Do orgasms help cramps?

84% of women report painful cramps during menstruation. From light yoga to painkillers to vitamin supplements, there are lots of remedies. However, experts are asking a new question. Will orgasms help with cramps? Now that period sex is no longer a taboo topic, it's a valid question.

Before your period occurs, your progesterone levels will drop. In response to this drop, your body produces chemicals known as prostaglandins. These hormone-like chemicals will prompt contractions of the uterine muscles.

Photo by Polina Zimmerman from Pexels

These contractions allow your body to shed the endometrium. However, there's a catch—if your body produces too many prostaglandins, your uterus contracts more than it should. When this occurs, blood flow to the uterus is reduced. The oxygen supply is cut off. In turn, this produces the extreme menstrual pain that many women experience.

If you experience painful cramps, you may look for any type of relief. In some cases, sexual intimacy may be the answer. That's why we've assembled a guide to help you deal with cramps, menstruation, and discomfort during sex.

How can orgasms help?

Do orgasms help cramps? Here's how it works: when your body releases endorphins, you feel more pleasure and less pain. Your body releases endorphins in a response to food, exercise, sex, and similar activities.

When you have sex, the pituitary gland in your brain is stimulated. This prompts the release of 'happy hormones' such as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and so forth.

These endorphins reduce how you perceive the pain occurring in your body. It mimics the activity of painkiller drugs like codeine, which means it's a natural way to reduce pain.

It's important to note that there are 6 different types of orgasms. The type of orgasm you want during period sex can change, depending on what you feel like.

Here are the types of orgasms:

• External clitoral orgasm

• Vaginal orgasm

• Nipple orgasm

• Anal orgasm

• Erogenous orgasm

• Cerebral orgasm

During your period, you may want to experiment with clitoral, nipple, erogenous, and cerebral orgasms. If you've never had a certain type of orgasm before, this is the perfect time to experiment!

If you have difficulty with orgasms, it's important to note that there is no right or wrong way to orgasm. For instance, many women don't orgasm from vaginal penetration alone! They require a combination of erogenous, vaginal, and clitoral stimulation, in many cases.

What if I don't want to be penetrated?

If you experience pain during intercourse, having sex during your menstrual cycle may be the last thing that you want to do. While addressing painful sex is crucial outside of your period, there are many valid, amazing options that don't involve penetration.

If you're bleeding during sex and don't want to be penetrated, there are many other ways to achieve sexual stimulation. It's called outercourse!

Your partner can perform cunnilingus. If you experience discomfort during sex, options that involve stimulating your clitoris only may be great alternatives.

When you start considering non-penetrative sex options, you have the opportunity to get creative! Adding some spice to your sex life by thinking outside the box can help, even outside of your period.

That's why sex toys are a great option to consider if you're menstruating during sex. Have you tried using a vibrator?

You can use it solo, or your partner can use it as a tool during sexual intimacy. Many sex therapists recommend using toys to help your partner achieve sexual arousal. It's a great way to try something new in bed!

What if I'm grossed out or my partner is grossed out?

Period blood—much less sex while on period—used to be a taboo topic. In fact, some people still feel weird about having period sex.

It's important to note that it's valid to feel however you feel about your period. Menstruation and sex are very personal topics. And if you have a painful period, you may not be in the mood for activities anyway.

However, it may be worth unpacking your feelings about your period. If you've ever been shamed about your period, those feelings can be internalized. You may feel gross, unattractive, or unable to truly participate in intimacy.

If that's how you feel, it may take some internal work to unearth your sexual response during menstruation. Having a period is natural, and it doesn't have to be a barrier to pleasure if you don't want it to be.

However, if your partner is hesitant about providing sexual stimulation during your period, having an in-depth conversation is crucial. Why do they feel this way? Do they have concerns about your period?

If you are able to have an in-depth conversation, you'll be able to connect on a deeper level. And if you feel like you and your partner are in sync, you're much more likely to want sex—whether you're on your period or not!

Is there a way I can get over my fear of period sex?

Getting over a fear of period sex may take some time. The goal during sex at all times is to help you feel more connected to your body.

That's why we've crafted an app to help you improve your connection to your body, feel present for pleasure, climax more easily, and more. Sometimes, getting a little extra help—especially from medical professionals—is all that you need to feel more comfortable in your own body.

We've assembled a team of doctors to build a course of exercises for you. These simple tasks will help you build that mind-body connection. Fun fact: these courses have been 91% effective in helping women climax more easily.

Of course, these courses are pill-free. There's no magic bullet—only self-work that can help you improve your relationship with yourself, your partners, and your dynamics.

Do orgasms help cramps? There's only one way to find out. Download the Lover app today! We're happy to help you.