Menopause: a word that might make you think of hot flashes, mood swings, and an inexplicable urge to throw your duvet out the window at 3am. But what if we told you there’s an unexpected solution that just might ease some of the most persistent symptoms—and one you probably didn’t see coming?
Understanding Menopause: When the Body Hits “Refresh”
Menopause is a major transition in every woman’s life. It typically arrives at an average age of 51, although some might notice changes as early as 40. This period officially signals the end of ovarian cycles and, along with them, menstrual periods. What’s less often mentioned is the confusing cocktail of physical and physiological changes it brings. These shifts can sometimes feel like puberty, but in reverse, and they don’t mind overstaying their welcome.
The daily impact can be significant. Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats that leave you pondering an investment in new bedsheets
- Unrelenting fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability (possibly justifiably blaming others!)
- Joint pain
- A noticeable drop in libido
If you recognize these, you’re in good company. But there’s good news: solutions do exist. And yes, one of them is both surprising and, let’s admit it, kind of pleasant—masturbation.
The Under-discussed Trouble: Vaginal Atrophy
Let’s talk openly. One substantial effect of menopause, driven by the decrease and eventual stop of estrogen production, is vaginal atrophy. This means the vaginal walls become thinner, less flexible, and, frankly, less comfortable. Not every woman will experience this to the same extent, but it’s very common and can be the devil behind several ongoing issues:
- Drier than the Sahara vaginal environment
- Painful intercourse (the official term: dyspareunia)
- Vaginal burning sensations
- A higher risk of infections
- Sometimes, even urinary problems
While other symptoms like hot flashes often fade with time, those linked to vaginal atrophy can persist longer, stubbornly refusing to budge. But here’s the interesting bit: scientific studies have shown sexual activity, and specifically masturbation, as a potential remedy.
The Surprising Solution: Does Masturbation Really Help?
Let’s put blushes aside. A 2019 article from Harvard Medical School highlighted the positive effects of sexual activity, masturbation included, on vaginal atrophy. But how does this work, exactly? When a woman masturbates, increased blood flow to the genital area can help restore elasticity to vaginal tissues and tackle dryness. In medical lingo, that means the tissues get « plumper » and better lubricated—less discomfort for you.
There’s more. The same article points out that women who are sexually active experience fewer symptoms of vaginal atrophy than women who are less frequently or not sexually active. Essentially, use it or lose it isn’t just a catchy phrase—it has some real scientific backing in this case.
The saga doesn’t end there. An epidemiological study in the United States, SWAN (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation), followed nearly 3,000 women aged 42 to 52 since 1994. It looked at a whole medley of factors, including sexual function. The research assessed each woman’s sex life with questionnaires and blood tests measuring hormones like testosterone, estradiol, and FSH. Participants reported how often they’d experienced sexual desire—alone or with a partner—how many times they’d masturbated, and how many times they’d had sex with a partner over a six-month period.
Here’s where it gets juicy (scientifically speaking): masturbation, sexual desire, and arousal were positively linked to testosterone production. And since testosterone is the hormone that keeps sexual desire dancing, the relationship is clear.
What’s Next? Embracing Taboo Solutions with Confidence
The evidence points in one direction: pleasure isn’t just fun—it’s functional. Masturbation, long wrapped in awkward silences or giggles, might hold a key to real relief from persistent menopause symptoms, especially those tied to vaginal atrophy and dryness.
This isn’t about replacing medical treatment where it’s needed or ignoring the wide range of menopause experiences. It’s about equipping women with every possible tool for well-being, including those that might feel surprising at first glance. And remember, every body is different. Some will benefit more, others less—but why not explore all your options, especially when one is actually enjoyable?
If you’re dealing with uncomfortable menopause symptoms, talking to your healthcare provider is always wise. But don’t be shy about trying solutions that offer both comfort and a little pleasure—you might just find that the path to relief isn’t so unexpected after all.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
