We all remember the scene from the film American Pie where Jim does his thing with the pie. Shame and guilt are written all over his face as he looks down at the pastry he just massacred. And that’s how many of us were conditioned to view masturbation. It’s something that is embarrassing and many would never admit to out loud.
However, '90s jokes don’t paint the full picture of what masturbation is and how it can benefit our lives. Here are five scientifically proven reasons why self-pleasure can be a natural and safe self-care practice.
More from CafeMom: 27 Clever Ways To Have Sex With Yourself Tonight
1. Reduces stress
Sexual pleasure is pleasurable. Whether you’re doing it by yourself or with a partner, you’re probably not thinking about your kid’s schedules, worrying about the laundry, or fretting over that last email from your boss. You’re focused on your body and how amazing it feels. Every sense is amplified, and it allows you to practice mindfulness and be in the moment.
One study showed that during orgasms, your body releases oxytocin, which helps decrease the level of the stress hormone cortisol. A high level of cortisol in your system increases the risk of health issues such as anxiety, depression, weight gain, heart disease, and sleep problems.
2. Improves sleep
You’ve probably seen many health experts promote evening routines that allow your mind to quiet down. This can include no coffee, food, or screen time before bed. And masturbation also can help you wind down at night.
A study was done that looked at the relationship between sexual activity and subsequent sleep in 442 females and 336 male adults. It showed that those who masturbated before bed had better quality sleep and took less time to fall asleep. Norepinephrine and serotonin that are released during orgasm (with or without a partner) prepare your body to start its REM cycle and allow you to feel more rested when you wake up.
3. Relieves menstrual cramps
Some women experience cramps during menstruation as their uterus contracts to shed its endometrial lining. It can be quite painful. With an orgasm, however, the release of the feel-good hormones dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin can help relieve the pain.
Researchers for one study looked at pain threshold and vaginal stimulation. It concluded that vaginal self-stimulation significantly increased the pain tolerance threshold among its subjects by 40.3% and the pain detection threshold by 47.4%.
More from CafeMom: My 4-Year-Old Patiently Waited While I Laid on a Park Bench With Menstrual Cramps
4. Improves self-esteem, sexual desire, and relationships
Masturbation can help you to get to know your body. Exploring and tuning in to how different parts of your body respond to different pressures, intensities, strokes, and frequencies allows you to learn what turns you on. Knowing what makes you feel good can be incredibly empowering. This can increase self-esteem, body awareness, body acceptance, and confidence.
As much as you’d like your partner to read your mind during sex, that's not possible. You can take what you’ve learned from self-pleasure and teach your partner what gives you the most pleasure. Communicating your needs in the bedroom can help improve relationships and positively affect your sex life.
A study that compared married female masturbators and nonmasturbators showed those who masturbated had significantly higher self-esteem, more orgasms, greater sexual desire, and better relationship and sexual satisfaction.
5. Improves your skin
The glow after an orgasm can also be created through self-pleasure. As mentioned earlier, masturbation can help decrease your body’s stress response. This minimizes your skin’s production of oil and sweat, decreases acne, and improves the look of your skin.
One study looked at how sexual arousal affected hormone levels among women. It showed that orgasms increase the body’s estrogen levels. Low estrogen levels have been associated with thinner skin, decreased collagen and elasticity, and increased wrinkling and dryness.
We have to say: Considering all of that and the fact that you have a right to pleasure, it’s time to shine a light on this healthy practice and remove the stigma created by outdated movies and poorly aged jokes.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
