Riding the Crimson Wave: Your Period Might Enhance Sexual Satisfaction
At Lioness, we love to challenge silly societal rules and assumptions with science, especially when they directly relate to the pleasure and sexual wellbeing of women and people with vulvas.
And that includes assumptions and rules about menstruation.
For too long, the truth about periods and sex has been shrouded in taboo, misconceptions, and cultural inaccuracies. As a result, periods are viewed as a time to avoid sex and masturbation — a literal "red light" week on the calendar. But what if everything we've been told about periods and pleasure is wrong? What if, contrary to popular belief, menstruation could actually be a time of heightened sexual satisfaction?
Can your period boost your arousal?
Think about your last menstrual cycle: can you remember when you felt horny? We're willing to bet you noticed around ovulation. But did you check in with yourself when you were bleeding?
While many people assume sexual desire plummets during menstruation, or experience that decline firsthand, that's not always the case. For some, the bleed phase is a period of increased desire and arousal. Whether it's the taboo of period sex, the low risk of pregnancy, or pain-relieving orgasms will be specific to each Crimson Surfer.
So while conventional wisdom advocates for ovulation (mid-cycle) as the peak of sexual desire due to high estrogen levels, the reality is more nuanced and individualized.
Your cycle can influence physical sensations
Your menstrual cycle affects more than just your hormones. It creates physical changes that can directly impact sexual pleasure:
Cervical position: In case you didn't know, the position of your cervix shifts throughout your cycle, sitting higher near ovulation and lower during other phases. This can affect how certain positions feel, especially if you're participating in penetrative sex or masturbation. If dildos and digits aren't comfortable during your period, you can explore anal penetration and external stimulation.
Sensitivity changes: If you're clutching your boobs and burning your bras during your period, you're not alone. Breast and nipple sensitivity are a byproduct of your hormones shifting during your menstrual cycle. If you're into nipple play, try experimenting with lighter or heavier sensations during your period to see how it impacts your arousal.
Blood flow: During your period, there is a natural increase in blood flow to the pelvic region. And what's the thing we're always harping on as a way to increase pleasure? Increased blood flow. If you can get past the period-blood of it all, this is a great time to explore natural circumstances that might lead to more intense orgasms.
Benefits beyond pleasure: How period orgasms improve wellbeing
If heightened sensations aren't enough to get you to try period masturbation, maybe the health benefits can convince you. While it may seem like a messy endeavor, sexual pleasure during menstruation extends beyond just feeling good and having orgasms:
Pain relief: Looking for a quick biohack to help with period-related pain? Orgasms release endorphins that can help alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort.
Mood enhancement: Sexual pleasure triggers the release of serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter that can enhance mood, promote relaxation, and even lead to better sleep. Who isn't looking for all three of those when they're actively bleeding, right?
Shorter periods: Some research suggests that the uterine contractions experienced during orgasm may help expel menstrual blood more quickly, potentially shortening the duration of your period. Is this true? Only one way to find out!
Stress reduction: At the end of the day, periods lead to increased stress (and just sort of suck all around). Fortunately, the relaxation that follows masturbation can help reduce your stress levels, making your period just a bit more manageable.
Research Spotlight
A study published in Behavioral Ecology examined cis-het women's emotional and sexual attraction patterns across the menstrual cycle. While the research focused primarily on relationship dynamics, it highlighted the complexity of desire patterns and challenged simplistic notions about when arousal peaks during the cycle.
Additional research from the University of Rochester notes that "During the various phases of the menstrual cycle, your body produces different hormones... With this can come a fluctuation in sex drive for some."
How to masturbate on your period
If you're interested in exploring sexual pleasure during menstruation, here are some practical tips:
Do it on a towel: Place a dark towel beneath you to absorb any blood.
Do it in the shower: The shower provides a natural cleansing environment.
Do it with a disc: Unlike cups or tampons, menstrual discs can be worn during penetrative sex.
Do it externally: If you prefer to avoid penetration, external stimulation can still provide pleasure and orgasms.
Set sail for crimson waters
Your period is not a pause button on pleasure. In fact, it might actually be a power-up. But don't take our word for it.
With the Lioness Smart Vibrator, you can gather concrete, visual evidence of how your orgasms transform throughout your cycle.
When your next period arrives, we're inviting you to Sexperiment with us. Your pleasure deserves to be understood, not hidden and certainly not just before or after you bleed.
Find the pleasure in your period with Lioness
When the world told you your period wasn't for pleasure, they were lying.
Reclaim another piece of knowledge about your own body that should have been yours all along with Lioness.
Seeing is believing — and seeing red is not the shameful thing you were told it was.
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