An Orgasm a Day: Ten Reasons to Masturbate Today

(Photo by Dainis Graveris on SexualAlpha)

May is Masturbation Month, making it a great time to celebrate the virtues of solo pleasure. The medical community, which used to deride masturbation as an “unnatural” activity that led to disease and deviant behaviour, is now extolling its virtues as a normal, healthy activity. Some religious communities still frown upon solo pleasure, but more and more religious leaders are revising their teachings with solo sex as acceptable and even healthy.

Unfortunately, many of us carry the baggage of our parents’ negative attitudes or absence of discussion on the topic which has piled shame onto our enjoyment of solo pleasure. Popular culture is also guilty for many comments about solo sex as a less-than-worthy activity for self-respecting folks. It is time to debunk some of those myths and messages we have picked up directly or indirectly over the years that cloud our solo pleasure experiences and raise it to the positive status it deserves!

1. It's natural: Masturbation is something that 95% of men and 89% of women report having done at least once (and many suggest that the rest aren't being completely truthful). Many animal species have been observed using their own body parts or other objects for solo pleasure. Children usually discover their own sexual pleasure innocently and naturally. Solo pleasure is a normal part of a healthy sexual life.  
2. It's real sex: Some folks even find that masturbation is better than partner-sex: there is no reciprocation or communication required. The body’s nerve endings respond to the pleasure in the same way as during partner-sex. When you are interested in sex and you do not have an interested or available partner at the moment, taking your pleasure into your own hands is a great option. And using sex toys can make it feel even better. To clear up the myth that masturbation takes away from partner-sex: several studies found that the more someone in a relationship masturbated, the more they were also likely to engage in partner-sex—not less. And there is no need to worry about cheating: sex on your own is a gift for yourself and does not involve emotional or physical connection with another person. Many actually find that if anything, their solo play enhances their partner play. 
3. It's not just for singles: Another myth debunked—all kinds of people enjoy solo sex: whether partnered, single, or in an open relationship. One study found that 45% of women and 85% of men living with a partner still regularly also indulged in solo sex. So it's not a strictly single activity. Vibrators, dildos, and other sex toys can be used also whether solo or partnered, so you can practice on your own before introducing your toys to a partner. Or keep them just for yourself. 
4. It boosts your immune system and helps prevent cervical infections: Research has found that people who had partner or solo sex once or twice a week showed higher levels of Immunoglobulin A, an antibody that fights infection, than those who had sex less frequently. And arousal for women is a great way to clear out and replenish cervical mucous, decreasing infections. So rather than demonizing masturbation as unhealthy, let’s speak truth to its benefits!
5. It decreases stress levels, combats high blood pressure, and lowers the risk of type-2 diabetes: We all know that sex of any kind can be a great strategy for stress relief. Solo sex is the kind of sex that offers less stress, since there is little negotiation, and can take place when you are in the mood and at your own pace, as long as the door is locked and privacy is guaranteed. Sex toys can reduce stress further by making it easier to access the pleasure that you like. More studies revealed that masturbation also lowers blood pressure for those who had recently pleasured themselves compared to those who had no sexual activity. And women who experience frequent orgasms have greater resistance to coronary heart disease and type-2 diabetes.
6. It combats menstrual pain, reduces chronic back pain, and migraines: Many studies have noticed that orgasms can block pain of different kinds. It releases a hormone that raises the pain threshold more than double for menstrual cramps, arthritis, chronic back, and leg pain. It also has proven to be an effective (and popular) antidote for 60% of people who suffer from migraines. Reach for a vibrator rather than a pill and see what happens!
7. It stimulates your brain: Sex is good for the brain: it appears to grow new brain cells, so the more you do it, the sharper you’ll be! There is also some evidence that older people who are sexually active, solo or partnered, are less likely to have dementia. Masturbate throughout your lifespan!
8. It increases pelvic floor strength for better sex and less incontinence: Pelvic floor strength is important for everyone, not just those who have given birth. Toning your pelvic floor not only results in better orgasms, but it also keeps the bladder and internal organs in place and healthy, reducing incontinence and vaginal prolapse (where the internal organs fall out of position and into the vagina). Blood flow in the pelvic region is also important for vaginal health and pleasure, especially after menopause. Squeezing against a dildo or pelvic floor exerciser is a great way to strengthen and tone. Blood flow is easily increased by using a vibrator, even if it is just used externally. 
9. Increases your sexual confidence and overall self-esteem: Studies show that the more frequently someone masturbates, the more positive their body image and the more likely they are to orgasm on their own or with a partner. People with erectile challenges can also use solo pleasure as a way to learn how to maintain their erection. Of course the better you know your body, the better a lover you will become as someone who can communicate your pleasures to your partner. One study found that 90% of women who followed a masturbation program were able to learn to orgasm, and 85% of them were even able to achieve it from intercourse.
10. It feels great: Masturbation is a fabulous way to let go of the day, fall asleep, release tension, get a little exercise, and do good things for your body all without a gym membership, much preparation, or leaving the house. And most folks find it much more fun than a workout. Given Masturbation Month and COVID-19 isolation times, there is no time like the present to please yourself. 

So whether it be for boosting your overall health, improving your sexual pleasure and performance, or for the pure recreation and indulgence, don’t hold back on getting busy by yourself. An orgasm a day just might keep the doctor away.