Masturbating during your period: Is it okay?

Does masturbation help relieve period cramps?

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that sexual pleasure can be a useful way to tackle dyspareunia, the medical term for period cramps, and there’s science to back this up, too! It’s thought the endorphins that are released during and after an orgasm can help reduce pain, whether that’s achy joints or period cramps. One study into pain tolerance and sex found that tolerance for pain increased by up to 75%. 

As long as you reach orgasm, theoretically, any of the many types of sex can help relieve period cramps, not just masturbation. However, in an analysis of sexual experience, many women reported finding it easier to reach orgasm through self-masturbation than having intercourse with a partner. In many cases, stimulating the clitoris is the key to the female orgasm, with another study showing that only 18% of orgasms happen due to vaginal penetration on its own. 

Since as many as 80% of women experience painful periods at some point in their lives, finding ways to manage these symptoms is very important. We understand not everyone is in the mood for sexual pleasure around menstruation. It depends on the individual, but if you’re thinking about trying it out to relieve period pain, we support you all the way. 

Potential health benefits of masturbation while menstruating

There are more advantages to self-pleasure on your period than you first may think. These include:

• Pain relief: As mentioned above, reaching orgasm on your period can help fight off those pesky period cramps but may help you combat other symptoms, too, like headaches. 
• Added lubrication: Because the vagina is naturally lubricated with blood, you may find you experience less friction during penetration while you’re on your period. 
• Better body literacy: Masturbating on your period is an experience that can teach you about your own body and what you enjoy. You may notice that orgasms feel different on your period or that your vagina or vulva is more or less sensitive than usual. 
• Mood boosting: Those endorphins that help tackle period pain are also known for their feel-good properties. This can be good news for those who struggle with low mood at the start of the cycle.
• Better sleep: The same endorphins that can help relieve pain can also promote a better night's sleep. Getting a good amount of rest can help you combat other unpleasant symptoms associated with PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome). 

How to masturbate on your period

Thinking about giving this mood-boosting, pain-relieving, sleep-improving activity a try? Here are a few tips on how you can enhance the experience: 

Use lubrication 

While period blood may act as a lubricant, if you’re using a tampon or menstrual cup, these can absorb some of your body’s natural lubrication. Furthermore, if you’re focussing on areas like the clitoris or the nipples, you may want to add a little extra lube. Try using a water-based lubricant to reduce friction and make masturbation more pleasurable.

Put a towel down 

There’s nothing dirty or dangerous about period blood, but it can stain your sheets. You can protect any fabric by laying down a towel before any sexual activity begins. 

Try it in the shower

Masturbating in the shower or bath can be another great way to avoid any mess, plus it’s a reason to make things extra steamy! You may also find the hot water helps soothe painful period cramps or helps you relax after a long day. 

Get your partner involved

There isn’t just one type of masturbation, there’s a whole range of ways you can do it! If you’re in a relationship and want to invite your partner in on the action, you could suggest mutual masturbation or using sex toys. If you want to avoid penetrative sex during your period, there are still plenty of ways to be intimate with your partner. 

You might be interested to learn that the chances of getting pregnant on your period are extremely low (although they may increase if you have a longer bleed). Learning more about your fertile window can be a useful tool should you choose to have unprotected sex on your period. 

Can you masturbate while using a menstrual cup or tampon?

It depends. If you only touch the clitoris or other external areas, there’s no need to remove a cup or tampon. If you penetrate the vagina, you should remove these. Keep in mind that tampons or cups may absorb some of the moisture in the vagina, as well as any of the period blood they’re designed to collect, so if you masturbate while using these, you may want to use some extra lube. 

Is period blood dirty? 

There is nothing shameful or unhealthy about menstruation. While you may find periods messy, painful, or inconvenient, they are an integral part of something perfectly natural: the menstrual cycle.

How you choose to manage your period is up to you, and that includes whether you choose to masturbate during menstruation. For some people, it’s the right choice. Others may prefer to save sexual activity for the days when they’re not bleeding. Others simply don’t want to masturbate at all, and all of that is okay.

As with all sexual activity, it’s important to make sure anything that goes in the vagina or anus is clean. Washing hands or sex toys before or after sex is good practice to prevent infection and make sure your vagina stays happy and healthy. 

Get to know your body better with Natural Cycles

We hope you’ve learned plenty about masturbating during your period! At Natural Cycles, we’re committed to empowering you with the knowledge you need about your health! That includes discussing often less talked about topics, such as sex, masturbation, or menstruation. 

The Natural Cycles app is designed not just to help you learn more about your body, but it’s also certified birth control. It’s free from hormones and side effects, and when the time is right, the science behind the app can also help you plan a pregnancy. Natural Cycles is only available for those aged 18+. Why not find out if it could work for you today?