Benefits of Masturbation

It feels good and is so good for you

How to Upgrade Your Solo Play

Jacking off, rubbing one out, self-love… whatever you like to call it; masturbation feels good and it's so good for you

Engaging in self-pleasuring activities can be a profoundly meaningful way to connect with and understand oneself more deeply. Not only can these intimate experiences be immensely enjoyable, but they also offer a range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being, which can have a remarkably positive impact on one's overall quality of life, including one's sex life.

Whether self-exploration is a regular part of one's routine or an occasional indulgence, there are numerous tips, techniques and advantages that can help individuals make the most of these private, self-nurturing moments. Embracing and exploring one's capacity for self-pleasure can be a transformative journey of personal growth and fulfillment.

It's important to approach this topic with care, sensitivity and an open, non-judgmental mindset. While the specifics may be quite personal, the general principles of self-discovery, health and pleasure are universally applicable. With the right mindset and approach, these intimate acts can become a powerful tool for holistic wellbeing and enriched intimacy, both with oneself and with romantic partners.

Best Toys for Masturbation

What are the Top 5 Benefits of Masturbation?

Scientists have proven that masturbation - and climaxing in particular - causes your brain to release lots of different hormones that have a range of positive effects.

“Masturbation is a cocktail of neurotransmitters/endorphins, all of the feel good ones, including dopamine and serotonin plus the attachment/cuddle hormone of oxytocin. This is self-love on steroids, not only does it feel good in the moment, the physiological changes of arousal and orgasm are just plain good for your body, health and overall wellbeing.” - Dr. Megan Fleming

1. Relieves Tension

The inherent nature of orgasms is that of a profound release of accumulated tension. From a physiological standpoint, the genitalia's musculature undergoes a series of contractions and relaxations as arousal builds within the body. This culmination, or climax, represents a culmination of built-up sensations, followed by a cathartic release, where the muscles unwind and a profound feeling of pleasurable relief takes over.

Alongside this profound physical release, the mind also reaps significant benefits from the hormonal cascade triggered by orgasm. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin - often referred to as the "happiness" and "love" hormones - are unleashed, elevating one's mood and fostering a greater sense of calm and contentment. Much like the effects of a vigorous workout or a therapeutic massage, self-pleasuring can serve as a vital outlet to discharge built-up bodily and mental tension, easing stress in the process.

Moreover, the profound relaxation experienced in the aftermath of orgasm can have a remarkably restorative effect, helping to prepare both the body and mind for restful, rejuvenating sleep. For those who struggle to "unwind" or require additional support in transitioning from the day's activities, engaging in solo intimacy may prove to be the ideal remedy. If these profound benefits do not provide a compelling case for the merits of masturbation, it's hard to imagine what would.

2. Improves Sex

Contrary to some common misconceptions, the practice of masturbation can actually enhance one's sexual experiences with a partner in profound ways. By gaining a deeper understanding of one's own erogenous zones, personal preferences, and methods of stimulation through solo exploration, individuals are better equipped to communicate their needs and desires to their partner. This mutual understanding can make the process of physical intimacy more seamless and mutually gratifying.

Furthermore, the act of masturbation can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, leading to more powerful orgasms and, in some cases, improved erectile function. Additionally, regularly engaging in one's own sexual self-care can help attune the body to the physiological processes of arousal and climax, making one more responsive and receptive to shared intimate experiences.

Far from detracting from or competing with partnered intimacy, masturbation can actually serve to heighten one's desire and capacity for physical connection with a loved one. Rather than viewing these private, self-exploratory practices as a detractor, they can be embraced as a complementary component that enriches the overall sexual and relational landscape.

3. Helps You Last Longer

One particularly practical benefit of masturbation is its potential to help address issues of premature ejaculation, especially for those with penises.

According to sex therapists, individuals who struggle with premature ejaculation have found that masturbating approximately two hours prior to engaging in partnered sex can help improve their overall stamina and control.

Additionally, regular masturbation, coupled with techniques like "edging" (the practice of intentionally delaying orgasm), has been demonstrated to enhance climax control and build endurance over time. By becoming more attuned to the physiological process of arousal and release through solo exploration, these individuals are better equipped to manage their response during intimate moments with a partner.

