A little self-love can go a very, very long way.
Masturbating is everyone’s little secret… and if it isn’t, well, you could be missing out on a world of fun. Sure, we’ve heard the old wives’ tales that too much masturbation will make you go blind, it can damage your bits, it will desensitise you when it comes to having sex with a partner – the list goes on. However, these tales are far from the truth. In fact, many studies have shown that having a bit of a self-play has many benefits, both physically and psychologically. Here are a few of the benefits:
1. It can cure what ails you
Pleasuring yourself can help relieve a host of physical problems. Everything from insomnia, muscle cramps and tension, it can even reduce the intensity of headaches. For anyone who has a particularly rough time with periods, masturbation can also drastically reduce menstrual cramps and PMS. It can also: increase muscle tone in your pelvic floor, build resistance towards yeast infections, help with restless leg syndrome and improve your overall health and immune system.
2. It can make you happier
Masturbation gives you endorphins; endorphins make you happy. It’s as simple as that. In fact, some studies have found that regular masturbation can dramatically reduce stress and depression.
3. It teaches you what works best for you
If you don’t know how to enjoy your own body, then how do you expect to be able to tell someone else? If you get to know yourself, then you’ll have an excellent chance of knowing exactly what and how you like it.
4. It’s the safest sex there is
Have you ever been in the middle of a steamy make out session that’s a heartbeat away from turning into a sizzling night between the sheets, only to discover neither of you has a condom? Don’t panic, you can enjoy some mutual masturbation. Both DIY and giving your partner a helping hand can be an incredible turn on for both parties, with the added benefit of it being a lot less likely that you’ll contract an STI.
5. It can boost your confidence and body image
They say you must love yourself before you love others, and the same is true for masturbating. Whether you use various vibrators or toys, or do it the good old-fashioned manual way, touching your pleasure centre is a good way to create positive feelings about yourself and your body that you can radiate to everyone else.
