Ladies, it's time to have a frank discussion about "self-pleasure." This taboo has gone on for long enough!
When someone mentions the word "masturbation," most people imagine a man, or a teenage boy doing the deed. It's no secret that pleasuring oneself is far more socially acceptable for men to talk about than women.
For this reason, some people actually assume that women don't do it at all. The fact is, the subject gets the silent treatment, just like talking about your period or going to the bathroom.
Of course, we all know that's nonsense. Just because many women don't talk about touching themselves doesn't mean they don't do it. Psychology Today reports that 38% of women admit to masturbating.
In fact, the real number is likely much higher than that. Why? It seems that lots of ladies are so uncomfortable with the subject that they won't even report it to an anonymous survey.
Whichever way you slice or dice it, masturbation is by definition a pleasurable activity, and nothing to be ashamed of.
And if that's not a good enough reason to "take care of yourself," here are nine more proven health benefits of getting in touch with your pleasure centers.
Thumbnail Photo: Pixabay
Benefit 1: Helps Relieve Stress
As you well know, life can be stressful, which is why we're always looking for sources of relief. For once, an answer can quite literally fall into your lap.
According to Best Health Canada, both dopamine and endorphins are released during orgasm, which give us a sense of well-being.
Moreover, focusing on something that isn't stressful will inherently help reduce the feeling of stress.
Benefit 2: Prevents And Helps Heal Infections
You may have heard that touching yourself down there might increase the risk of infection. However, the opposite is true.
The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health explains that the process of "tenting," when your cervix expands during arousal, actually helps to prevent infection.
Cervical mucus that develops as part of the tenting process actually helps to flush out harmful bacteria. It can also prevent the formation of urinary tract and cervical infections.
Benefit 3: Promotes Healthy Sleep
As you may know from personal experience, having sex will often leave you exhausted and sleepy.
The same can be said even if you're having a solo performance. The same relaxation hormones are released, helping bridge the gap between you and the Sandman so you can get to sleep.
Benefit 4: Boosts Cardiovascular Health
During commercials for certain pharmaceutical products, you may have heard a warning to consult your doctor if your heart is healthy enough for sex.
However, one good way to keep yourself healthy enough for sex is to stay in practice, whether or not you have a partner in crime.
Women's Health Network reports that women who experience more orgasms show a greater resistance to coronary heart disease.
Benefit 5: Lowers Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
The best way to protect yourself against type 2 diabetes is a healthy diet and lifestyle. It turns out that self-pleasure might be included in that description, too.
Diabetes.co.uk reports that a study found participants who masturbated more often were less likely to have or be at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Benefit 6: Increases Pelvic Floor Strength
As we get older, our muscles become weaker, especially the ones we don't use. Your pelvic floor, which supports the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum according to the Mayo Clinic is no exception.
Kegel exercises are one way to keep everything tight down there, but masturbation is another, lesser known and definitely more pleasurable way to strengthen your pelvic floor, too.
Benefit 7: Improves Your Mood
I don't need to be the one to tell you that climaxing feels good.
Achieving orgasm can help give you a much needed mental and physical pick-me-up if you're in need, thanks to the release of happy hormones.
Benefit 8: Strengthens Your Relationship With Yourself
Reaching climax isn't easy for plenty of women. Even the most considerate of lovers can have trouble getting you where you need to be.
Sometimes if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Orgasms are no exception.
In fact, the more you get to know yourself, the easier you will find it to reach climax with your partner. In the meantime, don't be afraid to experiment on yourself to build your confidence, self-awareness, and relationship with your body.
Benefit 9: Relieves Period Cramps And Headaches
Engaging in sexual activity during that time of the month isn't always encouraged. However, if you're suffering from menstrual cramps, touching yourself might be even more effective than any pain reliever or hot water bottle.
The surge of happy hormones coupled with the release of muscle tension work to help alleviate PMS symptoms.
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