Rather than viewing masturbation as a hindrance, this self-discovery process can be leveraged to enhance one's sexual prowess and overall satisfaction - both for oneself and for one's intimate companion. When incorporated thoughtfully, these private practices can serve to strengthen and enrich the shared experience of physical intimacy.

4. Boosts Confidence

Many individuals harbor negative perceptions and feelings of shame surrounding the act of masturbation, often stemming from the messaging received from families, religious institutions, and other sources. However, when one is able to move past these detrimental associations, research has shown that the very chemicals released during the act of self-pleasuring can activate the brain's reward system, leading to a profound sense of positive self-regard.

Alongside the numerous other benefits of masturbation that have been discussed, the release of critical hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins can significantly lift one's overall mood and emotional well-being. Additionally, the spike in adrenaline experienced can provide a tangible boost to self-esteem and confidence.

This delightful cocktail of neurochemicals, combined with the profound act of being in physical contact with one's own body and engaging in self-care, can have a remarkably empowering effect. Rather than viewing masturbation as shameful or taboo, the activity can be reframed as a meaningful avenue for self-exploration, self-acceptance, and self-appreciation - all of which can enhance one's overall sense of embodiment and self-worth.

By shedding the negative stigma surrounding this natural and healthy practice, individuals can fully embrace the myriad benefits that masturbation has to offer, both physiologically and psychologically. This shift in perspective can unlock a greater sense of self-love, self-understanding, and self-actualization - all of which can have a profoundly positive impact on one's relationships, intimacy, and overall well-being.

5. Relieves Pain

If the previously outlined advantages of masturbation were not compelling enough, it is worth noting that the act of achieving orgasm can also serve as a natural means of pain relief. The release of endorphins, the body's inherent opioid-like painkillers, as well as endocannabinoids that reduce inflammation, are both triggered by the experience of sexual pleasure.

In fact, studies have even demonstrated a direct correlation between masturbation and the alleviation of headaches and migraines. Researchers are increasingly lending credence to the notion that this self-pleasuring practice may hold the potential to ease menstrual cramps and soothe other forms of bodily discomfort as well.

Who would have imagined that the simple act of self-exploration and release could serve as a remarkably effective, natural remedy for various types of physical pain and discomfort? This unexpected benefit further underscores the versatility and value of masturbation as a tool for holistic self-care and wellness.

By harnessing the body's own neurochemical responses to sexual stimulation, individuals can potentially find relief from a variety of common ailments, without the need for pharmaceutical interventions or other medical treatments. In this light, masturbation could be viewed as a uniquely empowering form of self-medication - one that allows people to take their health and wellbeing into their own hands, quite literally.

Masturbation Tips

1. Add Lube

While the physical mechanics of masturbation and other forms of sexual exploration may seem relatively straightforward, the strategic use of lubricant can truly elevate the experience to new heights of pleasure and sensuality. By reducing friction and increasing the overall glide and fluidity of touch, a high-quality lubricant can transform stimulation that might otherwise feel rough or unpleasant into a profoundly sensual and rewarding experience.

Without the aid of lubricant, intimate contact with one's own body can sometimes resemble the dry, coarse sensation of a match striking against the skin. However, the simple addition of a carefully selected lubricant can imbue those same sensations with a silky, seamless quality that heightens the overall feeling of pleasure and satisfaction.

No matter the specific nature of one's self-exploration or intimate play, incorporating lubricant can invariably enhance the experience. Whether one is engaging in manual stimulation, the use of sex toys, or any other form of sensual touch, the reduced friction and increased glide facilitated by lubricant can make the difference between an ordinary experience and one that is truly extraordinary.

By prioritizing the use of high-quality, body-safe lubricants, individuals can unlock new realms of sensual delight and physical gratification during the act of masturbation and beyond. This simple yet impactful addition can transform the very texture and quality of intimate contact, elevating the overall experience to new heights of pleasure and satisfaction.

