Menopause can be a challenging time for many women, bringing with it a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can affect daily life. Fatigue, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, and joint pain are just some of the experiences women navigate during this transition. While hormone therapy and lifestyle adjustments are commonly discussed solutions, a ground-breaking study suggests there's another approach worth exploring: self-pleasure.
Researchers from the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University recently conducted a study examining how regular masturbation, particularly with a sex toy, might impact menopausal symptoms. The findings are remarkable. Over 66 women aged 40 to 69 participated in the research, nearly all of whom were experiencing at least one menopausal symptom.
What the Study Revealed
The study followed a simple structure: participants abstained from masturbation for two weeks, then spent two weeks masturbating as they wished, followed by four weeks of regular use of a vibrator-like sex toy. The results were striking — approximately 93% of participants reported relief from at least one menopausal symptom after four weeks of regular toy use.
Women reported improvements in fatigue, mood swings, and overall wellbeing. Interestingly, symptom relief occurred whether or not participants experienced an orgasm, though those who did orgasm reported greater relief over time. The longer women engaged in this practice, the more significant their symptom improvements became.
A Conversation Worth Having
Perhaps most telling was the response from participants themselves. An overwhelming 91% said they'd be more likely to masturbate if they understood its potential benefits for symptom relief. Nearly 80% indicated they'd consider it if their doctor recommended it. Yet only 3% reported that a healthcare provider had ever discussed self-pleasure as a wellness option.
This gap highlights an important opportunity. Conversations about menopause management tend to centre on medical interventions and lifestyle changes, but the role of self-pleasure remains largely absent from these discussions. As Dr. Cynthia Graham from the Kinsey Institute notes, this represents an overlooked avenue for symptom relief.
If you're navigating menopause and seeking additional ways to manage your symptoms, this research suggests that exploring self-pleasure might be worth considering — and perhaps even worth discussing with your healthcare provider.