Is Masturbation Good For You?
Read about the author Samantha Evans
When you think of sexual satisfaction, you probably think that it involves being in a relationship: but not every aspect of your sex life requires a partner. A recent study found that 60% of people with a clirotris and vagina masturbate but it still remains a taboo subject. Few people are raised with the idea that masturbation is good for you and as children it is something that is frowned upon and are told it is “dirty”.
“Self-love” is an important part of a healthy sexual life and it is beneficial for you too.
Masturbation offers many benefits both physically and mentally and puts a smile on your face.
Benefits of Masturbation
1. Stress relief
Masturbation allows you to focus on one thing; therefore, if you feel stressed, take time out for a little “me” time. When we think of sex, our brain releases dopamine – a chemical which gives us a feeling of pleasure. When we engage in any form of sexual activity, endorphins are released which create a sense of well-being within our bodies.
Occasional masturbation to release stress is beneficial but it should not be relied upon all the time to relieve stress as it could become addictive behaviour.
2. Eases Menstrual Cramps
Masturbating is probably the last thing on your mind when you have your period but having an orgasm can relieve cramps. The hormones released during sexual excitement can help ease menstrual cramps and the strength and intensity of the orgasm can affect the level of pain relief. Masturbating encourages blood flow to the pelvic area, and can alleviate backaches as well as stomach cramps.
Masturbation may intensify the cramping feeling for some women, so you need to experiment to discover what works for you. When you suffer with painful periods, anything is worth trying to alleviate the pain.
3. Masturbation puts you in touch with your sexuality
Many sex therapists recommend that people who have never had an orgasm begin by masturbating. Being aware of the feelings of pleasure created throughout your body when touching your genitals enables women to determine what they find enjoyable, what they may have feared about self pleasure and having an orgasm by being in control of the situation.
4. Masturbation can enable you to achieve orgasm during intercourse
Some people who find it difficult to achieve sexual satisfaction with a partner may benefit from masturbation. Regular masturbation can teach you how your body responds sexually, thus enabling you to communicate to your partner how they can satisfy you sexually. Many partners welcome guidance on how to please their partner sexually.
5. Masturbation can help insomnia
“Masturbation is a good sleeping pill,” according to Judith Golden, a registered sex therapist in Canada. Many people fall into a deep sleep after sexual intercourse following the release of endorphins which lower blood pressure, inducing a state of relaxation and the same can be said following masturbation. Many people rely upon masturbation to get a good night’s sleep and it’s more fun than a glass of milk!
6. Use it or lose it
If you don’t use your clitoris you can develop clitoral atrophy whereby the clitoris will retreat into the body or the hood can fuse closed, covering the head and shaft of the clitoris. As with any part of the human body, the clitoris requires a good blood supply to remain healthy. With or without a partner, masturbation is an important part of self care and the physical and psychological benefits of orgasms are huge, boosting the immune system, balancing hormonal levels and generally creating a great sense of well being as well as putting a smile on your face!
Many healthcare professionals would prescribed sex and masturbation if they could, including those we work with at Jo Divine!
7. Reduce risk of developing prostate cancer
Regular masturbation can help to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. In 2008 an Australian study found that people with a penis aged 20-50 years who masturbated more than 5 times each week were 33% less likely to develop prostate cancer. Carcinogens are flushed out from the prostate gland during ejaculation, reducing build up of seminal fluid. It can also reduce the risk of developing an enlarged prostate gland which may require surgical intervention.
8. Promotes self awareness of sexual health and well-being
It can improve self awareness and sexual satisfaction and can even improve your immune system. People who masturbate have better sexual health because they are aware of how their body feels and notice when something is not right. They are more likely to seek medical help and advice than people who do not masturbate.
9. It is safe
Masturbation is safe because there is no risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, syphilis or gonorrhoea.
Mutual masturbation is also a huge turn-on for couples: not only does it enable you to see your partner in pure self-pleasure, it also can teach you a few tips and tricks on how to really send them over the edge. Pick up on the techniques that they use on themselves, and you’ll never experience a dull moment again! Try incorporating sex toys into your sex play to discover new sexual sensations and ways to orgasm.
10. It is hassle free
Masturbation is hassle free. There is no performance anxiety involved which can impact upon our sex lives.
Masturbation with sex toys
Many people use their hands to masturbate but sex toys can help if someone finds it hard to achieve an orgasm with just their hands. A sex toy can enhance the intensity of pleasure being felt. Using a sex toy can also help people with a “disability”: to achieve an orgasm.
From vibrators for women and men, to pulsators that thrust, from sex toys that use air pulse stimulation and silicone dildos, glass and metal dildos that offer temperature play, prostate massagers and realistic masturbation sleeves, there are so many ways to enjoy sexual stimulation.
There are many well made, skin safe, beautifully designed sex toys available, so don’t assume that the market leader is suitable for your needs. You should research the products on reputable websites to find a product for your sexual needs. A reputable sex toy retailer should be able to advise you about the best product.
Begin today and treat yourself to some quality solo time to reap the benefits that masturbation has to offer: you never know, you just might like it!