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Yep, we said it, and we’ll say it again. It’s Masturbation May and there’s more to it than showing yourself a little TLC (but we’re here for that, too).

The big 'M-word.' Long since shrouded in stigma, self-love has fallen into the taboo. But it’s time to put an end to that cycle.

Lovehoney, one of our favourite UK-based intimacy retailers, is working to destigmatise masturbation with the celebration of Masturbation May. If you haven't heard of it, this month-long holiday signals a time to celebrate self-love and the surprising ways it can benefit you, particularly if you’re someone who menstruates.

That’s right. If you’re one of the millions of people who experience menstruation-related cramps, pains, aches or an entire slew of symptoms, a new study shows that masturbation can help.

Initiated in May 2020 by Womanizer and Lunette, the 'Menstrubation' Study was a three-month study that included 480 people who menstruate from 18 countries, including the UK.

The study’s goal? To highlight the positive health benefits masturbation can have on period pains and shed some positive light on self-love along the way.

Surprisingly, menstrubation — a clever combination of menstruation and masturbation — hadn’t been well-researched prior to this study.

During the testing phase, participants were asked to use masturbation as their only form of pain management. The study also looked at the long-term effects of how self-love might influence menstruation.

Curious to know how it worked out?

After the study was completed, it was revealed that:

We all know that the menstruation cycle is the process by which the uterine wall sheds its lining. Fun stuff, right? Controlling that process is the hormone prostaglandins. The hormone is what’s known as a ‘pain messenger’ and it’s vital to the body’s inflammatory response.

So how does masturbation help? During and after an orgasm, the body releases three hormones that cause prostaglandins (and other hormones) to ‘take a backseat.’ These miracle workers are:

You aren’t alone! And Lovehoney wants you to be well prepared because self-love isn’t just a medical marvel, it’s also the best way to better understand your body. After all, you and your body will have the longest relationship of your life. You deserve to find pleasure in it.

Shop all Lovehoney sex toys

No matter your sexual preferences, there’s a sex toy you can add to the bedroom. Here are three of our favourites from Lovehoney.

Having revolutionised the sex toy industry, Womanizer is a Lovehoney preferred brand. When it comes to menstrubation, or masturbation at any time of the month for that matter, the Premium 2 clitoral stimulator is the tool for the job.

The flagship toy of Womanizer, the Premium 2 features patented Pleasure Air tech that uses contact-free air vibrations to stimulate the clitoris. Combined with 14 different settings, the Womanizer Premium 2 is capable of getting you there in a way tailored to the needs and wants of your own ‘you time’.

Throw in the fact that it’s easy to hold, waterproof, silent and rechargeable, it’s no wonder why Womanizer users are happy. In fact, 98% of those who’ve used a Womanizer report reaching climax.

A limited-edition metallic take on a Lovehoney bestseller, this classic wand vibrator has more than 3,000 rave reviews and 4.8-star rating.

Easy to use, just plug in the Magic Wand Vibrator and use the scroll wheel to find the right mode for you. It’s perfect for an intimate massage when you’re alone or for those times you and your partner want to turn up the heat.

When it comes to the fine details, the head of the vibrator features soft, flexible silicone that’s free from latex and phthalate, so it’s easy on sensitive skin. Mains powered, you don’t have to worry about your you-time being interrupted by a dead battery. This toy isn’t waterproof, but it is compatible with a range of Lovehoney Magic Wand attachments like this G-spot pleaser.

As we all know, masturbation isn't just for those who menstruate. Lovehoney has many options for the men among us looking to celebrate Masturbation May. Designed to enhance self-play, the Blowmotion Stroking Blow Job Male Masturbator is a no-nonsense toy that delivers an intense sensation.

With a 5-inch canal grip and three different patterns with intensities each, this toy allows you to switch it up each time you use it. Plus, it's equipped with a pair of 'luscious lips' and a 'real-feel sleeve' that's surrounded by beads for ultimate pleasure.

When using, don’t forget the lube! Lovehoney recommends a water-based lubricant while using this toy to avoid any uncomfortable friction.

With a broad head and a 180-minute run time, this rechargeable silicone vibrator is sure to please. It comes with five different vibration patterns and 10 intensity levels so you can enjoy a unique experience every time you use it. But don’t worry, just because the speed increases doesn’t mean the volume does; this vibrator is a lot quieter than others on the market.

Plus, its flexible neck and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold while its silky silicone cover feels nice and luxurious to touch.

A pleasant bonus? The wand comes with an integral lock, so you never have to worry about it turning on at the worst possible moment.

Even though shopping for sex toys shouldn’t be taboo, many still cringe a bit at the thought of sitting down to order one online.

That’s why we’re big fans of Lovehoney. Not only is this brand loud and proud about the benefits of self-love — but their products, ranging from sex toys to sexy lingerie, are some of the best out there.

In fact, Lovehoney has even won many awards for its products and services, including two from the Queen of England herself. No, we’re not kidding.

And if you’re nervous about any awkwardness that may arise when your package arrives at your door, you need not worry. Lovehoney ships all of its packages in ‘boring brown boxes,’ so your sexy purchase is your little secret to keep.

Check out everything Lovehoney has to offer

The pricing information presented above is accurate as of 17/05/2022. We are not responsible for any changes to it. This article is paid for by Lovehoney. When you make a purchase, we may earn a commission.

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