Couple, sexuality and menstrual cycle

What are the impacts of our menstrual cycle on our sexuality?

Our body and mood are paced by the hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle throughout the month, throughout our lives. This impacts our sexuality, and not just a little!

Do you feel hot as a firebrand at certain times, and this every month? That's normal! And if at other times your libido is missing in action, that's normal too! We decipher all this here today. What are the impacts of the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle on our sexuality? How to best live these changes in our daily life and in our relationship?

Follow the guide!

To begin with, know that a cycle lasts on average between 21 and 31 days, even if some can be more or less long. It consists of three phases: the follicular phase, the ovulation and the luteal phase. Each phase has its hormone and its specific effects. I will try to give you the keys to understand your cycle and properly apprehend your sexuality in each of its phases.

First part: renewal and serenity for the follicular phase

From the first day of menstruation and for about 14 days, our cycle is in its follicular phase.

After the difficult period of PMS (premenstrual syndrome - we will come back to it later), and apart from menstrual cramps, the follicular phase can be experienced as a period of relief . The cause: the increase in LH and FSH hormones that stimulate the production of estrogen (a primary sex hormone).

This increase in estrogen would boost our intuition and imagination. This is what would make us more serene and conducive to introspection.

Sexually, it's the perfect time to indulge and take care of yourself in solitude. Take advantage of this period to do yourself some good. Especially since if you are prone to menstrual cramps, masturbation is an excellent way to soothe the pain.

Coupled with hot water (in a bath, for example), masturbation will relax this area. It will help alleviate menstrual pain.

At the end of this cycle, the rise in testosterone and estrogen gives you a boost and an indomitable physical and mental energy.

Second phase: caliente atmosphere for ovulation

Here you are in your ovulation phase. Hormone-wise, what's happening? LH and estrogen levels are at their peak, and that's good news! Estrogen increases the quality of serotonin receptors, the happiness hormone, and boosts sexual desire. This hormone would also make us more sociable and therefore more inclined to seduce.

If the slightest visual or tactile stimulation makes you climb the walls, there's no doubt, you are surely in your ovulation period. In general, we feel this period coming from afar. We feel sexy, and our previously vanished libido comes rushing back. Why this sudden surge of desire? Well, simply because the body is in a fertile period. It puts all the cards on its side to be able to reproduce (that clever little thing). So we take advantage of this period to indulge ourselves. Go fulfill your fantasies with your partner!

However, be aware that this increase in libido is not true for everyone. Firstly, because there are no generalities in terms of sexuality. Secondly, because there is a psychological factor to consider. For some people, knowing they are in a period of fertility will alter their sexual desire. The reason: the fear of getting pregnant. These people will, on the contrary, see their desire increase during their period, when their fertility is at its lowest. As you can see, hormones don't do everything!

Third phase: brake and PMS for the luteal phase

From the day after ovulation until the first day of the next period, it's the luteal phase. This phase of about 14 days can be divided into two parts: the few days following ovulation and those preceding menstruation.

After ovulation, progesterone skyrockets. This hormone soothes, calms, and will lower libido. It is therefore a good time for relaxation and focusing on oneself. Why not take advantage of this phase to try tantric sex, this blend of meditation and sex? Meanwhile, estrogen and testosterone will decrease. This is what gives the impression of running in slow motion.

Then comes the premenstrual phase and with it, its share of inconveniences. During this period, many people suffer from severe pain in the breasts, back, or abdomen, sometimes even in the legs. The mood is also not at its best. It can even lead to experiencing real depression during this period. The reason is estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are at their lowest and affect serotonin receptors (the happiness hormone). If you are in a relationship, it's a good time to be pampered by your partner: bubble baths, relaxing massages, and comforting recipes, you deserve it!

Even if many people are not in the mood to fool around at that time of their cycle, others use sex as a painkiller. Ideal for calming cramps and getting a little shot of oxytocin. Moreover, for some people, the thickening of the endometrium would stimulate nerve endings and make this area more sensitive to pleasure.

Once this phase is over, it's back to the start: heading into the follicular phase and so on!

Even if all these hormones influence our libido, it remains just one of the many factors impacting our sexuality! It goes without saying that one can be at the peak of excitement during the premenstrual phase and not feel sexual desire even during ovulation. One can also never feel excitement at all, or feel it all the time!

I hope this article has helped you understand the link between your cycle and your sexuality and that I have been able to answer some of your questions!

See you soon 💜