani.
There are other advantages to masturbating during your period. For one thing, it may feel good. "There is elevated blood flow to the genitals, maybe even to the clitoris, which leads to heightened sensitivity and pleasure," Dr. Bahlani explains. Menstrual blood is also an innate lubricant, which will come in handy if you're using sex toys during your period, she notes (yet another reason to have sex while on your period).
Or what if you can avoid taking Advil for a while? Orgasms may also reduce menstrual cramps. In addition, an orgasm causes the release of oxytocin, a natural painkiller that can alleviate severe period cramps.
You may also feel happier throughout your period. Per the University of Chicago studies, there is a six-day period throughout your monthly cycle when you may feel extremely horny. That time frame corresponds with your actual period. The "sexual phase" begins three days prior to the luteinizing hormone, which causes ovulation, and increases during your menstruation. Women experiencing this cycle in a University of Chicago research were not only more sexually active during their periods, but they also had stronger sexual desires. While sex drive was "more intense in women with frequent sexual partners," it was also felt by single women, who also reported feeling "less sad at the time."
According to Dr. Bahlani, your libido may feel higher during your period due to slightly increased levels of sex drive-enhancing testosterone running through your blood. "Many people also believe that there is a subliminal psychological aspect at work that enhances sex drive—you might be more receptive to sex during your period since you're less likely to become pregnant," she adds. In any case, if you're feeling horny, soothing that ache with masturbation could feel much better.
So, how should you masturbate during your period?
Masturbating during your period may be OK in terms of mess and post-sesh cleaning, based on your discharge level. Suppose you bleed a lot and want to make as little fuss as possible. In that case, Dr. Bahlani suggests wearing a tampon or a menstrual cup and concentrating on clitoral stimulation rather than vaginal stimulation. If you like penetration, you may always perform in the tub or shower to reduce clean-up.
When it comes to utilizing a toy, you can still do so—Dr. Bahlani recommends silicone sex toys for use during your period since they are simpler to clean. However, if it's a lighter day and you're not receiving natural lube from your period, she suggests using a little amount of silicone-based lubricant for the devices. Most silicone-based toys may be cleaned with soap and water (or a sex toy cleaner if you have it available) and will be as clean as a whistle the next time you bring them out of your drawer.