Heating Pads & Heated Rivalry: Why Reading Smut Is Good for Your Period
We’re not here to sugar coat things: period weeks are ROUGH. You just demolished an entire family-sized bag of salt and vinegar chips, that insurance commercial on TV has you ugly-crying out of the blue, and your cramps… shudders. Dare we even go there?
But here’s a little secret: beyond wearing your Knix Leakproof, there’s something else that can make all of this not only bearable, but actually enjoyable — and that’s reading SMUT..
Yes — smut! Steamy, can’t-put-it-down, blush-inducing kind of smut. ACOTAR heads, you know exactly what we’re talking about. And if you’ve skated into the boy aquarium lately with Heated Rivalry (books or TV show), we’re pointing at you too. Turns out there’s real science and wisdom behind why diving into a little erotic lit during your period can actually be good for you. Let’s turn the spicy little page and get into it. 
1. Smut = Stress Relief
First things first: reading smut is a mood booster. Periods are stressful. Cortisol levels spike, and your body is basically throwing a hormone party you absolutely did not RSVP to. Erotic fiction offers a welcome escape, pulling your focus away from discomfort and stress and replacing it with excitement and, quite simply, distraction.
One study from the University of Sussex found that reading fiction in general can reduce stress levels by up to 68% in just six minutes. Now just IMAGINE the extra oomph smut brings to that mental escape. All those abs…etc.
2. It Helps You Connect With Your Body
Some periods make us feel disconnected from our bodies. Cramps, bloating, and fatigue can make it hard to feel comfortable, let alone SEXY. Reading smut encourages mindfulness and body awareness, which directly relates to how empowered we feel about ourselves.
Reading about characters enjoying their bodies, their desire, and their pleasure can remind you to check in with your own sensuality…which leads us to the next very important point.
3. Orgasms Can Actually Help With Cramps
Short version? Pleasure can be pain relief. Orgasms release endorphins and oxytocin (your body’s natural painkillers) which can temporarily help ease menstrual cramps. Studies show that orgasms can increase pain tolerance — helping to relieve cramping (and resulting in better orgasms too). And if the Fae thrusting in smut gets you there, consider it multitasking at its finest.
4. Smut + Chocolate + Heated Rivalry = Peak Period Experience
Imagine curling up in your comfiest Knix undies, a mug of hot chocolate in hand, getting lost in a Heated Rivalry fanfic. The combination of indulgent chocolate, cozy comfort, and the thought of two hockey players letting YOU join in on the fun? Well, what more is there to say!
Pairing these treats with smut during your period isn’t just about pleasure; it’s about self-care. Engaging in pleasurable activities can enhance overall well-being and resilience — which is basically the go-to move when you’re dealing with cramps.
5. It Creates a Safe Space for Fantasies
One of the best things about reading smut is that it lets you explore fantasies in a zero-pressure environment. And you don’t have to explain yourself, perform, or even move your hot water bottle to do so.
A big bonus? Romance and fantasy stories are often written by women and queer authors — so they usually center female pleasure (as opposed to mainstream porn), giving you an escape that’s completely tailored to what you want, especially when your period has you craving a little comfort…and a little heat.
6. TBH, It’s Just Really, Really Fun
Periods are often framed as something to quietly suffer through — but reading smut flips that narrative. It’s exciting, funny, empowering, inspirational, and yes… downright titillating.
By giving yourself permission to indulge in your desires, you’re practicing bodily autonomy and rejecting the idea that menstruation is a time to shrink or be less sexual. Whether it’s Heated Rivalry, ACOTAR, or that steamy Wattpad gem, smut turns a potentially miserable week into one full of joy and pleasure.
The Takeaway
So next time your period hits, don’t just reach for the heating pad — reach for the steamy stories too. Stress reduction, mood boost, body connection, and sexual empowerment all rolled into one? That’s a self-care tool in your period toolbox we can get behind. And remember, you deserve pleasure, fun, and comfort even (especially) during the heaviest days. Your period doesn’t have to be boring or miserable — it can be spicy too.
