Hump Days: Top 10 Reasons To Masturbate

We’ve heard all the myths. Masturbation causes blindness, will make you grow hair on the palms of your hands, will become addictive, or cause infertility. There are lots of terms for it: jacking off, flogging the dolphin, petting the kitty, choking the chicken, beating the beaver. There is an almost endless list of euphemisms. Men seem to talk about it more openly than women do, and men probably do it more than women (or at least admit to it), but there are a number of benefits to masturbation. In my article, Sex Is Always the Answer, I talked about how sex creates more relaxed and happy people over all. But if you don’t have a partner at the moment, or you and your lover have different levels of sexual needs, masturbation is the answer. Here are my top ten reasons why we should take time to pleasure ourselves more frequently.

1. It’s a cheap date. Feeling sexually frustrated? Want the gratification of reaching the goal without the work, drama or expense? Stay home and get reacquainted with yourself. Maybe a good movie and some dinner. Perhaps a porno for the men, or something sexy or romantic for women to put you in the mood.  Add a good lubricant and/or vibrator and voila – party time! I have found Sex Butter to be a great lubricant that enhances pleasure for both women & men. Once the party’s over, you’ll sleep like a baby and wake up refreshed. And just think how much easier it will be the next day when you don’t have to figure out how to get that stranger with the bad hair and dragon breath out of your bed.
2. Stress relief. Sexual stimulation releases dopamine , the ‘feel-good’ hormone. Just as physical exercise can release tension, so can orgasm. Too late at night to go to the gym? Give yourself a quick workout at home. This is one you can safely do even after a big dinner and a few cocktails.
3. Safe sex. No concerns about sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies. No baby-mama drama, or months of throwing up when you haven’t even been to a party the night before.
4. Improved sex drive and better sex with your partner.  Exploring your body and knowing what it takes to excite you and bring you to orgasm is important in creating mutually fulfilling sexual experiences with your partner.  It is also a good way to increase your libido and anticipation of being with your partner. For men, learning to control ejaculation can lead to a more fulfilling experience for both of you. Staying power is a skill she will appreciate.
5. Improved sleep. Oxytocin and endorphins are those ‘lullabye’ hormones that are released during orgasm, promoting sleep naturally. Ever wonder why men roll over and fall asleep after sex? It’s not that they don’t want to talk to you (well, maybe), but in fact, it’s a chemical reaction.
6. Pain relief. I haven’t found anything better on the market to relieve cramps or lower back pain than a great big ‘O’. Unlike drugs, orgasms are free, all-natural, and non-addictive.
7. Improved self-esteem and body image. Aw, go on. Do it in front of a mirror. Use dim lights and candles if you must, but get comfortable with your body. Love and accept yourself as you are, and you’ll find that others will as well. People with good self-esteem are more attractive to others, and those who are comfortable in their own skin have better sex!
8. Strengthens pelvic muscles and lessens chances of urine leakage in women as they age. Not only will frequent orgasms keep the little kitty in shape, it could keep you from wearing adult diapers some day. Seriously, my friends over 40 have a saying – it’s not a good party until somebody pees themselves. That may be fine for a girls’ night in, but could be disastrous if you are laughing too hard in a nightclub.
9. Better overall health. Studies show that orgasms may decrease chances of prostate cancer in men and help prevent cervical, vaginal, & urinary tract infections in women. Furthermore, the stress relief can lower blood pressure, create greater resistance to coronary heart disease and type-2 diabetes. And masturbation is so much more fun than a heart attack, so do a little ‘house-cleaning’.
10. If it feels good, do it! Orgasms are fun, rejuvenating, and good for you, whether they are experienced with a partner or alone. So get down with your bad self!