Orgasms and Menstrual Health
This post is in collaboration with Satisfyer.
Today is World Menstrual Hygiene Day and it’s time to address one of the last taboos - masturbation while menstruating.
For some reason lots of people seem to get ‘the ick’ when you mention sexual activity while on your period, yet regular orgasms throughout your cycle can have amazing benefits on the body. So it’s time to ditch the stigma and start getting off while you’re ‘on’.
How Orgasms Can Help Your Menstrual Health
Happy Hormones
According to Megwyn White, Director of Education at Satisfyer and Certified Sexologist ‘regular orgasms throughout the cycle can help support a healthy balance of hormones and a regular cycle’. Having an orgasm triggers all sorts of “feel good” chemicals that can help support your wellbeing, particularly when you might not be feeling at your best.
OXYTOCIN- Sometimes known as the “love hormone” oxytocin is secreted by the hypothalamus and it can help your body manage pain by interacting with the opioid receptors in the brain that actually reduce our perception of pain. In addition oxytocin has other benefits for our wellbeing as it promotes empathy and has a relaxing effect on the body that helps support the sleep cycle and help you to manage stress.
ENDORPHINS- Are natural pain relievers that also enhance excitement or satisfaction. They’re great for boosting confidence, enabling control of emotions and may help generate the release of the Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and help manage the pain and discomfort that can come with periods more naturally.
SEROTONIN- Is an important neurotransmitter which helps regulate mood and social behaviour, appetite and digestion, along with sleep and memory, all functions I find get flung up in the air during my period.
Better Sleep
Sleep is incredibly important for whole body health including- boosting sex drive, reducing inflammation, as well as supporting overall immune health and well-being. Changing hormones through your menstrual cycle can lead to disrupted sleep, and not getting enough good sleep always makes life more difficult to navigate, not least when you’ve got your period.
Orgasms trigger relaxation with the release of prolactin and oxytocin. While oxytocin helps lower the stress-releasing hormone cortisol and helps you relax, prolactin can help you feel even more relaxed and sleepy, which is pretty dreamy.
Shorter Periods
Did you know that orgasms might make your periods shorter? As someone who’s struggled with heavy, painful periods the idea that getting off can lead to shorter periods is pretty wild. But how does it work?Megwyn explained to me when you orgasm your muscles contract and that this pushes out the uterine contents faster - basically your body gets rid or what it needs to get rid of more quickly! How cool is that?!
Reaching the ‘Big-O’
How your reach orgasm can also help you manage your periods more effectively. According to Megwyn using a vibrator can be particularly beneficial when it comes to alleviating cramping during your period as the vibrations can help bring more oxygen and blood flow to the pelvic area. Because vibrators offer really focused relief through direct touch (both internally and externally) they uniquely places to target areas that other relief methods - such as a heat pad - simply can’t reach. Plus they make you feel pretty damn good.
I’ve been lucky enough to try quite a few of Satisfyer’s products over the years, and let me tell you that not all vibrators are built the same! Satisfyer puts wellness at the centre of everything they do and make products are are beautifully designed at a really accessible price point. They truly believe that EVERYONE has the right to discover their sexual potential and the joy it can bring and to achieve this they’ve made sure their products are as inclusive and accessible as possible.
Satisfyer really do offer something for everyone, but when it comes to getting off for your menstrual health here are my top picks:
The Satisfyer Wand-er Woman: ok, so this thing can look a little intimidating as it is very big, but it’s a full body massager that has a tonne of power that helps dissolve tension with its whisper quiet motor.
The Curvy 3+: offering clitoral stimulation through a combination of air-pulse stimulation and vibration the big draw of the Curvy 3+ is that it’s waterproof, so you can get the dual benefit of vibrations and warm water on those painful days.
Feel Confident menstrual cups: these might be the best looking menstrual cups I’ve seen. They’re hygienic, made of medical grade silicone and easy to insert. Plus they’re suitable for both heavier and lighter days.
Want to know more about how orgasms can help your wellbeing? Check out my other posts with Satisfyer here and here.
This post was in collaboration with Satisfyer who connected me with Megwyn White and gifted me products. All opinions are my own. Stock images via. Satisfyer.