Whether you just had your morning coffee, are watching a movie, or finished a long day at work, I’m sure you’ve had those moments where you’ve randomly gotten a bit too excited. Now for some people, in a perfect world, whenever they get these sudden urges they would have a partner that’s always eager and available to go to the bone zone. However, this unfortunately is not the case for everyone (even those in relationships!). The truth is, everyone’s body is different and will experience sexual cravings in different moments, meaning your partner may not always be up to the plate when you are. So, at the end of the day, the only person you can rely on to relieve those moments of intense desire, is yourself.
Although people often feel ashamed and are reluctant to admit that they engage in such an activity, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having that little solo sesh. In fact, masturbation is not only worthwhile due to its sensational feeling, but the vast amount of physical, psychological and sex related benefits that come along with it.
Physical Benefits
Makes pelvic floor stronger
Starting off with physical benefits, a first example would be that masturbation can make your pelvic floor stronger (if you’ve been leaking every time you sneeze, you may want to listen up). Pelvic floor muscles all work together in order to support the vagina, uterus, bladder and bowels. By strengthening this group of internal muscles, you are preventing potential risks such as lower back pain, pain during sex and worst of all, prolapse.
Lowers risk of prostate cancer
Speaking of lowering risks, if you have a penis, reaching climax on a regular basis can also reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. So next time you’re running late because it took you a few extra minutes to rub one out, you don’t have to feel guilty.
Reduces pain
Additionally, getting yourself off can help reduce pain. Whether it’s a headache or you're feeling sore from your latest workout, the release of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin can relieve pain sensitivity. Overtime, this can also help increase one’s pain tolerance.
Relieves menstrual cramps
While masturbation can help relieve general body aches, this can be especially helpful for some of us when reaching that time of the month. That’s right, a good wank can help relieve menstrual cramps as feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters diminish pain from your uterus contracting.
That post glow
I’m sure we’ve all heard of that post-O-glow after sex, so the same can apply after masturbation. For more context, reaching orgasm increases estrogen levels, which is linked to having healthy, smoother looking skin. So perhaps paying frequent visits downstairs can save you from those annoying breakouts!
Can be considered as a workout
Finally, just as sex with a partner can help you burn calories, so can solo sex. Depending on the effort put in and the degree of movement, some may consider it as an aerobic workout. Just gotta get creative…
Mental benefits
Reduces Stress
When you’ve got a busy life, stress tends to build up quite easily, so it’s important to find ways to relieve that stress. So, if you’re looking for a tip: how about some sexual stimulation? Masturbation distracts you from all the responsibilities on your to-do-list and gets you out of your head since your body’s natural response is to focus on that pleasure in the moment. Also, orgasms result in decreased levels of cortisol, so if you reach this point, there are additional stress relieving benefits.
Increases happiness
Masturbation can also increase your overall level of happiness. With or without orgasm, it activates the part of your brain which is responsible for pleasure (hypothalamus) and decreases activity in areas associated with feelings of fear and anxiety (lateral orbitofrontal cortex).
Improves sleep patterns
Often, individuals have difficulty falling asleep because they have something they can’t get off their mind. Engaging in self pleasure can ease these thoughts and make you overall more relaxed. Just as this helps reduce stress, getting to this overall calmer state can make it easier for you to fall asleep and develop a more healthy pattern for those who struggle.
Makes you feel energized
On the other hand, while masturbation can make you feel calmer when something is on your mind, for others, orgasming actually makes them feel more awake and energized. So, if this is the case for you, reaching orgasm is a great way to get your day started; and can maybe help you put an end to that coffee addiction...
Boosts confidence
While masturbating, you get in touch with your body which allows you to develop a sense of self-awareness and acceptance. This can increase your overall day-to-day confidence, since by feeling comfortable with yourself, it can translate and be taken outside of the bedroom doors as well. So maybe it’s time to unleash your inner explorer and take a little trip to your downstairs area…
Sex Related benefits
Increase your libido
Although some may believe that masturbation is an act often used as replacement for sex, it can actually make you crave sex even more. When something feels good, the more you want it, and this applies to sex and masturbation. Especially for vulva owners who have a hard time getting turned on when with partners, flying solo can help improve their relationship with sex.
Getting to know your body better
In order to improve your relationship with sex, you also should have an idea of what you like. By having your solo sessions, you have the opportunity to take your time and learn what makes you feel good. And perhaps experimenting with different techniques can give insightful information that can be used in future…
Enjoyable partner play
These pointers and tips that you discover can be relayed to a partner during sexual activity so they can get familiar the spots that make your body stimulated. So, instead of expecting your partner to know exactly what to do, why not show them instead?
Helps you last longer in bed
For those with penises, if you have the chance to masturbate before engaging in sexual activity with your partner, this can actually make you last longer than usual. While it’s important to keep in mind your refractory period (amount of time until ready to receive stimulation again), It usually takes longer to orgasm the second time around.
Overall, although masturbation is something that people are not so open about, there is absolutely no shame in the game. With all of these benefits in mind, there really should be no guilt in performing this simple, healthy act. That being said, sometimes when you explore yourself without a partner, you still want a little company… Which is where Freely can help you out! With the support of our online builder, you can customize a little (or big) buddy yourself to reach maximum pleasure. We’re always here to make your solo sesh a little less lonely…