Dear Quishia,

Yes, it is safe to masturbate while having your period. In fact, having an orgasm may help relieve menstrual cramps.

If a woman is using a tampon, she should remove it before insertive masturbation. Otherwise the tampon and its string could get pushed up too deep in the vagina for the woman to get it out herself.

If a woman uses sex toys for insertive masturbation, it's important to keep the toy clean. Condoms can be used on toys that go into the vagina or anus. Condoms need to be used if partners want to share the same toy, especially if a woman is menstruating. Use a new condom for each partner — and for each part of the body. Sex toys need to be cleaned — different toys have different cleaning instructions.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.