4 Benefits of Masturbation

Any opportunity to discuss masturbation more openly should be welcomed because there is still societal shame and taboo around the topic. Yet, masturbation is a normal and common aspect of human sexuality. Talking about masturbation is not frivolous; it has beneficial implications for sexual, mental, and physical health and can encourage people to better respect their bodies and their sexualities without shame.

The effects of masturbation and orgasms vary between people, as can people's relationship with masturbation, partly because of the lingering sense of shame about it, depending on cultural and societal backgrounds, but also because of poor sex education. However, it is important to know that masturbation is a positive, healthy practice for many. Here are four common benefits:

1. Stress relief

Masturbation can contribute to stress relief, be a good coping strategy, and lead to feeling more relaxed. Orgasms release feel-good chemicals in the brain such as endorphins which are natural pain relievers and mood boosters and can produce a feeling of well-being. Modern life is full of stress, pressure, and demands, so carving out some masturbation time at the end of a long stressful day can help the body and mind to unwind. Some people find that masturbation helps with improving their mood and even reduces symptoms of anxiety.

2. Better sleep

Some people masturbate before bed because it helps them sleep better. The hormone prolactin is released after an orgasm, inducing relaxation and drowsiness, which makes it easier to fall asleep. Masturbation for some can be a natural sleep aid when they have the occasional bout of insomnia or a restless night. Masturbation with orgasm cannot be the sole factor in good sleep hygiene but it can complement a positive bedtime routine.

3. Erotic awareness

In my consulting room, I find that people talk about masturbation as a way to better understand their bodies and erotic mind through self-exploration. We can learn what feels pleasurable and what doesn’t, how our bodies respond to different touch and stimulations, and what erotic content in our mind can enhance sexual pleasure and satisfaction, at our own pace and without judgment. This in turn can be helpful with sexual and erotic communications with partner(s), potentially leading to more satisfying partnered sexual experiences. It is also a great way to have good-quality sexual time for people who don’t have sexual partners or people who enjoy solo time as well as partnered time as they represent different ways to engage with ourselves sexually and erotically. Masturbation can also foster a sense of autonomy about our bodies and more sexual and erotic self-acceptance.

4. Physical health

Some research suggests that regular ejaculation may be linked to a reduced risk of prostate issues. Masturbation can also be good for the pelvic floor muscle, which plays a role in sexual functions and bladder control. For people who menstruate, research suggests that orgasms can sometimes relieve menstrual pain. More research is needed on the role of masturbation in overall physical health, and these benefits vary between individuals. But it is important to consider how sexual health, physical health, and mental health are closely linked.

Masturbation can reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance sexual and erotic awareness, and be good for overall health, so let’s talk more about it, without shame.