Illustration by Ida Lindbæk
Masturbating is healthy - let's get that straight first. It was once thought that you could go blind by masturbating. Children were told to keep their hands over the covers when they were put to bed. And they tried to cure women of hysteria by means of masturbation . Fortunately, we are smarter today.
Masturbation is quality time with yourself, it's pure well-being and pretty nice. There are many good reasons to enjoy self pleasuring. Here are 17 of them - and when you've read them, you can conveniently read our masturbation guide , which is full of ideas for solo play with yourself.
1. You find it easier to get wet
If you find it difficult to get wet when you have sex, then masturbation is your friend. Two studies in which subjects were tasked with masturbating with a vibrator have proven this. If you like to masturbate, and if you do it regularly, there is a good chance that your body will produce all the lube it needs to make sex feel delicious.
2. You get a greater sex drive
The same two studies also showed that sex drive increased in the test subjects - both those who had a vulva and those who had a penis. Then if you have challenges with a lack of sex drive , masturbation can be the way back to your desire!
3. Masturbation is stress relieving
An orgasm doesn't just feel nice. The hormones your brain releases in your body when you come make you relax a lot. These are the three little lucky charms dopamine, endorphin and serotonin that make you let go and de-stress. And you're not coming? No worries - masturbation is still a good cure for stress: The part of your brain that takes care of rational decisions (that's the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, if you're going to ask) is put out of action quite a lot while you vibe out of that. It also helps you to let go of e.g. anxiety and fear.
4. Masturbation boosts your mood
And now that we're talking about dopamine, endorphin and serotonin: The three hormones give your mood a boost. Are you having a bad day? It's just another good reason to find the vibrator from the drawer, so you can masturbate with a smile on your face again.
5. You sleep better after masturbating
Sleep problems be gone! Masturbation makes you sleep better. Are you sleepless? Well, now that you're lying there anyway, you might as well make the most of it and masturbate to dreamland.
6. You get to know your body
Masturbation both with and without a vibrator is a wonderful way to get to know your body. Feel forward with your own hands and fingers. What happens when you press here and rub there? Knowing your body is both learning how it reacts and how it feels. If you touch your own breasts often, there are e.g. greater chance of noticing changes and nodules that may be the symptoms of cancer.
7. You learn what you like
Perhaps the most important ingredient in a good sex life is knowing what you like. When you have sex with yourself - ok, and maybe also your best vibrator friend - there is room to try all the things you dare not try with a sex partner. Try yourself out. Practice. And masturbating. All life. How else are you supposed to find out what feels good?
8. It becomes easier for you to guide a sexual partner
When you know what you yourself like, it also becomes easier for you to explain to those you have sex with how they satisfy you.
9. You can do it alone
Single? Alone at home? Or is there just no one else to have sex with right now? Sex can easily just be with yourself. Or with your vibrator, your butt plug, your lubricant and whoever you want to invite to bed. Masturbation requires nothing but yourself and your hand.
10. You can explore the forbidden
Do you have a fantasy you don't dare share with those you have sex with? Or does it feel too forbidden to try out what you dream of? There are no rules when you masturbate. Here there is free play and space to imagine all the things you (perhaps) could never think of doing in reality.
11. There is a greater chance of having an orgasm
At least if you haven't tried to come before. If you have never experienced an orgasm , there is a greater chance that you will get it on your own when you masturbate. No pressure from a partner - just you and your vibrator.
12. It's a turn on
You don't have to masturbate alone, you can also do it with your partner. It can be super naughty and delicious to watch each other masturbate. And maybe you discover what each other likes by looking at each other in the process. Masturbate together if you feel like it. And if you prefer to keep it as private play, do so.
13. It's healthy
Sex is good. Sex is healthy. So: Sex with yourself is definitely healthy. If you are not convinced, you can just read all the good reasons to masturbate above: Better sleep, no stress, better mood. Is it healthy to masturbate? Yes, it is!
14. Masturbation is safe sex
Forgot to take your birth control pill, forgot to buy condoms, threw out your pessary by mistake? Masturbation is also sex, and if you do not have contraception in place, it is a brilliant solution with a minor change of plans, while you are the most horny and drop sex with penetration in favor of masturbation.
15. It relieves menstrual cramps
A study shows that masturbation is also a friend in need if you suffer from menstrual pain . Almost one in three people who took part in the study found that masturbating greatly eased menstrual pain.
16. You get a better relationship with your body
The more time you spend alone with your body, the better your relationship with it. Masturbation is also love for yourself - so remember to love yourself often. You've earned it.
17. It's nice
Need we say more? It feels damn good to masturbate. In fact, that's the only thing that matters.
