Masturbation. It's something almost everyone does, but there's still a lot of stigma around it.
When most people think about people touching themselves, they imagine teenage boys locked in their bedrooms or taking showers that are way too long.
Of course, pleasuring yourself isn't just for boys — it's something everyone should feel comfortable doing.
Many people know that sex has a lot of health benefits, but a lot of individuals don't realize that some of those same benefits transfer over to masturbation as well.
Having sex can lower stress levels, ease headaches, and help bladder control. Plus, the female body responds to stimulation in some truly amazing ways.
Some women think they should try to minimize the number of times they masturbate during a week, but there are actually a variety of reasons you should regularly make time for, well, "me time."
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Benefits Of Masturbation
There are a number of reasons masturbation is beneficial.
Touching yourself can relieve pain, reduce stress, help you sleep better, and boost your confidence!
Why Women Should Masturbate
Some women feel ashamed about touching themselves, but pleasuring yourself is a good way to get in touch with your body.
Plus, masturbating can help you learn more your own body, what turns you on, and makes you orgasm, all of which can vastly improve your sex life with a partner.
Things That Happen To Your Body If You Masturbate Regularly #1: You'll Be Happier
On the most basic level, masturbating can make you happy!
According to Planned Parenthood, "When you have an orgasm, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that block pain and make you feel good."
#2: You'll Be More Confident In Bed
Masturbating can boost your confidence in bed, because you'll know what you really like!
When you know how to make yourself have an orgasm, it can make having one with a partner easier.
Plus, once you're comfortable with your own genitals, you'll feel more comfortable talking about pleasure with your partner — and you can focus even more on giving them pleasure!
According to Dr. Tanginika Cuascud, who spoke with Cosmopolitan, masturbation can also build your self-esteem and boost your body image.
#3: You'll Sleep Better
There's a common trope in literature and film in which men fall asleep immediately after having an orgasm, but that sleep-inducing effect can happen for women, too.
Dr. Kat Van Kirk told PopSugar, "Daily masturbation (or even regular masturbation several times per week) can relieve tension by calming the central nervous system, and as a result, help you sleep better."
#4: You'll Strengthen Your Pelvic Muscles
On a physical level, there are also many benefits to masturbating.
One of those benefits is stronger pelvic muscles, explains Planned Parenthood.
According to Dr. Holly Richmond, having a strong pelvic floor can boost bladder health and reduce incontinence.
#5: Your Vagina Will Become More Sensitive
The more you masturbate, the more sensitive your vagina will become.
PopSugar reports that masturbating regularly will boost sensation in your vagina.
Dr. Lauren Streicher spoke with the Huffington Post and explained that masturbating can also boost your libido.
The more sex and arousal you have, the more you'll want!
#6: You'll Get Sick Less
Dr. Kat Van Kirk explained to PopSugar that when you have an orgasm, your body releases the chemical DHEA, which boosts your immune system (along with helping your skin health, cognition, and bone growth).
According to Women's Health Network and Dr. Sharon Stills, masturbating is also good for your heart. Having an orgasm — alone or with a partner — gets your blood flowing, which helps keep your heart healthy.
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