We operate on a monthly hormonal cycle, whether or not we are having our bleed.
You may notice that you have periods of time where you are energetic, curious and outgoing.
At other times it may feel the complete opposite.
Your body and mind may feel slow, sensitive and indecisive.
This is due to the 4 stages (or seasons) of your cycle.
Menstruation (bleed)
Follicular
Ovulation
Luteal
As a woman, your cycle can be your greatest teacher.
When we learn to move with our cycle, we can begin to experience greater pleasure, less
resistance and a greater understanding of our own unique needs at each phase.
Reflecting on your own intimate life, can you think of times where your sexual and intimate
desires fluctuate?
Menstruation (bleed)
During your menstrual phase, when you have significantly less energy, it may take longer for you
to mentally and emotionally build desire and arousal. Your body may be more sensitive to
touch.
This is the perfect time for lots of non-sexual intimacy, taking away the pressure that things
may lead to sex (solo or with a lover).
This can look like slow mornings just having extra cuddle time, quiet evenings at home
watching a movie and enjoying a cuddle or massage on the couch, hair playing, gentle
tickles and gentle touch. If things do lead toward sex & physical intimacy, you might prefer
this to be slow, sensual and connected.
This is your resting phase and the intimacy you are exploring should feel nourishing.
Follicular.
Your energy will be building before reaching ovulation.
You may begin to feel more social, active and notice an increased desire for physical
intimacy.
While you may not be feeling super spicy yet, this phase can be a fun time to increase
physical touch with yourself or with your lover / partner. Sexual intimacy may still be slower
but you will start to notice you are naturally becoming more turned on.
You might enjoy prioritising some time for self pleasure, warm showers or a bath with your
lover, cuddles & kisses that lead to more physical intimacy or sex.
This phase can be the perfect time to organise any fun, sex & intimacy plans for during
ovulation.
Ovulation.
Your body and mind will be at peak energy at this phase of your cycle.
This is when you are MOST horny, turned on and ready to explore.
Sex & intimacy may feel
more spontaneous and adventurous. Your body will naturally respond more strongly to
emotional, mental and physical stimulation.
Your cervix has moved slightly higher meaning
you may enjoy deeper penetration comfortably in this stage.
This is a fun time to openly explore your desires & fantasies. Think sensory play, introducing
new toys, sex & intimacy outdoors or in new locations.
This phase invites you to bring a
playful element to sex & intimacy.
Luteal.
(Early Phase)
After ovulation, your energy begins to drop.
You will notice your energy gradually lessen as your body begins to move towards
menstruation.
Early in the luteal phase, you may still notice higher levels of desire for sexual intimacy. Your
cervix has just started to drop and while your energy begins to move towards rest you might
alternate between days of high libido and days of slowness.
(Late Phase)
By the later phase of luteal, your cervix has dropped to prepare for menstruation.
Deeper
penetration will be enjoyable if you find cervical stimulation pleasurable. Though for some,
deeper penetration can become uncomfortable & you may find that you are becoming
incredibly sensitive, physically, emotionally & mentally.
Honouring your sex & intimacy needs
in this phase is essential for healthy relationships. Allow yourself time to understand what
you need and communicate this with your lover / partner.
Preparing for your bleed, rest and
nourishment will feel most pleasurable in this phase.
Slowing down intimacy, removing
pressure & adding more non-sexual touch will support you in feeling connected to both yourself &
your lover.
Pleasure & Intimacy can be enjoyed at EVERY stage of the cycle.
Sometimes we just need to give ourselves permission to explore what that looks and feels like.
Honour your body and be empowered by understanding that your sexual energy and desires will naturally ebb and flow over the month.
With love,
Annalise x