What do these situations have in common?
Easy: All of them can be improved thanks to the many physical and mental health benefits of masturbating.
Masturbating doesntjustoffer a pleasurable pause from daily lifeit can also provide a handful of short- and long-term benefits.
Still, the added health benefits of masturbating make those solo sessions just as powerful as they are pleasurable.
What is masturbation?
There is no universal definition of masturbation, says Dr. OReilly.
board-certified OB/GYN and chief medical director atBonafide Health
As such, masturbation could be understood as any meaningful act of pleasure, she says.
What are the benefits of masturbating?
That said, there are several common benefits that affect the body and mind.
But did you know that you’re free to also masturbate in the name of reduced stress?
Benefits of masturbating: supports sound sleep
Need a better nights sleep?
Swap melatonin with masturbation.
Because of this, solo sex can lead to better partnered sex.
you’re free to learn so much about your pelvic floor and anatomy through masturbation, she says.
For starters, a strong pelvic floor may support the likelihood of uncomplicated vaginal delivery, says Jeffcoat.
board-certified OB/GYN and chief medical director atBonafide Health
Benefits of masturbating: relieves general pain
Go ahead and consider masturbating your body-made ibuprofen.
What is The Missionary Sex Position?
Benefits of masturbating: supports fertility
Interested in conceiving?
Prolactin is a hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle, including promoting regular ovulation.
Low back feeling tender?
So, youll want to get the green light before masturbating.
Masturbating increases blood flow to the pelvic area, says Dr. Jeffcoat.
And blood is chock-full of healing agents that may help heal some of the damage that occurred during delivery.
But theres no question that masturbating can offer emotional and mental perks to new parents.
Welp, that might be good for your heart health, according to theAmerican Heart Association.
Three times per week would mirror that of a gentle exercise class.
Benefits of masturbating: can teach you about your partner
By definition, masturbating is a one-on-one activity.
But that doesnt mean it cant get a partner-friendly makeover.
Behold: Mutual masturbation, a practice that involves touching yourself while your partner touches themselves besides you.
Many folks find it easier to show rather than tell, she says.
Dr. Blanton adds, Mutual masturbating is also just very erotic.
[Mutual masturbation] the safest form of [partnered] sex, clinical sexologistCaitlin V, MPHtoldWell+Goodpreviously.
Theres minimal risk of transmission of infection or disease, she says.
What are the disadvantages of masturbation?
As far as the pros and cons of masturbation go, the benefits of masturbatingfaroutweigh the cons.
Accustomed to sensation
Fact: You cannot get addicted to your vibrator.
A masturbation practice is a totally kosher thing to maintain in a relationship, no matter your relationship structure.
After all, its super-super rare forsolo sex to replace someones desire for partnered sex.
Communicate, communicate, and communicate some more.
Some people masturbate more than others.
There is no normal frequency.
Some do it daily, some weekly, and some rarely.
Some never do, the ISSM site reads.
Anything within or outside of this range is considered A-OK!
Is masturbation good or bad?
There are countless benefits of masturbating.
Masturbating can be good for you physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually.
How often do you masturbate to get the health benefits?
Lastella, Michele et al.
2019, doi:10.3389/fpubh.2019.00033
Kanter, Gregg et al.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