2. Set the Mood

While we often devote considerable time and effort to romantically setting the mood for our partners, we seldom extend that same level of care and consideration to our own self-pleasure rituals. However, incorporating thoughtful elements like lighting, music, and personally arousing stimuli can significantly elevate the experience of solo play.

Think about the specific sensory cues and fantasies that ignite your arousal - whether it's a particular article of clothing, visual erotica, or something else entirely. By intentionally integrating these personalized turn-ons into your masturbation routines, you can help foster a deeper sense of immersion, grounding, and overall gratification.

The more attention and intention you devote to curating your solo experience, the more rewarding and satisfying it is likely to become. Just as we strive to create an ideal ambiance for shared intimacy, extending that same level of care and consideration to our individual self-exploration can unlock new realms of pleasure and self-connection.

3. Switch it Up

Routine can easily breed stagnation, even in the realm of self-pleasure. Embracing your solo playtime as an opportunity to experiment and discover new sources of arousal can breathe fresh excitement into your self-exploration.

Introducing novel sensations or erogenous zones within the context of partnered intimacy often carries an inherent pressure to perform and ensure mutual satisfaction. By first exploring these new avenues of pleasure on your own, you can alleviate that burden and approach the experience with a heightened sense of curiosity and playfulness.

Once you've familiarized yourself with a particular technique or erotic zone, you can then confidently share your newfound learnings with your partner, transforming your solo discoveries into a collaborative "show and tell" that enriches your shared intimacy.

4. Massage the Pubic Mound

The pubic mound, the fleshy area above the genitals, is a lesser-known yet highly sensitive erogenous zone worthy of exploration. This region, where the pubic bone protrudes, is connected to the internal structures of the clitoris and penis, allowing indirect stimulation of these nerve-rich areas.

Applying pressure, grinding, or using toys to massage the pubic mound can powerfully enhance arousal and orgasmic intensity. For those who struggle with solo stimulation, befriending this often-overlooked erogenous zone can be a game-changer. By indirectly accessing the deeper, internal components of the primary sex organs, the pubic mound offers a versatile path to heightened pleasure and satisfaction.

Whether through manual techniques or the strategic use of external stimulation, the pubic mound presents an invaluable opportunity to explore new avenues of self-discovery and self-gratification. Incorporating this often-overlooked area into your solo play routine can open the door to more fulfilling and pleasurable intimate experiences.

5. Try a Toy

While our own hands and the intimacy of a partner's touch hold immense pleasure potential, there are certain stimulative heights that can only be accessed through the intentional use of sex toys. These versatile implements allow us to engage new erogenous zones, explore unique sensations, and maintain the level of intensity required to achieve our deepest satisfaction - even in extended solo play sessions.

Toys serve as invaluable companions, complementing the inherent limitations of our physical abilities and enhancing the overall experience of self-exploration and self-gratification. Whether seeking to reach hidden sweet spots or sustain a particular type of stimulation, these specialized tools can elevate the art of masturbation to new realms of pleasure and fulfillment.

How to choose toys

1.Material Quality

Look for body-safe, non-porous materials like silicone, metal, or high-quality glass. Avoid porous materials like jelly or PVC, as they can harbor bacteria.

2.Functionality

Determine the specific sensations and stimulation you desire - e.g. vibration, texture, penetration, etc. Choose toys designed to effectively deliver those experiences.

2.Functionality

Determine the specific sensations and stimulation you desire - e.g. vibration, texture, penetration, etc. Choose toys designed to effectively deliver those experiences.

3.Size and Fit

Make sure the toy's dimensions are comfortable and well-suited to your anatomy and preferences. Toys that are too large or unwieldy can be counterproductive.

4.Power Source

Consider whether you want a battery-operated, rechargeable, or manual toy. Battery life and charging convenience may be important factors.

5.Noise Level

If discretion is a priority, seek out quiet or whisper-mode options, especially for use in shared living spaces.

6.Cleaning and Care and Personal Aesthetic

Ensure the toy can be properly cleaned and sanitized to maintain hygiene and longevity.

While functionality is paramount, choosing a toy that aligns with your personal style or "vibe" can heighten the sensual experience.