Menstrubation makes period pain a lot more tolerable, according to sexperts

If Midol doesn't cut it, menstrubation can be a good way to ease those horrible cramps

closeup of a woman in lingerie
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Menstrubation is essentially yin and yang, two conflicting experiences meshed into one. 

The act of masturbating during Aunt Flo's visit might seem poorly timed, but a little solo play—perhaps with the help of the best app-controlled vibrators—is welcomed during your cycle. Yes, the sexperts agree. 

Women often pivot their attention towards the best sex positions for menstrual cramps, but menstrubation lets you take pleasure into your own hands. Considering women's most intense orgasms are through solo sex, it's worth a try when Midol doesn't seem to do the trick.

Does menstrubation help with period pain?

If you're in search of ways to cope with period pains and symptoms, this natural method is a favorite according to sexperts. 

“Masturbation can have positive effects on health and general well-being for several reasons," Dr. Naomi Sutton, NHS Sexual Health consultant and Womanizer spokesperson said in a press release. "Following orgasm, the hormone dopamine is released, which activates an inner bliss. This, combined with the increase in blood flow resulting from climax, are both ways orgasm may alleviate period pains."

In 2020, Womanizer conducted the first clinical trial in the world on menstrubation and found that it has both short-term and long-term effects. According to the sexual health company's findings, 90% of women recommend masturbating while menstruating, and 85% of the study's participants—486—plan to stick to their new menstrubation routine at the conclusion of the three-month study.

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What else did Womanizer's menstrubation study uncover?

  • After three months menstrubating, the percentage of women who experienced cramps on the first day of their period decreased from 37% to 25%
  • Irritability after three months of menstrubating decreased from 27% to 14%
  • 70% of participants reported that regular masturbation reduced the intensity of their period pains

Menstrubation tips

1. Make it part of your wellness regimen 

"Female masturbation is becoming far more openly talked about and is becoming widely recognized as a type of self-care," Nina Julia, wellness expert at CFAH, previously told My Imperfect Life. "A great place to start is spending some time getting to know yourself and exploring what feels good to you."

2. Try something new

Sometimes your toy collection needs a little TLC, and while you're in an "Add to cart," state of mind, stock up on different types of vibrators, particularly hassle and mess-free clitoral stimulators.

3. Let the toys do the work

You're in enough agony as it is. Let hands-free vibrators work their magic so that you can ease your cramps and have some fun solo sex in the process.

And don't worry: we have the best tips for keeping your goodies sterile. We spoke to the pros to uncover how to clean sex toys, and there's plenty to note.

"Cleaning your sex toys before and after helps to prevent infections, as bacteria can linger if they aren’t washed regularly," Alexandra Fine, a sexologist and the CEO of Dame, previously told My Imperfect Life.

Period pain, be damned! 

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 


When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.