Menstrubating 101

By Ava Rognlien

Ever find yourself a little more horny on your period? Well, that’s because throughout your cycle, your body releases different hormones inspiring your libido to fluctuate, so it’s actually so normal and healthy to feel that way when menstruating. Since there is so much stigma around both menstruation and masturbation, it is easy to suppress these natural feelings. Our culture was designed to make menstruators feel like their periods are dirty or gross, so it can be hard to remove this stigma from your head, but menstrubation can be a form of empowerment to reclaim your divine energy! 

And what is menstrubating?! It is the term used when referring to masturbating when menstruating. This idea was explored by Womanizer and Lunette through launching a Menstrubation Study in May 2020. A global clinical study determined that menstrubation can help ease period pain. As discussed in our podcast that you can find here, there are so many benefits to this practice! This study uncovered that out of the 486 participants, 90% of the menstruators recommended menstrubation to combat period pains, and 70% found that regular masturbation helped them reduce the intensity of their period cramps overall. Astonishingly 85% of the participants will continue their menstrubation routine due to the effects they noticed in their overall mood and symptoms, so there’s really no reason not to give it a shot! 

The science behind it is

• The study explained that “During and after orgasm, certain hormones are released that impact the body in positive ways. These hormones include endorphins, oxytocin and dopamine. Endorphins have a direct impact on the perception and processing of pain and counteracts the effect of prostaglandins. Oxytocin reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which has a relaxing effect and reduces pain. Furthermore, dopamine causes a feeling of euphoria, happiness and inner bliss. Because of this, other physical processes (that cause the feeling of pain) take a back seat, which feels like pain relief. At the same time, the metabolism and blood circulation are both stimulated. As with any area of the body, when the blood flow is increased it has a relaxing effect on the muscles and creates more overall comfort. These chemical reactions are highest during and after orgasm.” 
• These endorphins are made by the central nervous system and create hormones, metabolism, and more. Sexual activity produces endorphins, serotonin, acetylcholine, and oxytocin.  
• Orgasms increase blood flow to your uterus, which can increase your tolerance for cramping

Benefits of masturbating

• Masturbation can help prevent cervical infections and UTIs through the process of ‘tenting,’ which is the opening of the cervix that occurs as part of the arousal process
• Orgasms can help you sleep better! After an orgasm, your body releases vasopressin and melatonin, so it’ll help relax you and catch some Zzzz… 
• It is also found to reduce PMS symptoms like cramps, diarrhea, breast pain, pain or cramps in the lower back or abdomen, bloatedness, and fatigue. 

Worried about blood? 

This is totally understandable, but there are many ways to create an easy cleanup process. 

• Do it in the shower
• The shower is a wonderful way to start your journey in menstrubation since it requires no cleanup!
• Try using a condom if you plan to use a dildo for easier clean-up (Make sure you are regularly cleaning your sex toys!!!) 

• You can keep your tampon or cup in if you are exploring the clit
• This is actually a perfect way to find ultimate pleasure during your period especially since penetrative acts may not feel as good, although this depends on the person! 
• The cup has no leakage so this is a wonderful way to menstrubate, but only keep the cup in if you are not having penetrative sex. 
• Don't be afraid to lay down a towel
• Period blood is not gross, and it’s totally okay to let yourself free bleed if you are comfortable with that!