SOMETHING that doesn’t get a lot of airplay is masturbation during a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle. Even Howard Stern would probably find talking about menstrual masturbation distasteful, while others find it extremely erotic. I am not going to delve into the mechanics of menses; most women have a pretty good idea of how it works. Any guy who is reading can ask his wife or girlfriend the juicy details.

I want to talk about masturbation while you are going through those seven days (more or less) of bleeding. Maybe you have already tried it, maybe not. Perhaps you have heard that it will make your period longer to get down with yourself however those myths surrounding periods, sex, and masturbation simply aren’t true. While you are more open to a possible infection, with proper hygiene you have nothing to worry about.

You might find yourself more turned on during the first few days of your cycle. This is totally normal; you are not weird at all. If you have been touching yourself and getting off, you are still not weird. In fact, you might just be helping your uterus shed it’s lining, resulting in a slightly shorter period. Just a little extra benefit from masturbating on the rag, huh? The contractions from your orgasm help remove all of the blood. So, work it, baby, make those O’s into a really Big O. It can only help you.

If you are worried about making a mess, which is something I have heard quite often from people when they talk about touching themselves on their period, then get a towel and place it under your hips. You can also try it in the shower; all traces will be washed away. If you have a shower massage, so much the better. Just do not aim the water into your vagina. Be sure to only use the water jets on your clit.

Insertion of your sex toys on your period is fine. Make sure they are clean; wash them before and after use. That is what you should be doing anyway to keep your body in good health. If you are very sensitive when you are bleeding, just do not insert the toy as deep as you normally might. Most of the nerves in a woman’s vagina are concentrated near the opening, so you will possibly find a new way to get off.

Your period doesn’t mean you need to neglect your needs. An orgasm will not only be a nice way to relieve stress as usual, but it can help get rid of cramps, shorten the period, and strengthen your uterus muscles. Just three more great things about masturbation.