Study Finds Masturbation Can Alleviate Menopause Symptoms

A recent groundbreaking clinical study conducted by The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, in collaboration with the sexual wellness brand Womanizer, has revealed that masturbation may play a beneficial role in managing menopause symptoms. The study, conducted from April to August 2025, involved 66 women aged 40 to 75 who were either peri- or post-menopausal across various U.S. states. Participants were asked to modify their masturbation habits over a three-month period, with biweekly surveys tracking symptom changes.

Initially, nearly all participants reported experiencing at least one menopause-related symptom, such as fatigue, night sweats, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, or joint pain. After four weeks of using the Womanizer Next device, which utilizes advanced 3D Pleasure Air Technology, 92.9% of women reported experiencing a reduction in the frequency of at least one symptom. The most notable improvements were in feeling more rested and experiencing fewer mood swings.

The study also explored attitudes toward masturbation, revealing that 91% of women stated they would be more inclined to engage in masturbation if aware of its potential to alleviate menopause symptoms, and 79% would consider following a doctor’s advice on the topic. Interestingly, only 3% of participants had previously discussed masturbation with their healthcare providers.

Moreover, women who achieved orgasm during masturbation reported the most significant symptom improvements, likely due to neurochemicals like oxytocin and endorphins that enhance sleep, mood, and pain perception. The device received high satisfaction scores, with 95% of women enjoying its use and 32.3% finding it easier to reach orgasm compared to their usual methods.

The full report of the study is accessible online. Dr. Cynthia Graham from the Kinsey Institute highlighted that conversations about menopause often overlook self-pleasure, yet evidence suggests it can be an effective and accessible tool for symptom management. Despite the willingness of many women to incorporate masturbation into their menopause care, few have received medical guidance on this matter, indicating a significant gap in clinical practice. Experts emphasize that integrating sexual wellness into menopause care could improve the quality of life for many women.

This research underscores the importance of destigmatizing self-pleasure and recognizing its role in overall wellness during menopause, fostering open dialogue between patients and healthcare providers about alternative symptom relief strategies.