Yes, period talk can make some people squeamish. But periods are natural functions that most people with a vagina experience, so we really shouldn’t treat periods like a forbidden topic anymore. And let’s face it, masturbation is completely normal too (despite the stigma surrounded around it). So why shouldn’t we combine the two? After all, Planned Parenthood says that most women are exceptionally horny during their periods. It just wouldn’t make sense that we would deprive ourselves—because masturbation is essentially self-care—just because we’re bleeding a bit (or a lot).
While you might still be a bit shy about masturbating during your period, we’re here to set the story straight and debunk any weird myths. Plus, masturbation is more than just a fun past time—doing so can actually make your period bearable.
1. It helps relieve pain.
Seriously, who wouldn’t want to temporarily relieve period cramps without chasing your Advil with more Advil? According to Dr. Jackie Stone, one of Maven Clinic’s on-staff OB-GYNs, masturbating during your period can actually help alleviate cramps.
“Orgasms in general decrease pain levels through the release of oxytocin and endorphins. Women who have more regular orgasms have more regular menstrual periods, so this would also be a benefit,” Dr. Stone explains.
Because an orgasm distributes oxytocin, which acts as a neurotransmitter and overall natural painkiller, the more orgasms you have before and during your period (whether from the help of your hand or your partner) the less pain you’ll generally have.
Likewise, studies show that masturbation—or sexual activity in general—can help treat migraines and headaches. While headaches and migraines obviously aren’t exclusive to your time of the month, certain period-related conditions (like Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, also known as PMDD) can make headaches more prevalent before, during and after your monthly gift visits.
Seeing as you’re more vulnerable to pain during your period, why wouldn’t you masturbate it away?
2. It helps you fall asleep.
While you might not normally experience insomnia, the 85% of women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome or PMS have a difficult time falling asleep during their period. Dr. Stone explains that oxytocin and endorphin, which are released after the initial dopamine from an orgasm, can be attributed to why many women fall asleep easily after masturbating (because oxytocin and endorphins are soothing hormones).
Because these hormones also help to ease pain, they can help PMDD or PMS-induced insomnia and fatigue. Now you can just tell your roommates that all that “buzzing” in your room is from your new sleep “remedy.”
3. It’s perfectly safe (and obviously fun).
This should go without saying, but you can’t get a STD or STI from masturbating, regardless of what time of the month it is. Your period blood isn’t gross or unsanitary (as long as you clean up afterward, of course). If you’re still hesitant about paddling the pink canoe and risking getting a bit of blood on your new manicure, you can always opt to use some toys instead. While you shouldn’t be ashamed of your own blood, we get it if it isn’t your thing. After all, you shouldn’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable.
4. You don’t have to worry about making a mess.
We get it, when you have your period, obviously there’s blood, but that doesn’t mean you have to worry about a mess when you masturbate. You just have to masturbate strategically to avoid any mess.
Obviously, if getting some blood on your hands (literally) isn’t a big deal, you don’t have to worry about masturbating any differently when you’re on your period. However, if some blood makes you a bit queasy, you can focus your “you time” on stimulating your clitoris (rather than focusing on penetration from your fingers or dildo. But we get it, different flicks for different chicks. Don’t worry, you don’t need to make an ordeal about your period masturbation sesh (unless you want to), instead you can use a vibrator on your clit while you leave in your tampon.
If you don’t wear tampons, you can always hop in the shower while you pleasure yourself and let the water rinse away any of the blood that comes out. Shower multitasking is the best kind of multitasking, right? However, if you’re still iffy about pleasuring yourself during your period, you can always throw on a pair of period panties and use a bullet vibrator over your underwear. There’s no mess and you don’t have to worry about wasting water in the shower.
After all, an orgasm is an orgasm (regardless of whether your fingertips or your vibrator got your there). Customize your own period masturbation routine, so you can finally stop dreading your period.
5. There are seriously no repercussions.
“There is no evidence that sex or masturbation during menstruation can prolong your period or have any negative effects,” Dr. Stone explains. Seriously, your periods aren’t going to become heavier, more painful or longer just because you had a few orgasms during your period. So rewards of period masturbation clearly outweigh the nonexistent risks.
The only benefit you’re missing from masturbating during your period is effortlessly glowing skin (though the flushed-just-had-sex skin might be close enough).
6. It gives you some much-needed self-care.
Seriously, you might not feel the sexiest during your period, which is why you need to practice some self-care. Beyond the fact that being able to satisfy yourself (regardless of the time of the month) is extremely empowering, masturbating is an exceptional way to de-stress, and masturbating during your period is no different.
Nevertheless, we understand that masturbation and periods (and masturbating during your period) are sensitive subjects that you might feel embarrassed to openly discuss with anyone. Thankfully, there are several female health organizations and overall female-centric organizations, which welcome personal questions about your health and sex life (no matter how awkward you think your inquiries might be).
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Planned Parenthood: Seriously, there are plenty of Planned Parenthood clinic across the U.S., and they’re eager to ensure that you’re healthy and informed about your body.
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Maven Clinic: Maven is a women’s health company that focuses on making women’s lives easier by providing private access to its network of over 1,000 healthcare professionals. You can have a video chat with an OB-GYN without having to worry about actually leaving your apartment (plus you can even get prescriptions for birth control and other necessary medication through the website and app).
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Lemonaid: Lemonaid is another women’s health website and app that allows customers to get prescriptions and obtain some answers from their qualified medical professionals. While the services are currently only available to residents of certain states, the business is planning to expand.
After all, sometimes we might not ask our usual gynecologist about every question in the book (probs because we forget during our actual exams), so it’s relieving to be able to access a doctor virtually.
Regardless, you should never feel ashamed about masturbating during your period. We get it, you might still feel iffy about the prospect of you shoving your hand down your panties for a quick “headache relief sesh,” but your period blood is only a big deal if you make it a big deal.
Although masturbating during your period might seem like it requires a night of planning, all you really need to do is throw a towel down and think about that cute TA from freshman year.