Six Reasons Masturbation Is Good for You

Almost everybody does it, but almost nobody talks about it. 

Many people masturbate for one simple reason: it feels good. But did you know masturbation is actually good for you? Let’s dive into the many health benefits of masturbation.

Masturbation helps you learn about your body and leads to better sex.

Where do you want to be touched? How much pressure feels good? Fast or slow? Learning how to have orgasms by yourself makes it easier to have them with other people, because you can show them what you like. 

And when you know more about your body and get comfortable talking about it, you can have better and healthier sex. It becomes easier to talk to your partners about pleasure, along with how to protect each other from STIs and prevent pregnancy.  

Masturbation can reduce stress and help you sleep.

Orgasms release endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and give you a natural high. They can make you feel relaxed, happy, and even sleepy. Many people masturbate to help them fall asleep — it’s like a sleeping pill with no side effects! Masturbation can also relieve tension and improve your mood.

Masturbation can help ease period cramps and pain.

Those endorphins you get from masturbating? They also help block pain and can provide some temporary relief from cramps. Some people also believe that the increase of blood flow to your genitals and the muscle contractions from orgasms may help with period pain.

Masturbation is the safest sex there is.

One of the biggest benefits of masturbation is that you can experience sexual pleasure and have orgasms — without worrying about spreading STIs or getting pregnant. 

Masturbation doesn’t have to be boring or a less-fun substitute for sex with someone else. You can: 

• Try sex toys
• Read, watch, or listen to erotica
• Watch yourself in the mirror
• Explore different fantasies
• Plan a “masturbation date” with yourself and make a night of it
• Masturbate with a partner

Masturbation can help treat certain sexual problems.

If you’re struggling with a lack of desire, getting aroused, or having orgasms, masturbating can help kick start your sex drive and increase arousal. It can also strengthen muscle tone in your pelvic and anal areas.

Masturbating can also help with premature ejaculation. You can masturbate one to two hours before you have sex. This can help you last longer, since it will take your body a little more time to orgasm again. You can also train yourself to last longer by edging or using the “pause and squeeze” method during masturbation.

Masturbation can improve your self-esteem and body image.

Masturbation is a great way to recognize how amazing your body is, and how good it can make you feel. It helps you get in touch with your sexuality. It also proves that you don’t need a partner to experience pleasure — you are enough.