How Masturbation Can Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
As women navigate perimenopause and menopause, the changes they experience in their bodies, minds, and sexual well-being can feel overwhelming. Symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and mood swings are often discussed, but a powerful self-care tool remains overlooked: self-pleasure. Recent findings from The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, in partnership with Lovehoney Group, highlight the potential of masturbation as a way to manage menopause symptoms—and yet, many women remain unaware of its benefits.
Survey Findings: What Women Know and Don't Know About Menopause
A recent nationally representative survey conducted by The Kinsey Institute sheds light on the gaps in public knowledge around menopause. Of 1,500 American women aged 40-65 surveyed in Phase 2 of the study, fewer than half could identify many menopause symptoms correctly, with issues like bladder problems, sleep disturbances, and even the well-known hot flashes being misunderstood by a significant portion of respondents.
Perhaps more revealing is the gap in understanding around how self-pleasure can be used as a symptom management tool. While 36.2% of menopausal women reported experiencing improved symptoms through masturbation, only 1 in 10 currently use it as a primary method of relief. Shockingly, only 5% of women who discussed menopause with their healthcare provider had masturbation recommended as a strategy.
This silence from medical professionals is a missed opportunity to empower women with a natural, accessible way to manage the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause.
How Masturbation Can Improve Menopause Symptoms
Masturbation isn’t just about sexual pleasure—it’s also a holistic way to improve physical and emotional well-being during menopause. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Relieving Vaginal Dryness: Masturbation promotes blood flow to the vaginal tissues, which can help alleviate dryness and discomfort. Regular stimulation also encourages natural lubrication, reducing painful intercourse.
2. Improving Sleep: One of the many hormonal benefits of orgasm is the release of oxytocin and prolactin, which promote relaxation and better sleep quality—something many menopausal women struggle with.
3. Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Menopause can increase stress and anxiety levels due to hormonal fluctuations. Masturbation releases endorphins, the body's natural stress relievers, helping to boost mood and reduce anxiety.
4. Boosting Libido: It’s common for libido to dip during menopause. Self-pleasure is an easy way to reconnect with your body and rediscover what feels good. This can, in turn, improve sexual desire and satisfaction.
5. Pelvic Floor Health: Masturbation and orgasm can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which is crucial as many women face increased risks of incontinence during menopause. Keeping these muscles active can prevent or reduce symptoms.
Why Aren't More Women Using Masturbation for Symptom Relief?
Despite these benefits, many women hesitate to engage in masturbation as a form of symptom management. Some of the reasons include:
- Lack of Knowledge: As the survey revealed, there’s a clear gap in both public understanding and healthcare guidance when it comes to self-pleasure during menopause. Many women simply don’t know that it’s an effective tool for relief.
- Stigma and Shame: Cultural and societal taboos surrounding female pleasure persist, especially as women age. This can make women feel embarrassed or ashamed about exploring self-pleasure despite its clear benefits.
- Communication Barriers: Many women struggle to discuss their sexual health and evolving needs with their partners or even their healthcare providers. As a result, self-pleasure can remain an unexplored avenue for managing menopause symptoms.
The Need for Better Conversations with Healthcare Providers
The Kinsey Institute’s study showed that only 44% of respondents had ever discussed menopause with their healthcare provider, and only 5% had self-pleasure recommended to them. This signals a clear need for more open and inclusive conversations around sexual health during menopause.
As Dr. Cynthia Graham, Senior Scientist at The Kinsey Institute, said, “This survey shows self-pleasure offers an effective, accessible tool for menopausal symptom relief, which is important to integrate with existing care strategies.” Breaking the silence on masturbation and menopause is essential for empowering women to take control of their sexual health.
Overcoming Barriers: How Yoni Mapping and Self-Pleasure Coaching Can Help
If you’re feeling uncertain about how to reconnect with your body or communicate your changing sexual needs with your partner, yoni mapping and self-pleasure coaching can help you navigate this new chapter with confidence. Yoni mapping is a bodywork practice that helps you understand your body’s unique pleasure pathways, while coaching can teach you how to embrace self-pleasure and communicate openly about your needs.
These sessions aren’t just about physical touch—they are about embracing self-love, healing past trauma, and rediscovering what brings you joy and comfort as you move through menopause.
Take Action: Reclaim Your Sexual Wellness
Menopause is a time of transition, but it’s also an opportunity to reclaim your body and your pleasure. Don’t wait for your healthcare provider to bring up the conversation about self-pleasure—take charge of your sexual health and well-being today.
Book a session with Kelly Veronica for yoni mapping or self-pleasure coaching, and start your journey toward symptom relief and empowerment. Kelly provides a safe, supportive space where you can explore what your body needs during this transformative time. Visit [kellyveronica.com](https://www.kellyveronica.com) to learn more and schedule your session.
Women deserve to know all their options when it comes to managing the challenges of menopause. Self-pleasure is a powerful, natural tool that can help you navigate this transition with confidence and ease. Empower yourself, break the silence, and embrace the pleasure you deserve!
Reference List
https://kinseyinstitute.org/news-events/news/2024-09-16-menopause.php - link to article
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