Does Ovulation Make You Horny? Yes, It Does. Here's Why.

Have you ever noticed changes in your sexual desire and arousal levels throughout the month? Some days, sex is the last thing on your mind, and on others, it feels like the world might finish without it. Believe us, that's completely normal and something more women should be open to talking about. The process a woman's body goes through during the menstrual cycle can (and does) have a significant influence on women's sexual arousal. So, let's explain the phases of a menstrual cycle and how sexual arousal changes across the four stages of the cycle, plus the benefits of climaxing on period - which can play a significant role in this rollercoaster ride. 

The Menstrual Cycle

First things first, the menstrual cycle refers to the monthly series of hormonal changes a woman's body undergoes in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. The cycle usually lasts around 28 days, although it can vary from woman to woman - for example, teenagers might have cycles that last 45 days, and women in their 20s-30s might have cycles that last 21 to 38 days. The cycle is divided into four main phases: the menstrual phase (when the lining of your uterus sheds), the follicular phase (when the ovaries produce follicles), ovulation (when one of your ovaries releases an egg), and the luteal phase (preceding the period).

Menstrual phase

This phase marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle. If pregnancy hasn't occurred, estrogen (the sex hormone that's necessary for maintaining your sexual and reproductive health) and progesterone (supports menstruation and helps maintain the early stages of pregnancy) levels are low. Low hormones signal the body to start shedding the uterine lining, which results in menstrual bleeding that usually lasts 3 to 7 days.

Follicular phase

Following menstruation, the follicular phase begins and lasts for 13 to 14 days, ending in ovulation. During this phase, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is released in the brain, stimulating the ovaries to produce follicles, each maturing into one egg. During this phase, estrogen levels gradually rise, leading to the thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy. During this phase, women tend to be more energetic and happier than in most other phases of the menstrual cycle (oh, those glory days when your period ends!).

Ovulation

As mentioned, the beginning of ovulation is the end of the follicular phase. It is the midpoint of the menstrual cycle and occurs when one of your ovaries releases a mature egg. This usually happens around day 14 of a 28-day cycle but depends on the overall length of the women's cycle. Ovulation is triggered by a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, which causes the mature follicle to break open and release the egg. Estrogen levels that were rising during the mid-follicular, now precipitously drop after ovulation.

Luteal phase

After ovulation, the luteal phase begins. During this phase, the opened follicle transforms into a mass of cells that forms a structure in an ovary called the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone in early pregnancy. Progesterone helps thicken the uterine lining further, preparing it for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not happen, estrogen and progesterone levels once again decline, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the start of another menstrual cycle.

Changes in Sexual Arousal Across the Menstrual Cycle

Now that we understand the basic phases of the menstrual cycle, let's explore how sexual arousal fluctuates throughout these phases.

Increased libido during the follicular phase

We explained how estrogen levels rise during the follicular phase. For that reason, many women experience an increase in libido and sexual arousal, or simply said, feeling "horny." This is because estrogen contributes to heightened sensitivity in erogenous zones, causes your body to produce more vaginal lubrication, and an overall increase in sexual desire.

Horniness during ovulation 

Ovulation is a key moment in the menstrual cycle, and hormones during ovulation are a reason women experience an increase in sexual desire. This sudden increase is linked to the body's biological drive to procreate. Both sex and masturbation during ovulation have the capacity to be better, as well as the orgasms. 

Days preceding the period

During the luteal phase, progesterone levels rise. While progesterone is essential for preparing the body for pregnancy, high progesterone levels are responsible for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and it was also recognized to have a decreasing effect on libido for some women. However, it is important to mention that this isn't the case for everyone, as individual experiences can vary widely.  

Benefits of Having an Orgasm During Your Period

While you may shy away from sexual activity during your period, it's worth exploring how these intimate moments can actually do wonders for the mind and body. Let's talk about five key benefits that may surprise you and rethink your decision on orgasm during your period:

1. Pain relief

Orgasms can help when dealing with menstrual cramps and other types of pelvic pain. Let's explain: when you reach climax, your body releases endorphins, which are the "feel good" hormones and natural pain relievers that your body produces. The endorphins block pain signals in your brain and spinal cord, making you feel better and lowering the discomfort you might be experiencing. So, having an orgasm can actually help lower the intensity of your menstrual cramps and other pelvic pains, giving you some much-needed relief during your period.

2. Relaxation and better sleep

Orgasms trigger additional feel-good hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin, which can help elevate mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and irritability commonly experienced during menstruation. Additionally, the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters during orgasm creates a sense of relaxation, promoting better sleep quality. This can be especially beneficial for those struggling with sleep during menstruation, providing a natural and enjoyable way to relax and get a restful night's sleep. You can also find 10 tips for better sleep during your period here.

3. Strengthening pelvic floor muscles

The muscle contractions during orgasm act like a workout for your pelvic floor muscles, gradually making them stronger over time. This strengthening can bring several advantages, such as better control over your bladder, improved sexual function, and a lower risk of pelvic floor problems like urinary incontinence. By regularly engaging these muscles during orgasm, you make sure to keep your pelvic region healthy and functioning well.

4. Menstrual regulation

Following the pelvic floor contraction, a study suggests having orgasms might help regulate menstrual flow by causing the uterus to contract. These contractions can help the body expel menstrual blood more effectively, possibly shortening the period. While more research is needed to grasp this connection fully, it appears that orgasms could have a positive impact on menstrual health by potentially making periods more manageable. 

5. Hormonal balance

Orgasms significantly impact hormone levels in the body, which can help keep things balanced during the menstrual cycle. One way they do this is by lowering cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. When cortisol levels drop, it can help reduce anxiety and tension. On top of that, orgasms also cause the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." This hormone is linked to feelings of bonding and intimacy, making us feel closer to others. By influencing these hormones, orgasms can maintain hormonal balance throughout the menstrual cycle, potentially easing symptoms and supporting overall menstrual health.   

Learning how hormones work during the stages of our cycle and how that affects our body and mind can help us understand our sexual needs better and maybe even rethink our usual ways. Practicing intimacy during menstruation and exploring the benefits of orgasms can change your life (or those sometimes miserable days) for good. From pain relief and better sleep to strengthened pelvic floor muscles and feeling happier, orgasms during menstruation can be indeed helpful for managing hormonal and body changes.

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