Masturbating on your period: what you need to know 

Masturbation is good for you. Period. But what if you’re not a fan of masturbating while menstruating? We get it, and we’re here to reassure you that the fun doesn’t have to stop just because you’re on your period. In fact, we encourage you to explore period masturbation – turns out it’s pretty great for your overall wellbeing.

What is masturbation?

What do we mean when we talk about masturbation?

Masturbation is the act of stimulating your genitals or other parts of your body for pleasure. It's a totally normal and healthy way to explore your body and sexuality, no matter who you are, your gender or your age. Whether you're flying solo, getting it on with someone else, or in a committed relationship, anyone can enjoy some self-love time.

During masturbation, you can use your fingers, a sex toy or anything else that feels good to stimulate your clitoris, penis, nipples or anus – or any other part of your body, really. There are no rules; pleasure is the name of the game here. Lube can cut down on friction, and you can use materials like stories, videos, audio or your imagination to get you in the mood. 

You might orgasm, or you might not – there’s no right or wrong way to masturbate. And you don’t have to do it on your own either. Engaging in sensual play and mutual masturbation with your partner is a great way to form a stronger connection.

Now we’ve got that covered, let’s take a look at why masturbation is so good for you. Yes, even when you’re on your period.

Is masturbation good for you?

It sure is. Masturbation is normal and healthy, and it offers loads of benefits.

Self-stimulation is important for healthy sexual development and is a great way to explore your sensuality. Not only is masturbation fun and pleasurable, but it also helps to release tension and improve your mood. 

Sex and relationship expert Isiah McKimmie says the benefits of masturbation extend way beyond sexual pleasure. “There are a whole lot of physical, biological, psychological and emotional benefits. Masturbation can be a really good stress relief, and orgasms can enhance mood and combat depression,” she says. 

And there’s more. “We get to learn what it is that we like during masturbation as well. So it can actually make us feel better about ourselves, more connected to our body and more in control of our sex lives. And then we can go and share what we like with our partner later.”

If masturbation brings you to orgasm, even better. McKimmie says your body releases oxytocin and dopamine when you orgasm. These hormones improve your mood and offset the effects of cortisol, the stress hormone, in your body.

For those prone to vaginal dryness, masturbation can help stimulate and moisten the vagina, which may ease the discomfort of penetrative sex. Do you get menstrual cramps? Great news: period masturbation can actually help ease the pain.

Let’s explore more about masturbating on your period.

Can you masturbate on your period?

Of course you can – in fact, we recommend it.

Just like period sex, masturbating on your period when your mood might be lower and your body is cramping can help ease those symptoms. However, wherever you are in your cycle, masturbation has many benefits. It can:

• Reduce stress due to the easing of physical and emotional tension 
• Improve sleep thanks to the relaxing effects of self-stimulation
• Help improve concentration by increasing the hormones associated with focus
• Lift your mood thanks to the release of tension from orgasm
• Ease aches and pain via an oxytocin and dopamine hit
• Enrich your sex life by letting you explore your body on your own
• Improve confidence and self-esteem, which can lead to a better understanding of yourself and your sexual needs.

McKimmie understands that some people might be hesitant to masturbate while they’re menstruating. But she wants us all to challenge the view that periods are somehow dirty. “It’s certainly not dirty or gross in any way. And masturbation can actually be a really great way of giving yourself some self-care during your period.”

Masturbating is also safe – there’s no risk of you or your partner falling pregnant or getting an STI through masturbation. Why miss out just because you have your period?

Tips for masturbating on your period

We get it – periods can be messy. If you’re worried about masturbating on your period, McKimmie has this to say: “Don’t worry if you get a little bit of blood on your sheets. Just put them in the wash. The blood is really not going to hurt anyone.” 

Still worried about your bedding? Minimise the risk of a mess by putting down a dark-coloured towel or two on your bed. You can also try masturbating over your undies or in the shower. 

Feeling a little delicate and want to avoid penetration? Just focus on clitoral stimulation either by using your fingers or a sex toy. If you like to use sex toys, it’s a good idea to stick with those made of non-porous materials (like silicone or glass), which are much easier to keep clean.

“Have some tissues or spare towels on hand for afterwards,” says McKimmie. “And any time you use sex toys, wash them well.”

Period questions answered

Masturbation is normal, healthy and great for your mind, body and overall wellbeing. Why miss out just because you’re on your period? Got more questions about periods, period pleasure and the incredible things our bodies are capable of? Check out our blog. For more on period underwear, shop the range today.