ASK US ANYTHING

SUZIE HAYMAN AND SUSAN QUILLIAM CAN HELP

- 

Why does an orgasm help when I’m in pain?

Q I suspect you’ll think I’m crazy, as I find having a climax helps with my period pains, which I’ve suffered from since I was 14. As soon as I feel the first cramps, I bring myself off – sometimes on my own, often with cuddles from my man. He’s happy to oblige and gets turned on, but also says he finds what I do weird.

SUSAN SAYS

A You’re not crazy or weird! Sexual arousal releases a cocktail of neurochemicals, such as oxytocin and dopamine, which research suggests can deliver effective pain relief for up to an hour at a time. That said, this trick doesn’t work for everyone. And for women, it usually takes actual genital touching and orgasm, rather than just general arousal, to have an effect. But if what you’re doing helps, go for it!

Their fighting is making us miserable