May is International Masturbation Month. Any controversy over supposed ill-effects or lingering guilt should be long gone in this day and age. Do you recall first discovering climaxing in adolescence and, especially for men, found it difficult not to get obsessed with pleasuring yourself?
Solo sex is actually a very healthy way to explore your body and discover your individual sexual interests. And, the more people get to know their own bodies, the more they can communicate what feels good to their partners.
There’s A Range Of Health Benefits
Masturbation that peaks in orgasm comes with a range of health benefits. It can enhance our physical, mental and sexual health, and the health of our sexual partnerships. It should cause a feeling of release and increased relaxation. It tends to reduce stress and anxiety and so also promotes better sleep. A headache shouldn’t be an excuse not to have self-sex as it can actually relieve head pains including migraines. Some studies suggest it strengthens the immune system.
It should have a powerful feel-good effect, for, when you climax, a range of hormones flood the brain. These include endorphins, which are known to reduce pain, oxytocin, which helps regulate stress, fear and well-being, and there’s serotonin, which is also a stress reducer and helps balance your moods.
If you’re trying to abstain from sex or are worried about the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), masturbation is also great. It really is one of the safest forms of sex out there, as long as you’re not sharing uncleaned toys. As Woody Allen said, “Don’t knock masturbation – it’s sex with someone you love”.
Masturbation Improves Partner Sex
Contrary to what the naysayers hold, masturbation can actually improve sex with the partner you love and increase sexual satisfaction for both. When you know what you like, and are comfortable with your body, your satisfaction with sex increases.
Women generally climax more quickly and easily during masturbation than sex. One study found that only 65% of heterosexual women and 66% of bisexual women usually reached orgasm during sex. On the other hand, 95% of heterosexual men ejaculated regularly during sex.
Part of the reason women orgasm less frequently during sex could be that they struggle to learn how to properly pleasure themselves, let alone communicate their likes to their lover. One study published in 2014 in the International Journal of Impotence Research, reported that 35% of women who regularly climaxed during sex also masturbated compared to only 9% of women who climaxed during sex and did not masturbate. Solo sex may help with that because it offers the opportunity for women to be more in touch with their bodies, so they know how they feel and what they need.
It is recommended that women try using various methods of masturbation to help get them to orgasm – such as hands, various kinds of vibrators, and water from a power shower. When new to the whole realm of self-pleasuring, it can take time to figure out how best to get yourself off.
One survey of nearly 800 women published in a psychology journal, found that most said that masturbating helped them feel sexually empowered. The reasons include not worrying about problems like pregnancy or pleasing your partner. But, also, that self-pleasuring can help women get over the lack of self-confidence and the belief that they cannot have satisfying sex.
A side benefit is that during women’s periods, the uterus contracts to shed its lining, which can cause painful cramps. But an orgasm in=creases blood flow to the genitals and releases those endorphins, which may relieve cramping. It’s a similar reason why exercise can also help get rid of period cramps. And while we’re there, masturbation can also help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles – which can lead to stronger orgasms.
Women who are pregnant may enjoy masturbation more so than partnered sex because intercourse can be more awkward depending on what stage of pregnancy they’re in. Then again, some male partners worry about hurting the fetus, so masturbation might be less nerve-racking. However, it should be said that sex while pregnant is perfectly safe for both mother and child.
Due to men’s higher levels of testosterone — which contributes to libido — sex drive is typically higher in men than in women. Therefore, masturbation may be a great way for men in heterosexual relationships to manage their increased urges. Some men say that they use masturbation as a ready means of reducing the sexual burden on their partners.
For both sexes, orgasms are really good for increasing blood flow where it counts. That’s especially important for women on birth control pills, who are breastfeeding, or approaching menopause when blood flow can be reduced due to changing hormones. The result is often a lowering of the intensity of climaxes. Masturbation can not only counter that but increase natural lubrication to make sex more comfortable and enjoyable.
Benefits For Men
For men, increased blood flow makes you harder – as it rushes into the soft tissue columns in the penis. Many men don’t last long enough in bed to please their partner. Going solo and using stop-start techniques can help train the body – and mind – to take longer when with a partner.
As men age, the muscles naturally lose tone. Regular solo workouts can prevent erectile dysfunction and even be beneficial in avoiding incontinence.
And, contrary to popular belief that vigorous sex can up your risk of a heart attack or stroke, regular orgasms can actually help protect you against cardiovascular disease. A study of aging found that men who had sex once a month or less were 45% more likely to die of a heart attack than men who had two or more orgasms per week.
The More The Merrier
Beyond that, new research, Harvard University study has linked masturbation and ejaculating as a key factor in reducing prostate cancer. According to the study conducted, men who climax over 21 times a month will cut down on developing this dangerous cancer. The more the merrier – and healthier – seems incontrovertible. Indeed, unless it’s interfering with your normal life – or making you sore – there’s no upper limit to how many times you do it.
Due to men’s higher levels of testosterone — which contributes to libido — sex drive is typically higher in men than in women. Therefore, masturbation may be a great way for men in heterosexual relationships to manage their increased urges. Some men say that they use masturbation as a ready means of reducing the sexual burden on their partners.
So, with all these benefits, it’s much better to use it rather than lose it. And when better to get into serious hand-job activity – either solo or having fun with a partner – than the International Masturbation Month.