Does sex help period cramps?
Let’s be real - period cramps aren’t anyone’s idea of fun so it’s no wonder we all try to find ways to get through them. Whether you're a devoted heat pad user or you like to curl up with a hot chocolate at that time of the month, we all have our little ways of coping. And then there’s sex (yes, really) - you might have heard that it can help, but is this actually true?
Keep reading as we break down the science.
Can sex help period cramps?
Perhaps you’ve read it online, heard it in a group chat, or picked it up in a conversation with a friend. The idea that sex can help to ease period cramps is a common one, with some women swearing by it. But does it really work?
While there’s not a lot of research specifically on period pain, there is some evidence that sex can relieve other kinds of pain, like cluster headaches and migraines. In one study, people with these headaches were asked how their pain changed if they had sex during an episode. For those with migraines, 6 out of 10 people who tried it said it eased their pain. And for cluster headaches, about a third found it improved their pain. Of those who saw an improvement, most felt a moderate to complete relief - so for some, it seems to really take the edge off.
But how exactly could getting intimate help? One idea is that sex distracts your brain for a little while. That said, research suggests your body might have a few other tricks bit of a distraction - it might not actually lessen the pain, but it can make you forget the pain.
For example, during sex, your body releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals, called endorphins. These chemicals may help to increase your pain threshold, which could make your cramps feel less intense. In fact, endorphins have even been referred to as ‘morphine-like’ for their potential to ease pain .
There’s a similar theory about oxytocin, popularly known as the ‘love hormone’. Oxytocin is released during sex and you can also get a boost of it from hugs, exercise and even falling in love. A 2008 study found that higher oxytocin levels seem to increase pain tolerance, which suggests that sex, cuddles or even a good hug could possibly help to relieve period pain.
While the science is still catching up, plenty of people say they feel some relief from sex during their period. If it’s something you and your partner are comfortable with, it could be worth seeing if it helps you too.
Can having sex make your period more painful?
It’s totally normal to worry that having sex during your period might make your cramps worse - that’s something that can hold people back. After all, pain affects everyone differently, so it’s impossible to completely guarantee that any technique will work for all of us.
Take the example of the headache study. While many of the participants found that sex improved their headache symptoms, there were some who felt no benefit, and some who felt their headaches got worse.
Anecdotally, some people say that sex makes their cramps worse either during or afterwards. The only real way to know if sex helps your cramps is to give it a go - but only if you feel comfortable, and it’s something you and your partner both want.
If you do suffer from period pain then, Ultravana® Period Pain Relief Tablets, which contain naproxen, is a reliable, well-tested form of pain relief. You might find it helpful to try some yoga, go for a gentle walk or take a warm bath. Using a heat pad or hot water bottle could also bring some relief. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
If period pain is really getting in the way, remember you don’t have to handle it all on your own. While cramps are normal for some people, it’s completely valid to want some relief. By paying attention to what feels right for you, you’re already taking great care of yourself. And if you need a little extra guidance, reaching out can lead to the support you need. Talking things through with a pharmacist or your GP can help you figure out what makes the biggest difference for you.
Ultravana® Period Pain Relief 250mg Gastro-resistant Tablets. Always read the label.
Resources
Hambach, Anke et al. “The impact of sexual activity on idiopathic headaches: an observational study.” Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache vol. 33,6 (2013): 384-9. doi:10.1177/0333102413476374 Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23430983/
Gianotten, Woet L et al. “The Health Benefits of Sexual Expression.” International journal of sexual health : official journal of the World Association for Sexual Health vol. 33,4 478-493. 25 Sep. 2021, doi:10.1080/19317611.2021.1966564 Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10903655/
Sprouse-Blum, Adam S et al. “Understanding endorphins and their importance in pain management.” Hawaii medical journal vol. 69,3 (2010): 70-1. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3104618/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/oxytocin-the-love-hormone
Grewen, Karen M et al. “Ethnicity is associated with alterations in oxytocin relationships to pain sensitivity in women.” Ethnicity & health vol. 13,3 (2008): 219-41. doi:10.1080/13557850701837310 Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4624387/
