Why is Masturbation Essential for Postmenopausal Wellness?
New research reveals why self-pleasure might be the most powerful (and overlooked) tool for managing menopause symptoms.
Menopause brings profound changes to our intimate wellness – from vaginal dryness and decreased sensitivity to changes in arousal response. While these shifts are natural, they aren’t your destiny–and they don’t have to end your sex life. There's a powerful practice available, one that doesn't require money, a prescription, doctor's visit, or expensive supplements. And it's something your body already knows how to do perfectly: self-pleasure.
Hear me out: Think of masturbation and self-pleasure as your body's built-in wellness ritual. Just as you might practice yoga for flexibility or meditation for mental clarity, regular masturbation can help maintain intimate wellness during and after menopause.
It can seriously act as the antidote to vaginal dryness, atrophy, penetration pain, orgasm difficulty and low desire.
Groundbreaking research from the Kinsey Institute is validating what many holistic health practitioners have long suspected: self-pleasure isn't just about sexual satisfaction – it's a vital practice for overall feminine wellness.
Dr. Shamyra, LCSW and AASECT-certified sex therapist says “The more women learn about this tool, the more empowered they’ll be to take control of their sexual health and overall well-being.”
Let's get into all the benefits of masturbation for menopausal women.
So Why Does Masturbation Provide Menopause Relief?
The 2024 Kinsey Institute study reveals masturbation ranked higher than any other lifestyle factor for symptom relief.
But why is that? Increased blood flow.
During menopause, declining estrogen levels naturally reduce blood flow to the genital area, which can lead to tissue changes and decreased sensation.
Well, when you engage in self-pleasure, blood rushes back to these tissues, bringing oxygen and nutrients that help maintain vaginal and vulva health. This boost in circulation helps combat common menopausal concerns like vaginal dryness and decreased sensation.
This is true for manual stimulation (just using your hands) and especially true for vibrators.
What Type of Masturbation is Helpful?
It should be noted this type of masturbation is mostly focused on clitoral stimulation since this is where most women derive the most arousal response – the more arousal, the more blood flow can increase to the overall area.
It also should be noted masturbation is most helpful when it's a regular and consistent part of your life and self-care. A root around once in a while, while totally normal and healthy, is not often enough to have therapeutic benefits.
So, clitoral stimulation and often. Focusing on building arousal for around 10-20 minutes.
Ok, now onto the many benefits.
11 Benefits of Regular Masturbation for Menopausal Women
Pleasure is power, especially when you’re among the 85% of women who experience menopause symptoms. Here are X benefits of masturbation that might encourage you to create that sexual wellness routine or to finally buy that lube or vibrator for yourself.
⚪ Physical Benefits of Regular Self-Pleasure During Menopause
#1 Increase in blood flow in vaginal & vulvar tissues
It bears repeating that clitoral stimulation and masturbation is SO great for menopause and its symptoms because of the boost in blood flow it provides. The dip in estrogen causes blood flow in the area to decrease and as a result the tissues suffer and symptoms can begin to pile up.
#2 Increase in natural vaginal lubrication when dryness strikes
Vaginal dryness affects 57% of post-menopausal women. While lubricant and vaginal moisturizers are wonderful additions to your sexual wellness routine – masturbation (and orgasm) boosts your natural lubrication, even with decreased hormones.
#3 Decreases pain during sex
In a study involving post-menpausal women and vibrator use, an impressive 85% reported decreased pain during sexual activity when using a vibrator.
Here's why: Vaginal dryness makes tissues less elastic and penetration painful. Normally during arousal, blood flow triggers natural lubrication and the vagina deepens and expands (thanks to pleated tissue called rugae). But with low estrogen, these natural processes slow down. Regular masturbation improves blood flow, helping restore these vital functions – making sex comfortable again.
#4 Regular Pleasure Keeps Vaginal Tissues Healthy & Strong
Just like any muscle, vaginal tissue needs regular activity to stay healthy. Research shows regular self-pleasure helps maintain vaginal elasticity and health even as hormones decline. Regular stimulation helps maintain tissue strength and flexibility – no prescription required.
⚪ Sexual Response Benefits
#5 Improves arousal response when sensitivity decreases
There is a reason 41% of women aged 40-80 struggle to reach orgasm. The decline in estrogen and dip in blood flow to the pelvic area can make the 10,000 nerve endings in the clitoris become less sensitive to stimulation. Regular masturbation helps maintain nerve sensitivity and keeps arousal pathways active.
#6 Makes orgasms easier to achieve when orgasms are hard to come by
Regular self-pleasure helps maintain the nerve sensitivity and arousal responses that make orgasms possible. Think of it as keeping your pleasure pathways open – the more you travel them, the easier they are to access, even when hormones make things more challenging.
