17 Benefits Of Masturbation That Show Masturbating Is Good For You

If you've stroked into a tube sock, humped a pillow like a horny hare, taken hand or vibe to bits, or really enjoyed your detachable shower head, you know firsthand (ahem) that masturbating feels good. But did you know it's also good for your overall health and well-being? Below, the very real benefits of a little self-love: 

This diamond-shaped group of internal muscles work together to support our pelvic organs, including the vagina, uterus, bladder, and bowels. If the pelvic floor muscles are weak, these organs can literally fall out of place, known as prolapse. Weak pelvic floor muscles are also associated with urinary and bowel incontinence (for instance, leaking every time you sneeze), lower back and pelvic floor pain, discomfort during penetrative sex for vulva owners, and constipation. Masturbating won't heal these things, but it's a great way to help prevent pelvic floor weakness.  

The endorphin and hormone release isn't going to heal an injury like a torn muscle, broken bone, or other serious medical issue, but it can help lower your pain sensitivity.

Biologically speaking, when you get your period, you're shedding something called your endometrial lining. Sometimes the uterus (which is a muscle) contracts to help this process along, which can result in some pretty uncomfortable cramps. But those aforementioned feel-good neurotransmitters (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin) you get from masturbating? Richmond says they put up quite a fight against period cramps. 

If the solo session includes an orgasm, there's additional stress-busting benefits. One study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that orgasming releases oxytocin, which Pai says results in decreased levels of cortisol in the body. And when cortisol levels are decreased, so are feelings of stress.

If you have an orgasm, one 2016 study1 says masturbation can lead to an increased concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin, which have been linked time2 and time again to increased happiness and mood regulation. So, if you find yourself smiling more after ramping up your solo sex life, don't be alarmed. It's the wanking talking.

This perk is especially noteworthy for vulva owners who struggle to get turned on. In fact, according to Pai, "masturbation is regularly used as part of a treatment plan for vulva owners with sexual dysfunction and low sex drive."

For people with penises, masturbating before partnered sex can sometimes help you last longer with your partner because it'll take you longer to masturbate the second time around. Of course, this isn't a guarantee for everyone because everybody's bodies are different. Silicon Valley–based holistic psychologist and sex coach Pam Costa, M.A., also says to keep in mind your refractory period, or the amount of time it usually takes your body to recover and be able to accept sexual stimulation again.

Beyond just getting you to fall sleep, shining your pearl or pole may promote deep sleep. Story explains: "Norepinephrine and serotonin, which are released during orgasm, help your body get into your REM cycles better, which makes your rest more restful." Indeed, a 2019 study4 found more than half of people who masturbated before bed and had an orgasm reported better sleep quality.

Not everyone gets sleepy after masturbating. According to Story, some folks find that masturbation energizes them. The only way to find out what it does for you? Trial and error. "If you get a hit of energy after orgasming, a quick morning orgasm is a great way to start the day refreshed," she says. Climax, then coffee, anyone? 

"Masturbating reduces stress levels, which can reduce some of the body's stress such as the overproduction of sweat and acne," Pai adds. "So a regular masturbation practice really can make someone's skin look clearer." And hey, a visit with your vibe is a whole lot more fun than a visit to the dermatologist.

Depending on how much you're bumping and grinding during your own solo sesh, Needle says the calorie burn is likely similar during masturbation. "It's an aerobic workout."

If you have a prostate (aka have a penis), regular ejaculation may help reduce your risk of prostate cancer. "Research on the topic found that compared to men who ejaculated four to seven times per month across their lifetimes, men who ejaculated 21 or more times a month enjoyed about a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer," says Richmond.

In one 2017 study published in the Journals of Gerontology, researchers had 73 people over the age of 50 complete a cognitive assessment and a questionnaire about how often they get it on (solo or with a partner). And what did they find? That those who had sex more frequently score way higher on the memory and verbal fluency tests, compared to infrequent copulators.

Unlike most partnered forms of sex, masturbating cannot lead to pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. That makes it one of the best forms of safer sex. If you're in a predicament with a partner where other safer sex precautions aren't available, mutual masturbation can be a fun, very hot way to still have a sexual experience with each other that isn't risking anyone's health. 

If you have a penis, she says, "Go beyond just stroking your shaft. Explore the pleasure potential of your stroking, tapping, squeezing, applying pressure to your balls, perineum, anus, and head and discovering what feels good." 

By masturbating, you can learn exactly what makes you feel good sexually. Then you can take this information back to your partner. "Not only will you know how to pleasure yourself better, but you'll be able to teach it to your partner," says Story. "It's a win-win!"

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