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 well-being.” — Dr. Megan Fleming

1. Relieves Tension

By their very nature, orgasms are a release of tension. Physiologically, the muscles in your genitals contract and release as you build arousal in the body. Climax is a build-up followed by a release; your muscles relax and that overpowering pleasurable feeling takes over.

As well as a profound physical release, your mind also benefits from the hormones released during climax. Dopamine and oxytocin (the happiness and love hormones) help elevate your mood, making you feel calmer and happier. Just like a good workout or a massage, a solo session can be an outlet to release built-up tension in your body and ease stress. Similarly, the relaxation you experience post-orgasm helps prepare your body and mind for a restful sleep. If you’re someone who has a hard time “shutting off” or needs support winding down from the day, solo play may be just what you need. If this isn’t a great reason to masturbate, we don’t know what is.

2. Improves Sex

Despite what some may fear, masturbation actually makes sex with your partner much better. Knowing your personal erogenous zones, where you like to be touched and how, makes your partner’s job much easier.

Not only does masturbation teach you what you enjoy (which you can then share with your partner), but it also helps strengthen your pelvic muscles. This can lead to more powerful orgasms, and for penis owners, stronger, longer-lasting erections. Like with any healthy routine, there’s also a benefit to regularly taking part in your sexual practices. The more sex and orgasms you experience, the more attuned your body is to the process of arousal and climax. Rather than detract from your partner play, masturbation can actually make you more inclined to want to connect physically with your partner and make it more pleasurable when you do.

3. Helps You Last Longer

This practical side effect of masturbation is particularly relevant for penis owners who have issues with finishing too quickly.

According to sex therapists, people who struggle with premature ejaculation can improve their stamina by masturbating around two hours before they have sex. Masturbating regularly and trying techniques such as edging has also been proven to aid with climax control and improve stamina over time.

4. Boosts Confidence

Many of us have negative associations with masturbation due to shameful messaging from our families, religious institutions, and the like. When we can move past these negative thoughts and associations, research has shown that the chemicals released from pleasuring yourself activate the pleasure reward system in the brain and actually make you feel pretty good about yourself.

In addition to the other benefits we’ve highlighted, masturbation lifts your mood with the release of oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins. You also get a boost of adrenaline, which improves self-esteem. This delightful cocktail of chemicals and hormones, paired with the act of being in physical contact with your own body and doing something nice for yourself, can enhance how you feel about and in your body.

5. Relieves Pain

As if the first four benefits weren’t enough, orgasms can reduce pain. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkiller, and endocannabinoids reduce inflammation—both are released in the body when experiencing sexual pleasure. Studies have even shown a link between masturbation and reduced pain from headaches and migraines.

Researchers are beginning to support the idea that masturbation can ease menstrual cramps and soothe headaches. Who would have thought that jacking off just might be our best medicine?