#7 Makes partnered penetrative sex more enjoyable
When you maintain regular solo pleasure, partnered sex gets better too. The 2024 study showed women who used vibrators consistently reported more comfortable and enjoyable penetrative sex. Why? Your regular practice keeps tissues flexible, maintains natural lubrication, and helps you stay connected to what feels good.
⚪ Long-term Health Benefits
#8 Prevents the "use it or lose it" syndrome that hits during menopause
Here’s a scary truth: without regular stimulation during menopause, both vaginal and clitoral tissues can physically shrink and lose sensitivity. (This is called atrophy.)
But regular self-pleasure helps maintain tissue size, nerve responsiveness, and overall intimate health. Think of it as essential maintenance – these tissues NEED regular activation to stay healthy and functional, just like any other part of your body.
#9 Improves sleep quality
Up to 60% of menopausal women report poor sleep. But here's a natural solution: orgasms release a cocktail of sleep-promoting hormones including prolactin and oxytocin, while reducing cortisol (the stress hormone that can keep you awake). Regular self-pleasure can help create this natural sleep-inducing response, making it easier to drift off and stay asleep.
⚪ Emotional & Mental Wellness Benefits
#10 Increases libido and desire
Research shows women's sexuality follows a "complementary model" – the more pleasure you experience, including solo, the more desire you feel overall.
Renowned sex therapist Dr. Laurie Mintz explains, self-pleasure isn't competition for partnered sex – it actually increases your overall sexual appetite. Regular masturbation helps keep your desire alive, even when hormones are shifting.
#11 Increases self-confidence & improves mental wellness
Recent studies show women who maintain regular self-pleasure report improved mental health and overall wellbeing. Sex therapist Dr. Shamyra, LCSW explains, "The more women learn about this tool, the more empowered they'll be to take control of their sexual health and overall well-being."
Brand New Study Confirms This: 84% of Women See Improved Sexual Function Using Vibrators During Menopause
A groundbreaking 2024 study published in the International Urogynecology Journal showed vibrator use significantly improved multiple aspects of pelvic health.
Women using vibrators regularly reported less vaginal dryness, decreased pain during sex, and notably improved tissue health – even without hormones or other interventions.
The study found that just 5-10 minutes of external vibrator use, 2-3 times per week, created meaningful changes in vaginal tissue health and comfort.
Physical observed in this study:
- 84% improvement in sexual function scores
- 50% reduction in bothersome prolapse symptoms
- 33% decrease in urge incontinence symptoms
- Significant reduction in vaginal atrophy severity
- Dramatic increase in sexual satisfaction scores
- Significant improvement in vaginal tissue health
Sexual response benefits observed in this study:
- Increased desire
- Better arousal response
- Improved orgasm frequency
- Higher sexual satisfaction scores
- More comfortable penetrative sex
- Increased natural lubrication
Mental health benefits observed in this study:
- Significant decrease in depression symptoms
- Improved overall mental health scores
- Better health-related quality of life scores
- Enhanced self-reported wellbeing
This isn't just about pleasure – it's about maintaining the health of your pelvic tissues through menopause and beyond.
Think of vibrator use as physical therapy for your pelvic floor, helping to keep tissues vital and responsive despite hormonal changes.
Taking the Next Step: Choosing Your Pleasure Tools
You might think vibrators “aren’t for you” but, if you’re here, reading this, let me stress that vibrators are absolutely for you.
Vibrators are just tools that enhance stimulation and can directly benefit those experiencing menopausal symptoms or struggles.
Masturbation is definitely good for menopause no matter what, vibrator or not, but these tools offer stimulation our hands just can’t.
Choosing the Right Tools for Your Journey
New to vibrators and wonder which will be best for you? We’re here to help.
Take our quiz to find out which is your best match.
Our customers aged between 45-65 who experience menopausal symptoms all rate Aura The Air Pulse Vibrator a 10/10 exceptional experience, with Bewitch’d Wand Massager coming in a close second.
Both are powerful clitoral stimulators offering an effective pleasure tool for anyone wanting to create an orgasmic sexual wellness routine.
In addition to vibrators we always recommend lubricants to EVERYONE, any age group. For the vaginal pH, water-based lubricants are best. For longevity, silicone is definitely a nice choice. But when using silicone vibrators, always use water-based lubricants.
Pleasure is Your Birthright
If your body is changing, DO NOT forgo pleasure. Adapt with tools.
When your vision needs help, you get glasses. Similarly, sex aids can enhance your physical sensations. Sex aids are like glasses, for your pleasure body. They can sharpen sensations, bring hazy pleasures into focus, and revive feelings you thought were long gone.
Don't settle for a fuzzy sex life.
Bring pleasure into focus again.
