Why women are urged to try out NSFW act on their periods

Apparently, nothing relieves period symptoms quite like an orgasm.

Yep, you read that right - doctors have shared the surprising health benefits of self-pleasuring during your time of the month, as it, believe it or not, it can actually help relieve menstrual cramps.

Now, this, of course, won't be helpful for anyone, as for women with particularly painful periods, I can imagine that masturbating during this time is probably the last thing you want to do, but it may be worth a try.

Despite it potentially being a bit messy, it's completely healthy and a great way to relieve pain if paracetamol and ibuprofen just aren't doing the job.

Women’s health expert Dr. Sheryl A. Ross told Healthline that masturbating can 'help relieve anything from cramps and back pain to headaches and joint aches'.

This is because, when we orgasm, the body releases a rush of dopamine and serotonin, which not only makes us feel amazing but act as natural pain relievers.

When you orgasm, your body releases hormones that act has natural pain relief (Getty Stock Image)

Dr Aruna Kalra, Ob-gyn at CK Birla Hospital, told Health Shots: "Serotonin and dopamine are mood-enhancing hormones, which are released while having an orgasm. These are effective in curing menstrual cramps."

And that's not all - Che Che Luna, sensuality coach and sex educator at Allbodies, explains how masturbating while menstruating can produce a stronger orgasm.

The expert told Healthline: "During menstruation, there is increased blood flow and circulation, which can increase arousal, sensitivity, and pleasure."

It can also lead to a better night's sleep, as when oxytocin is released, it's thought to have a sedative effect once it wears off. Not only that - oxytocin also reduces stress and anxiety.

And studies have shown that another chemical that's released during an orgasm, called prolactin, can induce REM sleep.

The publication reports that, although it's yet to be scientifically proven, there's even a hypothesis that masturbating during your period can help shorten the number of days you're bleeding.

The thinking behind this is that when your uterus contracts, it pushes out your uterine lining faster than it would come out on its own.

Doctors have outlined some of the unexpected health benefits (Getty Stock Image)

I know the idea of stained sheets and a clean-up afterwards can be off-putting, but if you're a menstrual cup user who wants to avoid any messiness, apparently, leaving it in is completely fine.

"Some people even report that having sex with a menstrual cup in is extra enjoyable because of the way it puts pressure on their G-spot," Luna explained.

Or, you could always just sacrifice a few towels and keep a packet of baby wipes on hand.

The expert advises: “You can designate a couple of towels as period sex towels and lay them on the bed before getting it on. That way you’ll be able to embrace the mess without messing up your sheets.”

So, next time you reach for the paracetamol on your period, maybe give a more natural pain relief method a try instead...