Low mood, brain fog, hot flushes, insomnia: these are just some of the symptoms women experience when going through the menopause.
And, although half of the population experiences it, less than 15% receive effective treatment for their symptoms, according to research.
From HRT to CBT, there are various methods to ease the often debilitating ailments caused by the menopause, which can start as early as your 30s.
But there’s one treatment that stands apart from the others: masturbating.
A recent survey found that 1 in 10 women are using self-love as their primary tool for managing ailments brought on by the menopause – but few rarely talk about it.
The study found that both sex and masturbation were rated among the most effective methods for symptom relief, with many women reporting significant benefits from incorporating self-pleasure into their wellness routines.
And, the science agrees. Sarah Mulindwa, a sexual health nurse, told Metro.co.uk: ‘Masturbation can be a surprisingly effective way to alleviate some of the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause.
‘The release of endorphins during an orgasm can improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, and help women maintain or boost their libido. By enhancing pelvic floor strength, it can also improve bladder control, addressing another concern for many during menopause.’
But, as often is the case with female pleasure, masturbation as a tool to soothe menopause symptoms isn’t often talked about.
The survey by Womanizer, part of the LoveHoney group, found that while 86.8% of women experience menopausal symptoms, only only 44% of women have discussed it with their doctors. And only a third of doctors have talked about sex in regards to the menopause, and just 5% have mentioned masturbation as a tool.
Sarah thinks this is due to the masturbation still being seen as taboo.
She says: ‘Despite the potential benefits of masturbation for menopausal women, trans and non-binary people, it remains a largely neglected subject among healthcare providers.
‘Cultural and societal stigmas play a significant role; masturbation has long been surrounded by taboos and is often viewed as shameful or inappropriate, especially for older women.
‘Society frequently priorities the sexuality of younger women or men, leaving the sexual health of menopausal women overlooked. This bias can influence healthcare providers, who may feel uncomfortable or even embarrassed discussing masturbation with their patients.’
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Sarah adds that some medics may also be reluctant to suggest more holistic approaches to sexual health. ‘When combined with the reluctance of patients to bring up the topic, this creates a cycle of silence where neither party feels comfortable discussing masturbation openly,’ she says.
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