Menstrubation: when pleasure becomes a natural painkiller
Menstrual pain is a monthly reality for many, unfortunately still far too often surrounded by silence and taboo. At Passage du Désir, we loved the initiative from Womanizer and Lunacopine, who joined forces to launch a fascinating study: the "Menstrubation" study. This unabashedly coined portmanteau, combining "menstruation" and "masturbation", lifts the veil on two subjects that are still far too stigmatised.
A closer look at the study
The aim of this initiative, carried out in 2020 (though its findings remain as relevant as ever), validated by a clinical psychologist and sexologist, was simple yet bold: to discover whether masturbation and orgasms could concretely relieve menstrual pain.
Over several months, 486 menstruating people were invited to replace their usual pain medication with masturbation during their period. The results, carefully analysed, prove that the sustainable development of our intimate wellbeing also comes from knowledge of our own bodies.
The figures that speak for themselves
Far from being a myth, the positive impact of self-pleasure on pain is proven by the study's findings:
- A drastically reduced intensity: 70% of respondents stated that regular masturbation had a direct impact, reducing the intensity of their menstrual pain.
- A declining frequency: 42% of participants also noted a reduction in how often this pain occurred.
- Symptoms relieved from head to toe: The practice significantly reduced menstrual cramps, as well as lower back pain, bloating, breast tenderness, and even digestive issues such as diarrhoea.
- A new routine unanimously adopted (or almost): Proof of its effectiveness, 90% of people who took part in the study would recommend masturbation to a friend to combat this pain. Moreover, 85% plan to maintain this intimate routine in the future!
The expert analysis: the magic of hormones
But why does it work? During and after orgasm (or a masturbation session), the body releases a natural cocktail of beneficial hormones: endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin.
These hormones have an immediate relaxing effect: endorphins neutralise the effect of prostaglandins (the hormones responsible for painful and inflammatory contractions of the uterus), while oxytocin lowers stress levels. Of course, every body is unique, and while this method is no substitute for medical care in cases of extreme pain, it offers a natural, free, and particularly enjoyable alternative.
