Masturbation May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
Self-pleasure may help manage menopause symptoms, says Kinsey Institute survey.
Why it matters
- New survey suggests masturbation can help manage menopause symptoms.
- Adds a low-cost, accessible option to the menopause care toolkit.
- Highlights the need for better menopause symptom management options.
By the numbers
- Survey included 1,178 peri- and postmenopausal women.
- 13.5% of perimenopausal and 9.7% of postmenopausal women use masturbation for symptom relief.
- Average rating of 4.35 out of 5 for symptom relief effectiveness among perimenopausal women.
The big picture
- Many women face disruptive menopause symptoms with limited treatment options.
- Masturbation is an accessible, low-cost option that may improve mood and sleep.
- Suggests a need for more comprehensive menopause care and education.
What they're saying
- Some women report symptom relief from masturbation.
- Limited discussion between patients and clinicians about self-pleasure.
- Many women would try it if recommended by a clinician.
Caveats
- Data is self-reported; no physiological measurements.
- Need for controlled studies to confirm cause and effect.
- Limited attention to menopause in medical training.
What’s next
- Further research needed to confirm findings with controlled studies.
- Potential integration of self-pleasure into menopause care plans.
- More comprehensive education for clinicians on menopause symptom management.