Self-pleasure is often shrouded in taboo and misconceptions. However, masturbation is a natural and healthy sexual activity practiced by people of all genders and ages. Despite lingering stigmas, self-pleasure offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Understanding these advantages can help you embrace this aspect of your sexuality without guilt or shame.
Despite the clear benefits, many myths and misconceptions surround masturbation. So, let’s bust some of these myths now to leave the road clear for pleasure and self-love.
Fact: Masturbation is a natural and safe activity that offers numerous health benefits. There’s absolutely no scientific evidence to support claims that it causes harm.
Fact: On the contrary, masturbation can improve sexual performance by helping individuals understand their bodies better, leading to enhanced sexual experiences with partners.
Fact: People of all relationship statuses and social situations masturbate. It’s a normal part of human sexuality, regardless of one’s relationship status and actually, some spouses love to watch their partner masturbate, too.
Those myths now suitably busted, we can move onto the many benefits that masturbation has to offer. Most people immediately jump to the mental health benefits of self-pleasure, but in fact, there are many physical benefits to self-love too.
Regular masturbation helps individuals understand their bodies and sexual preferences better. This self-awareness can enhance sexual experiences with partners, leading to better communication and increased satisfaction.
For men, regular masturbation will also assist in longer sessions, allowing men to perform for a longer period without orgasm. In fact, it’s common to practice ‘edging,’ meaning repeatedly reaching the point of orgasm before denying your body that climax. This form of masturbation gets your body used to lasting longer when you’re faced with a joint sexual encounter.
For people with menstrual cycles, masturbation can provide significant relief from menstrual cramps. The release of endorphins and oxytocin during orgasm acts as natural pain relief, reducing discomfort and improving overall well-being. The tightening of muscles inside the vagina can also help to release more of the lining of the uterus, leading to shorter periods.
Regular masturbation can boost the immune system. The release of certain hormones and the overall improvement in mood contribute to a stronger, more resilient immune response.
Masturbation, particularly when it leads to orgasm, can promote relaxation and better sleep. The release of endorphins and the subsequent drop in stress hormones helps the body transition into a restful state, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Of course, the mental benefits of masturbation aren’t to be forgotten.
One of the biggest issues that can cause problems in the bedroom is stress – particularly work-related stress. If you can’t switch off after work and be present in the bedroom it can cause vaginal dryness and therefore discomfort during sex for females and issues with erectile dysfunction for males.
It can also mean that you don’t climax during sex because of all those thoughts rushing through your head, so the concentration isn’t on the stimulation or sensations that you’re feeling.
Masturbation is a natural stress reliever. The act triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, which are known as ‘feel-good’ hormones. These chemicals help reduce stress and anxiety, providing a sense of relaxation and calm and making your joint sexual experiences much more satisfying.
Engaging in masturbation can lead to an improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. The release of endorphins and other neurochemicals during sexual arousal and orgasm can help combat feelings of sadness and promote a positive mental state.
Regular masturbation fosters a deeper connection with your body, leading to improved body image and self-esteem. Understanding and appreciating your own body through self-pleasure can enhance confidence and promote a healthier self-image.
If you’re confident in your own skin, this will also make couple’s encounters much more enjoyable and adventurous.
There are lots of sex toys out there designed specifically to enhance the masturbation experience. They also promote mutual masturbation (masturbating with a partner) to help them understand your body for increased satisfaction.
Clitoral stimulation is a favourite and is often the fastest and most convenient way to orgasm. There are various toys designed specifically for clitoral stimulation. Some, including bullet vibrators or finger sleeves provide texture and vibration for an exhilarating experience. While others, such as clit suction vibrators are designed to replicate the sensations of oral sex.
Stealthy and stylish, the Discretion ribbed mini bullet vibrator is perfect for firing up your pleasure zones. Quiet yet powerful, this 3-inch vibe has enough juice to blow you away. The high-quality, luxurious finish provides pleasing visual stimulation, while the ribbed texture offers more carnal delights.
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The cerise Lelo Sona 2 creates even gentler sonic waves and pulses to stimulate your entire clitoris, hence also the parts that you don’t see, which is very different to conventional vibrations. Thanks to Sona 2’s larger and deeper opening, you can now experience a gradual build-up and then a completely new orgasmic sensation with a prolonged mind-altering climax.
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Top tip: These feel even better with a splash of lube to really push you over the edge.
If internal stimulation is more your bag, then reaching out for a G-spot vibrator is a great option. These toys with angled shafts are designed to hit exactly the right spot, achieving an effortless orgasm without struggling with the angles.
The pink Giamo Divine G vibrator offers satisfaction with intense power and sleek design. Carefully designed to pleasure your G-spot, the precisely tilted shaft will give you deep and intense pleasure that goes beyond simple penetration. The powerful motor in this vibrating sex toy has been positioned at the head, giving deep, strong vibrations exactly where you want them.
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You could even combine the two types of vibes with the notorious rabbit vibrator, which contains a clit stimulator and an internal nub for massaging your G-spot, getting you to climax more easily with a blended orgasm.
The purple Pearl rabbit vibrator will leave no erotic desires unfulfilled. The multi-speed dual stimulator with rotating beads targets your G-spot with its vibrating, ergonomically shaped shaft while simultaneously pleasuring your clitoris, guaranteeing the most blissful blended orgasms.
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For those with a penis, a masturbation sleeve, a sleek Fleshlight, or a thrusting penis vibrator will have you close to the edge in no time. These strokers contain specifically designed ridges, bumps and nubs on the inside which replicate the inside of the vagina or anus, providing a realistic penetration experience to set your fantasies alight.
Experience deep and satisfying pleasure with the Planet Blue ball-rolling masturbator cup from Pretty Love. This exceptional vacuum stroker offers a far superior experience compared to the usual options. Featuring ultra-realistic entry points and ribbed, ridged internal sleeves, the male masturbator provides the perfect penetration experience.
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Enhance your solo or intimate moments with this thrusting Auto Stroker Machine from Blowtech, introducing cutting-edge innovation through potent vibration and stroking modes. Experience the advanced features of this automated male vibrator, boasting a user-friendly hard case with easily accessible buttons for a comfortable grip. The removable inner sleeve ensures effortless cleaning, and its rechargeable design allows you to indulge anytime you desire.
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Again, additional lube can help you on your way to climax, making penetration smoother and much more comfortable.
Lubido’s water-based natural feel lubricant enhances sensation and makes your sexual experience smoother and more sensual. It is a very versatile glide that improves pleasure and sensation during any type of sexual stimulation, be it vaginal, anal, with sex toys, or during masturbation.
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