Society often depicts sex in TV shows, soap operas, and books like Fifty Shades of Grey. However, sexual acts like masturbation remain secrets we rarely allude to in public. Masturbation is considered a taboo in our society. From a very young age, children are taught not to put their hands on their private parts. Some religions like Catholicism even teach that masturbation is a mortal sin. However, the health benefits of masturbation are numerous for men and women. Mutual masturbation also offers an alternative to sex.

Masturbation is often associated with men, but women can also enjoy the benefits of masturbation. Many women are unaware of how to masturbate or do not feel comfortable performing the act of masturbation. However, according to a number of studies, as many as 5 out of 10 women and 7 out of 10 men masturbate.

Masturbation is a positive way to explore your body, and can improve self-esteem. In the grand scheme of things, masturbation is a simple way to relax and can be done with or without a partner. Masturbation is healthy and natural for both men and women and has many health benefits. These may include:

• Improved Mood: Masturbation can help you relax and improve your mood on a bad day. The release of endorphin from masturbation can also help with insomnia and give you a better night’s sleep.
• Improved Sex: Masturbation teaches individuals about their sexual likes and dislikes. If an individual knows how to pleasure themselves, they can teach their partners to pleasure them. Working out the muscles used in masturbation can also lead to better orgasms and better sex with a partner.
• Benefits for Women: In women, masturbation can help relieve of menstrual cramps. Masturbation can also strengthen muscles in the pelvic area, decreasing the chances of bladder leakages later in life.
• Benefits for Men: Men who masturbate decrease their risks of acquiring prostate cancer. A study by the National Cancer Institute discovered that men who ejaculate 21 times per month were 33% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who had ejaculated only 4 to 7 times per month. The difference is quite dramatic. Masturbation also releases built-up semen that may otherwise not be ejaculated.
• Mutual Masturbation: Masturbation does not have to be done alone. In mutual masturbation, an individual and a partner masturbate in the presence of each other. This can be a safe alternative to sex and can help prevent unwanted pregnancies and/or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Citations

• Female & Male Masturbation from Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. <http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/sex-101/masturbation-23901.htm>

Article by Marissa Jauregui

Feature Image Source: Huffington Post