Surveys show that 95% of men and around 72% of women have masturbated in their life.
But with rumours that it's unhealthy, can cause blindness, and even infertility, can
masturbation be good for you?
Feeling yourself isn't just for single people.
70% of men and 40% of women in relationships reported masturbating within the 4 weeks leading
up to a recent survey.
After all, it feels good.
Not only is dopamine released, which helps control the brain's reward and pleasure centres,
reducing feelings of stress, but other endorphins released during orgasm can decrease your perception
of pain.
For women polishing the pearl can reduce menstrual cramping.
And of course with the help of the hormone prolactin, which is linked to sleep, you're
likely to feel exhausted and catch some much needed Zs.
Feel like you're coming down with a cold?
One study found that in males, components of the immune system are activated during
masturbation, increasing the number of white blood cells in the bloodstream.
Solo sessions might also help men reduce cancer, with high ejaculation frequency correlating
with a decreased risk of total prostate cancer.
Though it's unclear why, researchers hypothesize that increased ejaculation means potential
carcinogenic secretions in the prostate are excreted more regularly, de-creasing their
negative impact on the body.
But why have humans and animals evolved to masturbate if it's seemingly a waste of energy
or semen in men?
Well, it turns out that self-love can actually improve the quality of sperm.
A study showed that recent, male masturbation reduced the number of sperm inseminated at
the next copulation, but not the number retained by the female.
From this, it was concluded that masturbation is a male strategy to improve the fitness
of their sperm, as younger sperm have a higher likelihood of insemination.
Not only that but masturbation can improve your sexual performance.
Both women and men have pelvic floor uscles that stretch from your pubic bone to your
tailbone.
As we age, these muscles weaken, causing sexual dysfunction in women and erectile dysfunction
in men.
But stroking the penis or clitoris can activate the bulbocavernosis reflex, resulting in pelvic
floor muscles contracting.
It's essentially a workout for your sex muscles.
Nitric oxide levels also diminish with age and can contribute to a decreased sex drive
but masturbation can help maintain it in your blood throughout your life.
But while masturbating does have physiological benefits, it's important to mix up your technique.
Using the same way to get off every time can make you sexually unresponsive to other types
of stimulation.
This could lead to decreased sexual arousal, or performance when it comes time to do the
deed with a real life partner--so make sure you mix it up!
At the end of the day, masturbation is a safe and healthy activity, so put on some music,
light those candles, and have yourself a good night.
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