The Dual Myths of Masturbation for Menopause Relief and "Use it or Lose it"

A Friendly Critique

Two taboos walk into a bar - masturbation and menopause - and when you put them together - well - - not a lot of data to support that one helps the other.

Let's get honest about menopause—and this so-called "best-kept secret" for relief: masturbation. Recently, Psychology Today published an article asking, Is Masturbation the Best Kept Secret for Menopause Relief? Well, buckle up because we'll break this down and have a little fun while we do it.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Masturbation and Menopause: Did They Make This Up?

The article summarizes a survey done by The Kinsey Institute and Womanizer. Yeah, not everyone loves that name, but they make some nice products for intimacy (solo and partnered). The survey included 3,000 Americans who were asked about menopause basics, its impact on sex and pleasure, and symptom management. They found that 86% of women experience menopause symptoms—and this tracks with other studies. They also learned that nearly a third of all people surveyed thought menopausal women could still get pregnant (nope, can't). ​