Can Orgasms Help Relieve Period Pain?

Orgasms undoubtedly feel great, whether they’re a result of partnered sex or masturbation, but can they really help relieve period pain? 

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that suggests sex and orgasms are an effective form of pain relief, so rumour has it sex may be the perfect solution to painful periods. 

What causes painful periods? 

Pain and discomfort during your period can manifest in different ways, but the most common form of period pain is menstrual cramps.

Dysmenorrhea, aka period cramps, is incredibly common. Research shows that anywhere between 16-91% of women report pain during their periods at some point in their life. 

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Period cramps are caused by hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins, which your body produces in response to the natural drop in progesterone that occurs right before your period starts.

Prostaglandins cause the uterine muscles to contract in order to shed the old endometrium, which can result in cramps and discomfort. 

If your body produces too many prostaglandins, this can cause your uterus to contract more intensely, reducing blood flow to the uterus and cutting off oxygen supply, which in turn causes more pain. 

Underlying conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis and uterine fibroids can make period pain worse.

Sex and period cramps

The link between sex and pain relief isn’t fully understood, but the main theory is that the endorphins released when you orgasm may help relieve menstrual pain. 

Scientists still don’t fully understand every role that endorphins play in our body, but we do know that they’re vital in reducing pain and promoting pleasure. Our bodies release endorphins in response to things like pain and stress, as well as more rewarding activities like eating, exercise or sex. 

Endorphins are produced by your central nervous system and the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland in your brain that produces hormones and controls metabolism, growth, reproduction, and blood pressure, among many other vital processes.  

Sexual activity stimulates the pituitary gland, triggering the release of “feel-good hormones” like  endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and acetylcholine.  

Endorphins help with pain management because they interact with the opiate receptors in our brain to reduce our perception of pain, increasing our pain threshold. They act similarly to drugs like morphine and codeine, so they’re basically your body’s natural pain relief. 

One study showed that when vaginal stimulation results in orgasm, sensitivity to discomfort decreases by 75%, which may be why things like hair-pulling and slapping are more enjoyable in a sexual setting.

Many women also experience migraines during their period, and according to one study, 70% of people who engaged in sexual activities during a migraine reported moderate to complete relief.  

Can you have sex on your period?

Yes, you can have sex when you're on your period! Period sex has been a long-standing taboo, but there’s no reason why you should avoid sex or masturbation when you’re menstruating, unless you’re not in the mood (your body, your choice). 

Some women even notice increased feelings of arousal during their period, so if you’re in the mood, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get yours just because you’re bleeding. 

That being said, you’re still at risk of contracting an STI or getting pregnant even when you’re on your period, so period sex is not an excuse to skip protection! 

And if you really want the pain-relieving benefits of sex without any of the risk, then masturbation is the way to go.