When Booksmart was released in 2019, I remember feeling cheated that my generation didn’t have movies like this growing up, and it was due to one particular topic.
There is a scene where Molly (Beanie Feldman) is teasing Amy (Kaityn Dever) about humping her stuffed animal. They were casually talking about masturbation, something that had never been done amongst my friends.
Because it was never discussed, it became something I felt ashamed about doing (but still did on a pretty regular basis). While I didn’t grind on a stuffed panda, I did bunch up my childhood blankie and hump that (my cheeks are burning while I type this sentence), but I would have never admitted that to anyone.
But that scene made me feel better about something women should not be ashamed of. What am I referring to? The very natural (and healthy!) practice of mastubation.
My best friend bought me my first vibrator, and while preteen/teenage me would have been mortified, adult me was delighted! Thanks to the vagina goddesses, times have changed and masturbation is, now, a commonly discussed subject among women. I dare say, we’re better for it. Not only is it natural, but it’s also good for you, explains Casey Tanner, a certified sex therapist and expert for LELO.
“Orgasming on a regular basis can help self-esteem, sleep, pain relief, and, potentially, a healthier life overall,” says Tanner.
Keep reading for the reasons why self-pleasure is beneficial for your mental and physical well-being!
Benefits Of Masturbation
1. Masturbation Relieves Stress And Elevates Your Mood
Do you want some extra dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin? Of course you do. So, grab your favorite vibrator and have a masturbation session – it’s like going to the gym, only it’s so much more fun (IMO).
It’s an incredible way to lessen stress because it induces the release of oxytocin, which is referred to as the “love hormone” and is linked to warm feelings that typically lower anxiety and stress.
2. Masturbating Helps With Sleep
Another benefit of masturbation is that it can help you drift off to la la land.
“This is because dopamine helps move cortisol, the neurotransmitter released during stress, out of the central nervous system,” Tanner says.
I wouldn’t toss your prescription sleep aid, Sleepy Time Tea, or melatonin, but masturbating will help you relax so you can drift off more easily – trust me on this!
3. Masturbating Raises Your Libido And Self Esteem
Masturbation gives us a hand (pun intended) in better understandig our sexual desires, wants, and needs.
When we listen to what our body wants, appreciation grows, lifting our self-esteem and elevating our sexual appetites.
4. Masturbation Is A Form Of Cardio
Your heart rate definitely goes up when you masturbate, and that means it counts as cardio. So go to town and work up a sweat, ladies!
5. Masturbating Can Help Your Sex Life
When you’re aware of what you like, you can communicate those needs to your partner and point them in the right direction.
In layman’s terms, masturbating can make you horny or hornier for sex with your partner.
6. Masturbating May Boost Your Immune System
Studies and research have found that masturbation benefits your immune system.
“Achieving orgasm through masturbation provides a rush of ‘feel-good’ hormones and can rebalance our levels of cortisol. This helps our immune system function at a higher level,” says Big Think.
7. Masturbation Can Relieve Pain
The contractions and endorphins released during an orgasm can help reduce menstrual pain, with some studies finding that climaxing effectively lessens migraines and headaches – move over, Excedrin!
8. Masturbating Is A Great Way To Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor
Masturbation also aids in preserving the elasticity of the vulva and the vagina’s muscles and tissues.
“In the ‘plateau’ stage of orgasm, the pelvic floor gets a real workout. The clitoris surges with increased blood pressure,” according to Women’s Health Network. “The uterus ‘lifts’ off the pelvic floor, increasing pelvic muscle tension and strengthening the entire region.”
Better Than Sex?
These are all great reasons for a self-pleasure sesh, but I’d like to share why I think masturbating might be better than sex, in my book. Although, I haven’t had sex in a while (thanks, Covid), so I could be mistaken. I doubt it, but I’m willing to say I might be wrong.
Here are my personal favorite things about masturbation:
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No risk of pregnancy or STDs
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A vibrator doesn’t vibe and tell
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No mess or clean up required
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You can turn the vibrator off, put it in a drawer, and no one’s feelings get hurt
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Vibrators doesn’t talk
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You can replace the battery or charge your vibrator if it runs out of steam
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It always does the job
We knew it felt good, but we didn’t know it was good for us. Did you know there were so many benefits of masturbation? Tell us in the comments!
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