By Tanyel Mustafa
Yes, masturbating has been proven to help ease period pain.
Periods are often uncomfortable – they can be painful, heavy in flow and result in other physical ailments such as headaches.
While taking painkillers is what’s typically advised for reducing experiences of pain, a new study has shown that masturbation can be effective too.
Dr Naomi Sutton, NHS sexual health consultant and doctor on E4’s The Sex Clinic, says: ‘During a period the uterus contracts to shed the lining of the womb which has built up over the month to prepare the womb for a possible pregnancy.
‘Pain occurs due to the spasmodic contractions needed for the body to expel the lining of the womb.
‘Hormone-like substances involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions and it has been shown that the higher the levels of this, the more-severe the menstrual cramps.’
Lunette, a reusable menstrual cup brand, and Womanizer, a sex toy brand, partnered together for what they’ve called The Menstrubation Initiative.
Over a six month testing phase, participants were asked to forego their traditional methods of pain control in favour of masturbation.
At the end of the trial, 90% said they would go on to recommend masturbation for pain relief during a period and 85% planed to stick with using this method to curb cramps.
Whether masturbation is deemed more effective than other pain relief options by participants was split, as 43% favoured medication, 42% preferred masturbation and 15% liked a mix of both.
Other pain relief methods used included applying heat, using CBD oil, taking exercise and sleeping.
Dr Naomi says: ‘We know that masturbation can have positive effects on health and general well-being for several reasons.
‘Following orgasm, the hormone dopamine is released which activates an inner bliss.
‘This, combined with the increase in blood flow resulting from climax, are both ways orgasm may alleviate period pains.’
Dr. Jones, who headed up the study, says that ‘masturbation also has a long-term, positive effect on wellbeing.’
So, that might be one thing to try next time you’re experiencing period pains.
This article originally appeared in Metro
