If you were invited to join an exclusive club of women who were guaranteed a monthly shedding of one’s uterus with a side of pains, cramps, and other unpleasant symptoms, would you join? We already know your answer is no. The thing is, you weren’t invited to join this club, because as a young foetus in your mother’s womb, your right to join the population of women was pre-determined. And along with it, the post-puberty experience of period pain before and during your monthly flow.

Maybe you’ve spent a small fortune trialling lavender heat packs on your stomach, pain relief medication cocktails, herbal teas, and every period pain relief fad to hit the internet. But, ladies, have you ever considered the solution to period pain could be right below your nose? Literally. We’re talking about masturbating to relieve period pain through orgasm. Turns out it’s an actual thing, so move over Nurofen, self-pleasure is where the relief is at. And, we’re here to spill the tea.

First, what causes period pain?

Pardon our French, but menstrual cramps are a total b*tch. Every 28 days your uterus needs to contract in order to shed its lining. Yep, period cramps are literally a milder form of the contractions pregnant women experience during the lead up to labour. They can cause a full spectrum of pain, from dull aches through to sharp stabbing sensations, nausea and debilitating waves on par with a near-death experience. Period cramps aren’t always super intense; sometimes they may be limited to feelings of heaviness, bloating, or discomfort. But those feelings aren’t much fun either.

So, how does an orgasm relieve period pain?

Whether you have your period or not, bringing your body to the point of orgasm is the ultimate act of self-love. You want to know why? Because when you orgasm via the use of your fingers, dildo or vibrator, your body experiences a release of feel-good hormones, oxytocin and dopamine. An absolute mood-changing powerhouse, the release of these hormones will uplift your mood and relieve pain. Best of all they’re completely natural. Since popping pain relief tabs isn’t great for the lining of your stomach, orgasms could be your best alternative. Isn’t it time you switched things up a little, anyway?

Can sex deliver the same period pain relief as masturbating?

Abso-effing-lutely! If sex delivers you extreme bursts of joy in the form of an orgasm, it’s totally going to slay at the pain reliving game. Just make sure your partner is aware it’s ‘that time of the month’ to avoid unnecessary shock when they see red.

But, what about potential mess when masturbating with your period?

We get it, masturbating when you have your period can be messy business. To minimise the mess, we suggest:

  • Using a menstrual cup to block the blood from trickling down to where the penis/dildo/fingers will be
  • Wear a tampon, making sure to remove it pre-penetration
  • Focus on clitoral play or external stimulation only
  • Explore other erogenous zones
  • Tease through your knickers (hey, vibrator, where you at?)
  • Jump into the shower/bath/spa (don’t forget the lube)
  • Use a condom, whether on a human or toy penis, for easy disposal

Period pain still knocking you around? Chat to a Youly expert about switching up your method of birth control.

This blog is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your medical practitioner.