Is Masturbation Healthy: The Health Benefits of Self-Love
Benefits Of Healthy Masturbation
Today we’re talking Health Benefits Of Masturbation, is it healthy? Can I do it with my Partner? What are the benefits? How often should I do it? Should I do it at all? Do I have to do it at all? There are a number of reasons you should get to know your body and what you do or don’t want sexually, masturbation has amazing benefits, not just to your sexual health but to your overall health, for everybody. But we know it’s not the easiest topic to talk about with your peers, that’s why we’re here to let you know you don’t need to be embarrassed and to pass on a few tips.
So, let’s dive in!
TL;DR:
- Masturbation is a normal and healthy sexual activity that can have physical, emotional, and mental health benefits.
- Masturbation can help relieve stress, improve sleep, boost self-esteem, and increase sexual satisfaction and performance.
- Regular masturbation has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer in men and can also help manage menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms in women.
- There is no right or wrong way to masturbate, and people should feel free to explore their own bodies and preferences without shame or guilt.
- Masturbation can be a safe and pleasurable way to explore one’s own sexuality and improve overall sexual health and well-being.
What Is Masturbation
A silly question you might think, but masturbation can be anything from physical stimulation of the Penis or Clitoris, or something as simple as the rubbing of nipples or inner thighs. Basically, if you’re getting sexual stimulation from physically arousing yourself, then you’re masturbating!
You’re not the only one!
Even today there is still a lot of taboo around self-pleasure, and for some, it’s embarrassing or shameful to admit to doing it, for reasons ranging from cultural and social upbringing to believing their sexual wants or needs fall outside the “norm" but guess what? Almost everyone does it and for good reason. There are many horrible “out-of-date” myths about masturbation being harmful on a physical level or damaging to your sexual drive, but according to modern science, this is simply false!
In fact, masturbation is one of the best ways to increase your libido and sexual confidence and get to know your body. The interest in how our genitals work and the pleasure we get from them is seen in ages from childhood right up through teens and into adulthood, even as you get older the benefits only get better! Even if you have a partner and a great sex life together that shouldn’t deter you from having a healthy masturbation routine, in fact, you and your partner could even do it together, But is masturbation healthy?
Why Should I do it?
Firstly, if you’re single, it’s a lot safer than having sex with unknown partners; There is no risk of sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancy.
It’s also a great way to explore yourself sexually. We believe everyone should be empowered enough to know what they want sexually, but it may be especially important for vagina owners. So many people with vulvas come into our shop at Adult Bliss and tell us they have never had an orgasm, but have never masturbated
(this doesn’t surprise us, according to a study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison the “orgasm gap” in 2016 saw only 63% of people with vaginas having experienced orgasms compared to 85% of penis owners).
If you don’t know what you like or what helps you reach orgasm how is anyone else meant to? Explore yourself, regardless of your gender, sexual orientation or sexual history and experience, try new things, position yourself differently or even buy a toy. There are many products on the market that can help you explore your sexual needs and desires.
For penises out there, there are more traditional toys like the Fleshlight, but these days there are also many other masturbators for solo masturbation and even couple play. It’s also worth noting not to forget the P-Spot, anal play isn’t for everyone but there’s a whole other world of pleasure up there. Check out our blog on Sexual Stamina to see the vast range of benefits of masturbators and toys.
But IS MASTURBATION HEALTHY?
For people with vulvas, the world is your oyster;
The sheer range of toys out there can be overwhelming, but we suggest starting off small, grab yourself a bullet or lay-on, something rechargeable will last longer and be a lot better quality, but if you’re starting out, something battery-operated might be a better way to go.
A really good product to keep an eye out for is Lady Bonnd Erryn, She is a powerful and smooth rechargeable medium-sized vibrator great for first-time penetration due to her modest size and perfect for external clitoral stimulation.
On the other hand, if you feel like you already know what you are after then check out some of these higher-end brands Fun Factory, Svakom or We-Vibe, Happy Rabbit, all are great products and not super expensive for what you are getting!
But Is Masturbation Healthy?!
Other sexual benefits include releasing sexual tension, being familiar with your own sexual responses helps you communicate them to your partner better, increases libido and sexual stamina; for people with vulvas helping to achieve orgasm and for prostate owners learning to prolong ejaculation “refer here to see our sexual stamina article”.
Masturbation can also have effects on other aspects of your life,
for example, it relaxes your muscles and mind by releasing endorphins which are hormones that block pain and make you feel good giving you a sense of physical and mental well-being. It can help you fall asleep, reduce stress levels and enhances self-esteem.
How Often Should I do it?
There is no set limit on how often you should or should not do it.
The best way to know if you’re overdoing it is to make sure you haven’t changed your lifestyle to fit it in.
If you’re passing up sex with a partner or calling in a sickie to stay home and rub one out, then you might want to consider cutting back. Some studies suggest as often as 5 times a day can be good for you, once/twice a day or once a week, it’s really up to you. Your private time doesn’t have to be limited to a place or time of day either, do it in the shower, in bed before you go to sleep, or the best when you wake up before the alarm! What a way to start the day!
It’s also a great time to give yourself the ol’ check-up, once a month gets down there and feel around.
The better you know your own genitals the more likely you are to know when something is wrong. If you notice any sudden changes, bumps, lumps, growths, changes in discharge or secretions, or anything like that, go straight to your doctor! Don’t hesitate to get it checked out, better safe than sorry right? Your body is your best friend so look after it.
Why not call a friend or go 50/50?
There is no reason you can’t do this with your partner. In fact, some couples find mutual masturbation an amazingly in-depth and extremely personal experience! Do it right there next to each other in bed or ring your partner up while they’re away for a little phone sex!
It might be a little awkward at first, and you might even need to try it a few times to find your rhythm with each other, but practice makes perfect and it can be a very deep and fulfilling experience!
Don’t listen to the naysayers, flickin’ the bean, buffin’ the muffin, choking the chicken, doing the five-finger shuffle, beating your meat and riding the creamy wave is the best and it’s good for you so go ahead give it a try.
