Childbirth: masturbation as a pain relief?

When labour begins, oxytocin is released in pulses, which increases uterine contractions and progressively intensifies the pain.

When pain is intense, adrenaline is released (in response to stress), which will "modulate" and "dampen" the effects of oxytocin.

Adrenaline and noradrenaline are "fight or flight" hormones. The body produces them to protect itself and be ready to flee or fight in order to stay alive. They are secreted during labour and during sex, as if to protect us during these moments of greater vulnerability and stillness. Excessive secretion of these hormones may slow contractions and increase the duration of labour [4]. On the other hand, a surge of adrenaline towards the end of labour could accelerate delivery.

During this time, beta-endorphins are released. A high level of beta-endorphins not only eases pain but also produces a feeling of pleasure and excitement.

This "altered state" that sometimes occurs during labour would, according to researchers, help women to behave intuitively and use their body's movements to facilitate birth [5].  

Beta-endorphins then relieve pain, which reduces the secretion of adrenaline.

When adrenaline levels drop, oxytocin can rise again, helping contractions to progress. And so on...

This cycle allows labour to progress whilst keeping pain levels "under control".

Synthetic oxytocin, sometimes given to induce labour, increases contractions but without the calming effect of beta-endorphins. This causes significant stress and therefore an excessive release of adrenaline, which can abruptly stop labour. The use of instruments such as ventouse or forceps then becomes more likely.[6]

Ina May Gaskin recommended techniques such as nipple stimulation or any type of stimulation to help labour progress if it stalls.

In Greek, oxytocin literally means "swift birth". It is produced in response to stimulation such as on the breasts [14], nipples, clitoris, vagina, cervix… or when we do skin-to-skin with our baby or when we breastfeed.

It is known as "the love hormone". According to researchers, oxytocin increases the number of receptors in the uterus and helps to regulate contractions. [15] Studies have thus highlighted a natural pain-relieving role for oxytocin. [16]

Not only can a partner provide essential emotional support, but they can also play an active role in reducing pain through touch and massage. 

Having sex may also help to trigger labour. Semen contains high levels of prostaglandins, which can help to ripen the cervix and prepare it for labour.

However, studies are divided on this. In a randomised controlled trial, 108 women were advised to have sex to trigger labour, and 102 received no particular instruction. [17]

The researchers found no significant differences between the 2 groups, whether regarding their cervix, their likelihood of having had a caesarean section, or other factors.

As far back as 1968, researcher Meares highlighted the importance of not frightening yourself with stories of difficult births, so as not to perpetuate a negative view of childbirth, and thereby giving your body and your baby a chance to give birth naturally. [18]

Giving your body a chance to experience labour pain and approaching it as a positive experience can also reduce the risk of medical interventions.

Get support from a doula, to experience a calm and peaceful birth, whether it takes place in hospital or as a home birth.

Privacy matters for feeling comfortable. Indeed, the cervix and vagina are what Gaskin calls "shy" muscles — meaning they can only function when they feel at ease, in "private".

Birth is an inherently complex process, which makes it a highly environment-sensitive event. [19] Like love, everything goes more smoothly when you feel good and safe.