Hi!
I had severe menstrual cramps from c. when my period started at the age of 13 up until the time I was 17. During this period of time I masturbated frequently (maybe 3 times a week). At 17 I spent an exchange year abroad in a host family where I had no privacy (and thus could not masturbate) and suddenly my cramps ceased completely for the duration of that year. When I returned home and continued masturbating as usual, my cramps appeared again.
When I realised this potential connection I began to experiment a bit and noticed, in the course of several months, that if I masturbated a bit, my period would consequently be a bit painful but if I did it a lot, the period that I would have at the end of the month would be very painful (severe cramps, nausea, weakness, low body temperature and fatigue). When I do not masturbate I get no noticeable symptoms whatsoever.
I run several times a week and exercise helps the cramps but only when they're on. I sometimes experience cramping when I run but only occasionally. I have tried masturbating to relieve cramps while on my period but having an orgasm has made them instantly worse. I have been abstaining from masturbation for a few months now to avoid painful periods and I have experienced no cramps whatsoever. My periods have been easy and happy ever since.
I am very perplexed because I have read everywhere that masturbation should relieve period cramps and not cause them. There is just such a stark correlation between the number of times I masturbate in the course of a given month and the cramps I get during the subsequent period that I cannot help but wonder. I am able to stop the cramps by dropping masturbation altogether. This is obviously having a negative effect on my sexual health and I am also worried about what might happen if I have sex in the future (I am still a virgin).
My periods are relatively regular and I have not experienced other problems such as dripping during the month etc. Also, I usually get no cramps at the precise moment when I have an orgasm if I am not on my period (sometimes I do, though).
Thank you!
Best wishes,
J