Become a Patron!Masturbation is defined as the stimulation or manipulation of one’s own genitals, especially to reach orgasm.
Even though masturbation has been found in all societies, regardless of cultural attitudes and values, there’s still a lot of negative connotations around it.
Hence, I’d like to begin demystifying this sexual act by sharing some benefits of masturbation.
13 Reasons Why Masturbation is Awesome
Masturbation is defined as the stimulation or manipulation of one’s own genitals, especially to reach orgasm.
Even though masturbation has been found in all societies, regardless of cultural attitudes and values, there’s still a lot of negative connotations around it.
Hence, I’d like to begin demystifying this sexual act by sharing some benefits of masturbation.
1. It’s Safe
Medical science has debunked many myths formally associated with masturbation, such as hair growing on the palms, insanity, or drained energy.
It’s a safe sexual alternative for those of us who wish to avoid pregnancy and the dangers of sexually transmitted infections.
2. It Feels Soothing
When we masturbate, the body releases dopamine, more commonly known as the “feel-good” hormone. Solo sex helps boost our sense of well-being.
3. It Releases Tension
Masturbation releases bodily tension, including premenstrual tension for many women.
4. It Makes Sleep Better
Self-soothing is one great way to end a hard and stressful day at work. After we reach orgasm, the body also produces oxytocin and endorphins, making us feel calm and sleepy.
5. It Works the Heart
Masturbation improves cardiovascular health and helps prevent type-2 diabetes. Orgasms provide the gentle workout our body needs to stay healthy.
6. It Boosts Immunity
Studies have shown that men who masturbate until orgasm have a bigger number of leukocytes, our bodies’ natural defenders against infectious disease.
Ejaculation also decreases levels of the hormone cortisol, which also has a positive effect on health.
7. It Encourages Blood Flow
Masturbation keeps our blood flow to the genitals at healthy levels. This way, we will enjoy stronger and more powerful orgasms in time. Additionally, it strengthens muscle tone in the anal and pelvic areas.
Therefore, masturbation helps prevent erectile dysfunction and incontinence in men and involuntary urine leakages and uterine prolapse problems in women.
8. It Reduces the Risks of Prostate Cancer
Scientific evidence suggest that masturbation may aid men in clearing carcinogens from the prostate. These are the toxins in our urogenital tract that can be flushed away only by ejaculation.
9. It Helps us Become Comfortable with our Sexuality
Masturbation can help teach us about how our genitals feel and look. In getting to know our body and exploring what we really like, we can increase our chances of feeling sexual pleasure in bed. As such, masturbation builds our confidence and comfort level for when we are sexual with somebody else.
10. It is the Start of Love
Self-pleasuring helps us return to nurturing ourselves in a deep way. It reminds us of our need for self-acceptance and self-love. This, in turn, it can help us gain confidence in our ability to attain sexual fulfillment when relating with our partners.
11. It Relieves Post-menopausal Pains
During menopause, the drop in estrogen levels reduces the amount of moisture available. One good way to boost our blood flow and increase sexual desire is to masturbate using an organic lubricant.
12. It’s an Opportunity to Meditate
We can begin masturbation and use sensation as well as pleasure to enter into a deep meditative state. In combining masturbation and meditation, we can easily enter and sustain a state of joyful bliss.
13. It Feels Good
Above and beyond the above, why do anything if it doesn’t feel good? In giving ourselves the gift of time and the pleasure of sensation in our body, we can feel vibrant, joyful and alive.
To me, masturbation has many more layers of meaning and it can cultivate and stimulate sexual energy.
Enjoying sexual pleasure is a key part of our human experience and masturbation can be the first step we make to accept and feel our bodies.
Wait… before you go. Do sign up for our Masturbation Month emailers here.
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice since 2009, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore.
Often cited in the media, Dr. Lee is the appointed Clinical Sexologist for Singapore Cancer Society. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga, From Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.
Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
