Masturbation is good for you

Here’s what’s up: Masturbation doesn’t just feel good, it’s also good for you. You get to connect with yourself, experience pleasure, have some alone time, reduce stress, improve sleep, and — wait for it — avoid STIs and pregnancy. That being said, cultural, societal, and religious stigmas (and haters at large) can sometimes create a sense of shame or guilt around it. The truth is that pleasuring yourself is actually good for your health — and we’ve got nine reasons to prove it.

First, what is masturbation?

Masturbation — jerking off, touching yourself, or flicking the bean, you get the picture — is the self-stimulation of your genitalia for sexual pleasure, often leading to orgasm. No matter your sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation, you can masturbate. And it’s not even unique to humans! Cats, dogs, monkeys, rhinos, and elephants have all been seen pleasuring themselves.

There’s no right or wrong way to masturbate, and what you like may change as your preferences and comfort with your body change. You can use your fingers, hands, sex toys, visual/audio stimulation, fantasy, and more to help you masturbate. While masturbation is a totally normal and healthy activity, not everyone orgasms. And some people don’t like to masturbate. All of that is OK!

Why masturbation is healthy

Despite stigmas and misconceptions, masturbation is a normal and healthy component of sexual wellness that contributes positively to both your physical and mental well-being. When you orgasm, your body releases endorphins (hormones that block pain and make you feel really good). Plus, you get to explore your own body and find out what feels sexually pleasurable to you, which can be valuable when sharing intimacy with others.

Aside from a lovely masturbation “high,” you also avoid sex’s least desirable potential side effects: STIs and unwanted or mistimed pregnancy. If you want to have safe sex, masturbation is the safest sex you can have.

The benefits of masturbation

• Improve sleep. Just as sex with a partner can make you sleepy, so can masturbation. Not only does it help you sleep, it can improve your sleep quality. The release of hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin during orgasm induces relaxation and promotes a restful sleep state. This burst of hormones also contributes to an overall sense of well-being.
• Reduce stress. Masturbation triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural stress relievers. Endorphins can help combat stress, alleviate tension, and improve your mood. Feeling a little stressed? Try masturbating. Chances are it will help you feel better.
• Higher libido. Oxytocin, one of the hormones released during orgasm, plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of bonding and connection with a partner. This hormone can also enhance libido and contribute to a healthy sexual appetite overall. Sex life a little stagnant lately? Try masturbating to jumpstart your sex drive.
• Better mood. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released during masturbation, as well as oxytocin and endorphins. This is why masturbation leaves you feeling good and boosts your mood. Feeling down or in need of a pick-me-up? Try masturbating.
• Alleviate anxiety. Becoming sexually aroused and reaching orgasm from masturbation can release oxytocin, which is known to alleviate stress and anxiety. Masturbation can also release serotonin and hormones that help maintain homeostasis in the body, helping to reduce anxiety, regulate emotional behavior, and support cognition.
• Improve likelihood of orgasm during sex. Masturbation helps you learn more about your body: what turns you on, where your sensitive areas are, and what your physical map to orgasm is. Overall, it can lead to an improved sexual experience with a partner — and a better chance of orgasming. Knowing what you like allows you to openly and confidently communicate that to your partner. You may come more often and increase your satisfaction when you show them what gets you off (and they can show you the same).
• Relief from menstrual cramps. If you’re experiencing menstrual cramps, you may not be feeling turned on or in the mood to masturbate, but masturbation can actually help. The stimulation of nerves with masturbation promotes increased blood flow to the pelvic region, and the release of endorphins acts as a natural painkiller, potentially alleviating discomfort during menstruation. The human body is so incredible…
• Relieve tension. Another benefit of masturbation is that it can reduce tension as you’re actively experiencing it. The activity helps release built-up tension and relax your body and mind. Think of it as exercise you can do alone in the comfort of your bed.
• Self-awareness. One of the best benefits of masturbation comes back to you and your journey of self-discovery. Masturbation enables you to connect with your body on a profound and uniquely personal level. In the end, exploring your desires and preferences fosters a healthy sense of self-awareness and overall sexual well-being. Don’t be afraid to get to know yourself better, just do you — literally :)

While we love to share useful and helpful information, the above shouldn’t replace the advice of your healthcare professional. For questions about birth control and other women’s health issues, please talk to your doctor.