Masturbation for Period Pain (and Pain in General) | Sex

Although masturbation is often encouraged as a form of self-careThe lesser known truth is that it can also be a very effective form of pain relief.

While temporary pain can be a nuisance, dealing with monthly menstrual pain (hooray) or living with chronic or recurring pain migraines can seriously harm your quality of life. Find ways manage can sometimes seem like a journey with no end in sight.

If you’ve seen a doctor for any of these issues, chances are you’ve been prescribed painkillers. If your doctor has been particularly thorough, he or she may have even recommended some lifestyle or dietary changes, or other forms of therapy. But show me a general practitioner who prescribes a healthy dose of masturbatory pleasure and I’ll quickly backtrack on my words.

What science says

A study found that women’s pain tolerance increased by 40% when the clitoris was “self-stimulated.” This tolerance increased to 74% when the result was orgasm.

For some people, masturbation can be as effective (or more effective) than other forms of pain relief. Plus, it’s free and has no side effects.

Here are some of the ways masturbation can help relieve pain, whether it’s temporary, persistent, or chronic.

It can dissolve your perpetual menstrual cramps.

Those of us who already associate masturbation with pain relief tend to think of menstrual cramps first—and for good reason.

Menstrual pain, for the 84.1% of women For those who suffer from it, this pain can be uncomfortable and, for some, so unbearable that it leaves them bedridden. But research has shown that masturbation can ease this pain.

‘Happy hormones’ reduce pain

A global study launched in 2020 The researchers studied “menstruation.” According to lead researcher Christopher Jones, “masturbation was shown to decrease not only the intensity of menstrual pain, but also its frequency over a three-month period.” Why?The hormones of happiness” Of course.

When we push our own buttons (so to speak), endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, prolactin, and other pain-relieving hormones are released. They react with receptors in the brain and change the way we experience pain.

Blood flow means increased sensitivity

Orgasm and masturbation, due in part to the release of the happy hormone dopamine, increase blood flow to the uterus and pelvic area, helping to relax muscles and reduce menstrual spasms and cramps. According to NYC Sonia Bahlani, pelvic pain specialistThis increased blood flow also affects the genitals, “leading to increased sensitivity and pleasure.” Menstrual blood is also a great natural lubricant, so really, that time of the month is THE It’s time to experience a mind-blowing orgasm.

Trick : If the only thing stopping you from trying masturbation to relieve your period pain is the potential for mess, you just need to get a little creative. Consider wearing a tampon or menstrual cup while you focus on clitoral (and/or anal) stimulation rather than vaginal. And if vaginal penetration is your thing, there’s always a solo shower session to keep you squeaky clean while you give it your all.

It can relieve your nasty migraines.

Menstrual pain isn’t the only pain that can be relieved by masturbation. According to the NHS, mIgraines affect 20% of women and their treatment is rarely simple. However, masturbation has been shown to relieve symptoms.

While some find that they can reduce their headaches and migraines through the use of prescription opioid medications, the endorphins and oxytocin released by the brain during masturbation also activate opioid receptors in the brain, ultimately improving quality of life. same effect as some painkillers.

It can soothe your sore muscles.

When there is inflammation or dull pain in the muscles (whether it is the result of injury, overuse or intense training), our tolerance can be boosted by masturbation. This is thanks to testosterone, which is Also part of the complex cocktail of hormones invoked by sexual arousal and release.

A few research The findings suggest that testosterone, which helps reduce inflammation in the body, may help people better manage their pain and ultimately tolerate higher pain thresholds. This would explain why some physical pain is significantly reduced after masturbation. There is even evidence to suggest that a testosterone deficiency can actually lead to joint and muscle pain.

It can help you manage your constant chronic pain.

From fibromyalgia to arthritis to serious injuries, the causes of chronic pain vary greatly in frequency and intensity. For all the reasons already listed, masturbation in general and orgasm in particular can also do wonders to improve the outlook of those suffering from recurring or persistent pain.

Angie Ebba, a woman suffering from chronic pain writing“While it’s just one of many pain management tools I use… orgasm is one of the quickest things I can do to temporarily relieve my pain, and as such, I’ve started using it several times a week for quick symptom reduction… when my pain is intense, in addition to taking my pill bottle and a glass of water, I also take a natural pain reliever… some neurotransmitters, courtesy of my sex toys.”

It can reduce your exhausting emotional pain.

Even under “normal” circumstances, there are plenty of mood triggers to avoid. Hormonal fluctuations related to your period, for example, can be enough to throw your mood off for no reason. But who doesn’t feel better after rubbing their finger? There’s a scientific reason for that.

At the moment of orgasm, the release of happy hormones lowers your cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, providing a palpable feeling of relaxation. In turn, this also helps you sleep better and more deeply. While endorphins have been linked to improved mood, oxytocin can help you think more clearly, which in turn can help you better understand your emotions, and serotonin can give you a more positive outlook, reduce anxiety and depression.

Bottom line: Masturbation is a gift from the goddess! Even on a bad day, its joyful scent can be a soothing balm for your pain. So don’t be afraid to add it to your arsenal.