May is Masturbation Month: Celebrate Yourself!
Masturbation is still a taboo activity for many, waiting to come out of the closet. Now embraced by the medical community and even many religious communities, many of us still carry shame or confusion by our parent’s negative words or absence of words about the topic. Popular culture has also derided solo sex as a lesser form of sexual expression. Let’s ditch the negative messages and raise solo pleasure to the positive status it deserves!
- Solo Sex is Natural
Studies show that 95 % of men and 89 % of report having done at least once (and perhaps the rest are lying). Scientists have observed many animal species using their own body parts or other objects for solo pleasure. Most children innocently discover solo pleasure quite early on. It is a natural, common and healthy sexual form of expression; let’s accept it.
- Masturbation is Real Sex
Some even prefer it to partner-sex, with no reciprocation or communication required. It works really well when no partner is available to play with. Many studies have noted that the more someone masturbates, the more they are also likely to engage in partner-sex, not less. Solo sex is not cheating; it is merely a solitary sexual activity. In fact, many find that their solo pleasure enhances their partner play.
- Solo Sex is Not Just for Singles
Partnered and single folks all masturbate. According to one study, 45% of women and 85% of men living with a partner still also enjoyed solo pleasure. Masturbation is thus an equal opportunity activity!
- Masturbation Boosts your Immune System, Helps Prevent Cervical Infections
Research shows that people who have any kind of sex once or twice a week have higher levels of Immunoglobulin A (an antibody that fights infection) than those who have less frequent sex. And any type of arousal for women clears out and replenishes cervical mucous, thereby decreasing infections.
- Decreases Stress Levels, Combats High Blood Pressure and Lowers the Risk of Type-2 Diabetes
All types of sex are great for stress relief. Solo sex has even greater benefits as it is less complicated and has less external factors that can go wrong than in partnersex. Studies find that those who masturbated recently had lower blood pressure compared to those who had had no sexual activity. And women who indulge in frequent orgasms have a greater resistance to coronary heart disease and type-2 diabetes.
- Combats Menstrual Pain , Reduces Chronic Back Pain and Migraines
Many studies have proven that orgasm can block or reduce different kinds of pain. Orgasm releases a hormone that doubles one’s natural pain threshold for menstrual cramps, arthritic, chronic back and leg pain. Orgasm is also an effective -and popular- remedy for 60% of those who suffer from migraines.
- Stimulates your Brain
Sex of any kind is good for the brain: it seems to generate new brain cells, so the more you do it, the smarter you’ll be! There is also evidence that older people who are sexually active are less likely to develop dementia. Masturbation is beneficial throughout your lifespan!
- Increases Pelvic Floor Strength for Better Sex and Less Incontinence
Pelvic floor health is important for everyone, not just for those who have had babies. Strengthening your pelvic floor through sexual activity not only produces better orgasms, but it also keeps the bladder and internal organs in place, reducing incontinence and prolapse (where the internal organs drop out of place). Solo play also directs blood flow to the pelvic region which improves the elasticity and reduces pain for the vagina, especially after menopause. Masturbation each day keeps the doctor away!
- Increases Sexual Confidence and Overall Self-esteem
Studies show that the more frequently a woman masturbates, the better her body image and the more likely she is to orgasm whether on her own or with a partner. Solo play is also a good way for those with erectile challenges to learn how to maintain an erection. And the better you know your body, the better you will be able to communicate your pleasures to a partner. One study where women followed a masturbation program revealed that 90% of women were thus able to learn to orgasm, and 85% of them even learned how to orgasm through intercourse!
- Solo Sex Feels Great!
Masturbation is a great way to release tension, get a little exercise, leave the day behind, fall asleep, escape into the present and do healthy things for your body. And you don’t need a gym membership, negotiation or even have to leave the house. And most people enjoy solo pleasure much more than a workout.
Find out more benefits and how to make solo sex even more fun by reading Sex Yourself.
