What is masturbation?
Masturbation is when a person stimulates their sexual organ to induce an orgasm. This act is normal in both men and women.
Masturbation is a common activity. It’s a natural and safe way to explore your body, feel pleasure, and release built-up sexual tension. It occurs among people of all backgrounds, genders, and races.
Despite the myths, there are actually no physically harmful side effects of masturbation.
However, excessive masturbation can harm your relationships and everyday life. Other than that, masturbation is a fun, normal, and healthy act.
Does masturbation cause a decrease in sexual sensitivity?
For women who have sexual dysfunction, enhanced stimulation — including masturbation — can help increase sexual desire and sensitivity.
In fact, two 2009 studies found that vibrator use among women and men has been linked to an increase in desire, arousal, and overall sexual function. Women also reported an increase in lubrication, while men reported better erectile function, according to the studies.
Masturbation can affect sensitivity during sex for men because of their technique. Research has shown that too tight of a grip on a penis during masturbation can decrease sensation.
Sexual health experts recommend changing your technique during masturbation to restore sensitivity levels during sex.
Masturbation: the merits of taking your pleasure into your hands
Yes, it does have health benefits. Most people will never admit to taking matters into their own hands. This is because it is a topic people don’t want to talk about. Masturbation is a healthy sexual activity. It has many benefits for your physical and mental health.
Sex is hard enough to admit, how much more masturbation. In fact, it is considered something of a taboo in most places. All these notwithstanding, masturbation has health benefits to include:
It allows you to really understand your body
For a lot of people, the first initiation into sexual pleasure was through masturbation. And they most likely didn’t stop ‘touching themselves’ when they eventually had sex. Masturbation gives people privacy and boldness to explore and discover what works for them sexually. Once they have discovered their pleasure points, they can discuss this with their sexual partners, which can lead to a richer, more exciting sex life.
“When you know what gets you off sexually, your lover will learn from you. Sex is awesome when you know what you want,” Says Jayne Eze, a sex therapist and relationship counsellor in Lagos.
Masturbation will relieve stress and get rid of that nagging headache
Are you wondering how a short masturbation session can melt away your stress and make your aches and pains disappear? The answer is simple. The hustle and bustle of life can take a toll after a while, and masturbation allows you to reboot. It isn’t always about the orgasm. Self-intimacy allows you to reconnect with yourself in a way no one can fathom.
Additionally, the science behind the stress-relieving aspect of self-intimacy is tried and true. As with all sexual activity, masturbation leads to the release of endorphins—a natural pleasure chemical that soothes even the most frazzled nerves. Once your body releases endorphins, your mood will improve and you will sleep better.
Masturbation prevents diseases
There’s no talking about the effect of mastrubation on health without mentioning its disease prevention abilities in men. This WebMD article states that masturbation can reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men who are 50 years and above.
Masturbation eases the symptoms of female-related pain
Women can manage PMS symptoms like pelvic pain and back pain by masturbating. Hormonal changes at different times in a woman’s menstrual cycle can lead to an increase in libido, which is a good thing because sex and masturbation can provide effective relief.
Couples may also mutually masturbate to explore different desires, as well as avoid pregnancy. Self-pleasuring also helps you prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Masturbation during pregnancy
Hormone changes during pregnancy cause some pregnant women to feel heightened sexual desire. Masturbation is a safe way to release sexual tension during pregnancy.
Self-pleasure may also help ease pregnancy symptoms, such as lower back pain. You may feel mild, irregular cramping, or Braxton-Hicks contractions, during and after orgasm.
They should fade away. If the contractions don’t disappear and become more painful and frequent, contact your doctor right away.
Masturbation may not be safe for women with high-risk pregnancies. This is because orgasm can increase your chances of labor.
Takeaway
Masturbation is a healthy, natural, and safe way to practice self-care and improve your health.
Masturbating may have many benefits for your mind and body. Despite the possibility of addiction, there are no harmful side effects.
Feel free to enjoy self-pleasure without guilt or shame. Speak with a therapist or someone you trust about any negative feelings you have.
