Here’s the truth: solo pleasure, when done safely and without guilt, is a natural and healthy part of life. It’s free, private, and can be a powerful tool for improving your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Let’s dive into the many reasons why masturbation should be celebrated, not shamed.
1. It’s Great for Your Mental Health
If you’ve ever had a truly satisfying orgasm, you know how it can make the world seem a little bit better. That’s because orgasms release endorphins—the “feel-good” hormones that help boost your mood and temporarily relieve stress. Masturbation can serve as a powerful distraction from life’s daily stresses, providing a mental reset when anxiety, frustration, or sadness takes over.
Even without reaching orgasm, the process of self-pleasure can allow you to tune out your worries and focus on your own needs for a while. Sexual arousal also triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone associated with love and bonding, which can help lower stress levels by reducing cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone. While there’s no definitive scientific study linking masturbation directly to long-term mood improvement, the short-term benefits are clear: If it feels good and lifts your spirits, why not indulge?
2. Masturbation Can Help You Sleep Better
Orgasm-related relaxation isn’t just for your mind; it benefits your body too. The sexual response cycle—whether it’s from masturbation or partnered sex—can leave you feeling tired in the best possible way. After orgasm, your body releases a cocktail of chemicals that can leave you in a relaxed, almost meditative state. This relaxation can help your body wind down, making it easier to fall asleep.
Of course, masturbation isn’t a miracle cure for serious sleep disorders like insomnia. But if you’re just struggling with stress or a restless mind at night, a good solo session could help you feel more relaxed and ready for sleep. It’s the perfect addition to a nighttime routine, whether you do it before bed or during a relaxing bath.
3. It Can Revive Your Libido
Low libido can stem from a variety of factors, including stress, fatigue, medications, or even hormonal shifts. When your sex drive takes a dip, masturbation can help reconnect you with your body and your desires. By engaging in solo pleasure, you may rediscover what feels good and ignite a desire for more.
Masturbation can serve as a gateway to a more active and pleasurable sexual life. By getting in touch with your own pleasure, you may find yourself more attuned to your sexual desires and more eager to seek out those experiences, whether solo or with a partner.
If you find that masturbation alone doesn’t do the trick in boosting your libido, it might be worth talking to a doctor or therapist to explore potential causes and solutions, including addressing any underlying emotional or physical barriers.
4. It Can Enhance Your Relationship
If you’re in a relationship, masturbation doesn’t have to be an act of separation—it can actually enhance intimacy. When you explore what makes you feel good on your own, you can share those discoveries with your partner to improve your shared sex life. As sex therapist Lauren Bailey points out, understanding your own body helps you communicate your needs more clearly, creating a more fulfilling and open sexual dynamic with your partner.
Furthermore, engaging in masturbation while in a relationship may reduce sexual frustration and allow you to approach sex with your partner more eagerly, knowing what turns you on and what you enjoy.
5. Masturbation Builds Confidence and Body Positivity
Masturbation can be an empowering practice, particularly for people with vaginas who often face unrealistic standards of beauty and sexual performance. It gives you the opportunity to get to know your body better, learn what feels good, and embrace your sexuality without judgment. In doing so, you can cultivate a stronger sense of body confidence, reducing feelings of shame or embarrassment about your sexual needs.
Bailey emphasizes that masturbation is an essential tool for exploring your own pleasure and understanding your desires, especially in a world that often imposes restrictive narratives about female sexuality. Whether you’re using masturbation to explore fantasies, create gender euphoria, or simply enjoy a moment of self-care, it’s an important practice of self-love.
6. It Can Help Relieve Menstrual Cramps
While it might sound counterintuitive, masturbation can actually help ease menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps occur when prostaglandins trigger the muscles in the uterus to contract as it sheds the endometrial lining. Orgasms can help relieve some of the tension in the pelvic muscles, providing temporary relief from cramping.
Though not a cure-all, masturbation can be a helpful way to alleviate mild to moderate cramping. If the pain persists, however, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider to explore other options for relief.
7. It May Ease Menopausal Discomfort
For those going through menopause, masturbation can be a helpful way to address some of the discomforts associated with hormonal changes. As estrogen levels drop, vaginal dryness and thinning can occur, making sex uncomfortable or even painful. Masturbation can improve blood flow to the vaginal area, stimulate natural lubrication, and keep the tissues healthy.
If vaginal dryness is a significant issue, it’s a good idea to combine masturbation with a water-based lubricant to enhance comfort. As always, if the discomfort persists, consult your doctor for advice on managing menopausal symptoms.
8. It May Benefit Brain Health
Emerging research suggests that sexual activity—including masturbation—may have a positive impact on cognitive health as we age. Studies have shown a correlation between frequent sexual activity and better performance on cognitive tests, particularly in areas like memory and verbal fluency.
Although more research is needed, the increased brain activity during orgasm may provide a neuroprotective benefit, keeping the mind sharp as we age. In the meantime, it’s safe to say that masturbation can be good for both your body and brain.
Masturbation is not just about pleasure—it’s a multifaceted practice that can positively impact mental, physical, and emotional health. So the next time you engage in a little “me time,” remember that it’s doing more for you than just feeling good—it’s also helping you stay healthy, confident, and connected to your own body.
