How masturbation can help relieve all kinds of pain?

 

While masturbation is frequently promoted as a form of self-care, you may be surprised to learn that it is also an effective form of pain relief. Yes, science backs it up.

 

• According to one study, when the clitoris was "self-stimulated," women's pain tolerance increased by 40%, and it increased by 74% when the stimulation resulted in orgasm.

 

• "Endorphins and other chemicals are released during masturbation, and these can reduce pain," explains Ness Cooper, a sex and relationships coach and clinical sexologist.

 

• "These bind to receptors in the brain and alter how we perceive pain while being released during masturbation and orgasm."

 

• So, why is this the case? As enjoyable as sex is, both with others and with yourself, how is it that it can be as effective – in some cases – as other forms of pain relief?

 

• "Just as some medications work better for certain people and conditions, the chemical responses from masturbation will be the same, which means that some people may find it provides better pain relief than others," Ness says.

 

• Masturbation can help you relieve pain in a variety of areas of your life. 

 

1. How masturbation can help alleviate migraine pain?

• According to the NHS, 20 percent of women suffer from migraines, and treating them is difficult. Masturbation, on the other hand, has been shown to help alleviate symptoms.

 

• "Some people find that prescription opioid-based medicines can help them with headaches and migraines," Ness says. "

 

• During masturbation, endorphins and oxytocin released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland [in the brain] activate opioid receptors in the brain and have the same effect as some pain medications." In more ways than one, my mind has been blown.

 

• "Estrogen is another hormone released during masturbation," she adds. "Low oestrogen levels can increase the likelihood of headaches and migraines."

 

2. How masturbation can help minimise pain from menstrual cramps?

• Period pain can be inconvenient and, at times, unbearable. However, the effect that masturbation has on that part of our body can help to make the pain bearable.

 

• "Orgasm and masturbation increase blood flow to the uterus and pelvic area, which can help relax the muscles and reduce menstrual spasms and cramps," explains Ness.

 

• "This is in addition to the release of all the feel-good chemicals that reduce pain during sexual self-pleasure."

  

3. How dull aches and muscle pain could  be treated through masturbation?

• Masturbation, according to Ness, can raise your pain threshold when it comes to inflammation or dull pain because it raises your testosterone levels.

 

• "Some studies suggest that testosterone can help people manage pain levels better, which means they can tolerate higher pain thresholds," she says. "Testosterone may help reduce inflammation in the body and explain why certain physical aches and pains feel less severe following masturbation or orgasm."

 

• Serotonin, a feel-good hormone, is also released during and after masturbation, which can help us deal with pain mentally while also providing us with a positive outlook. "Serotonin helps regulate pain," explains Ness.

 

• "Because masturbation has a feel-good effect on the body, it can also lead to motivation in engaging in other regular pain reduction and regulation activities, such as feeling positive about going to the gym."

 

 

4. Can masturbation may also help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety?

• Masturbation causes the release of oxytocin, a hormone that contributes to how relaxed our bodies feel while also alleviating discomfort from tight muscles.

 

• It has a significant impact on how our minds function, which is extremely beneficial if you are suffering from mental health issues.

 

• "Oxytocin can also help you think clearer, which can help you understand emotions better and help reduce anxiety and depression," explains Ness.