It’s true what they say about masturbation in that just about everybody does it. According to a recent study, roughly 81 percent of all women and 95 percent of all men have indulged in a little self-pleasure at least once over the course of their lifetime. Most people no longer see masturbation as something shameful or embarrassing either.
As a matter of fact, masturbating doesn’t just feel good. It’s also legitimately good for you and can help you stay healthy both mentally and physically. The following are just a few examples you may not already be aware of.
1. You’re less likely to get sick.
The more you can do to keep your immune system in tip-top condition, the lower your chances of catching the next cold or flu that makes the rounds at your office. You already know you need to eat right, stay active, and get enough rest. Now you can add masturbation to your to-do list when it comes to keeping illness at bay.
Every time you have an orgasm, your levels of key hormones like cortisol see a modest increase. Among other functions, cortisol helps to stimulate your immune system and keep it functioning efficiently, making it easier to stay healthy. Of course, getting down and dirty with your favorite vibrator isn’t going to make up for poor eating or exercise habits, but it helps the cause.
2. You’ll sleep a lot better.
Sometimes getting a good night’s sleep seems a lot harder than it should be, even if you’re positively exhausted, but there are things you can do to help matters. Try turning your bedroom into a distraction-free zone by nixing the use of electronics close to bedtime and keeping things temperature controlled. Then finish out your evening with an orgasm (or two).
When you orgasm, your body releases several hormones (e.g. serotonin and prolactin) that can make relaxing and falling asleep a lot easier. Doing it on your own or as a joint effort with a partner work equally well!
3. Your reproductive health will improve.
Masturbating on the regular can keep your reproductive system healthier. For instance, men who masturbate regularly are less likely to develop prostate cancer. The benefits increase with frequency too. Ejaculate 20 or more times a month and you have a 33 percent lower risk than men who only ejaculate a handle of times a month or not at all.
Women enjoy similar benefits, including a lowered risk of vaginal infections, as well as urinary tract infections. Everyone develop stronger pelvic floor muscles with repeated orgasms, which can in turn help with issues like erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence, especially as you get older.
4. You’ll become more confident.
Confidence and good mental health go hand in hand, and masturbation happens to be a great tool for cultivating both. Getting in touch with your body and learning how it truly likes to be touched is super empowering, not to mention great for your self-esteem. People who masturbate regularly generally feel more positively about their bodies, even if they aren’t in love with every fold and curve 100 percent of the time.
Not only does becoming more comfortable in your own skin mean more satisfying sex (with or without a partner), but that confidence can be applied elsewhere in your life as well. You may feel bolder and more productive at work, or more comfortable pursuing your personal dreams.
5. There’s zero STD risk.
One upside of getting down and dirty on your own instead of with someone else is your risk of STD or unwanted pregnancy plummets all the way to zero. You don’t always have to worry about having protection on hand. You can simply enjoy yourself, confident in the knowledge that you’re having guaranteed safe sex.
Feel free to jazz things up with a new sex toy or two. Staples like vibrators can give you a surefire way to experience a powerful orgasm whenever you want one. There lots of other options out there capable of introducing you to brand new sensations as well.
6. You’ll boost your heart health.
Not everyone lives to exercise, so you’re in good company if you the thought of hitting the gym doesn’t exactly fill you with joy. You’ll be thrilled to know that sex (partnered or solo) totally counts as exercise though, so it’s a great way to experience some of those heart-healthy benefits on a more regular basis.
Sex and masturbation have also been linked to a reduced risk of developing certain health conditions. Think diabetes, obesity, and hypertension! It keeps stress levels low too. In other words, a little self-love is a healthful, highly beneficial addition to any personal self-care routine, so don’t be afraid to add it to yours.
