Let’s be real—masturbation is a normal, healthy part of life for both men and women. Beyond being a natural way to explore your body, it comes with a host of benefits, from reducing stress to boosting self-esteem. Whether you’re curious about its perks or want to learn how to make the experience even better, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
Is It Normal to Masturbate?
Yes, masturbation is completely normal and natural. It is widely practiced across genders, age groups, and cultures. Let's see how the numbers say about masturbation.
- In the U.S., more than 60% of men and 36.5% of women reported masturbating within the past month.
- Only 10.4% of men and 23.3% of women said they have never masturbated, highlighting how common it is among adults.
- Even among older adults, masturbation remains a normal activity—28% of men and 12% of women over 70 reported masturbating within the last month.
- People masturbate for various reasons, with pleasure being the most common (63.6% of women, 65.6% of men), followed by stress relief (36.2% of women, 36.7% of men) and relaxation.
- Masturbation was often a safer alternative to partnered sex during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among younger men (10.2% of men aged 18–24 cited this reason).
- Even in committed relationships, masturbation is common, with 20.2% of men and 12.6% of women reporting it. It can complement partnered sexual activity and coexist with a healthy sex life.
Typical Benefits of Masturbation
Masturbation offers a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological benefits for all genders, including:
- Reduces cortisol levels(stress hormone) while boosting dopamine and oxytocin, which promote relaxation and happiness.
- Orgasms release calming hormones that help relax the body and improve sleep quality.
- The release of "feel-good" hormones like endorphins helps alleviate anxiety and depression.
- Increased blood circulation and hormonal release during masturbation can ease menstrual cramps and lower back pain.
- Regular masturbation allows individuals to understand their bodies better, explore preferences, and enhance sexual communication in relationships.
- Masturbation poses no risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a safe way to fulfill sexual needs.
Particular Benefits of Masturbation for Males
- Frequent ejaculation has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Studies show men who ejaculate more often (21+ times a month) may have a lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculate less frequently.
- Masturbation helps maintain erectile function by promoting healthy blood flow to the penis. It can also help prevent erectile dysfunction in aging men.
- For men dealing with premature ejaculation, masturbation before sexual activity can help extend the duration of intercourse by reducing sensitivity.
- Masturbation provides a quick and effective way to manage stress, particularly for men with busy or high-pressure lifestyles.
- Men can use masturbation to better understand their arousal triggers and enhance their sexual performance in partnered sex.
Special Benefits of Masturbation for Female
- Masturbation during menstruation can help reduce cramping and pelvic pain by increasing blood circulation to the uterus and releasing tension in the pelvic muscles.
- For postmenopausal women, masturbation can reduce vaginal dryness and maintain elasticity, making intercourse more comfortable.
- Women who masturbate are more likely to experience orgasms during partnered sex, as they better understand their own bodies and preferences.
- Masturbation can help reignite sexual desire, particularly for women experiencing low libido due to stress, hormonal changes, or aging.
- Self-pleasure allows women to develop a deeper appreciation for their own bodies, promoting self-esteem and body acceptance.
- The release of oxytocin during orgasm helps women relax and cope with emotional stress.
Why You Need Sex Toys for Masturbation Over Hands or Fingers
While hands or fingers are often the most accessible tools for masturbation, sex toys offer unique advantages that can elevate the experience and provide physical and psychological benefits.
- Sex toys are designed to target specific erogenous zones with greater precision than hands or fingers. For instance, vibrators can stimulate the clitoris, G-spot, or prostate with controlled intensity.
- Different toys offer varying textures, shapes, and modes, catering to personal preferences.
- The mechanical vibrations or pulsations from toys like wands or vibrators can often lead to stronger, more satisfying orgasms compared to manual stimulation.
- For individuals with limited mobility, arthritis, or fatigue, sex toys can provide pleasurable stimulation without requiring significant physical effort.
- Toys like dildos, prostate massagers, or clitoral stimulators are ergonomically designed to reach areas that might be difficult to access manually.
- Toys allow for exploration of new sensations, such as suction, pulsation, or warming effects, that hands or fingers cannot replicate.
- Couples or individuals can use toys to discover preferences and enhance their sexual repertoire.
- Specialized toys like prostate massagers for men or G-spot vibrators for women are specifically designed to stimulate areas that may be challenging to reach manually.
- Regular use of sex toys can increase sexual sensitivity and blood flow to erogenous zones, enhancing overall sexual health.
- For men, penis pumps or vibrating rings can promote blood flow and assist with erectile function.
- For women, Kegel trainers can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control and enhancing sexual satisfaction.
- Toys often come with adjustable speeds, patterns, and intensities, allowing users to control their relaxation and pleasure levels.
- The use of toys can make the experience more immersive, helping individuals focus on self-care and relaxation.
- High-quality sex toys are made from body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone, which are more hygienic and safer for internal use than unwashed hands or fingers.
- Many toys work well with lubricants, reducing friction and providing a smoother, more comfortable experience.
- Exploring with toys can help individuals become more comfortable with their bodies, leading to improved self-esteem.
- For those in long-term relationships or individuals feeling stuck in a routine, toys add novelty and excitement to sexual experiences.
- While masturbation is a solo act, many sex toys are designed for couples to use together, fostering intimacy and improving communication about sexual preferences.
Common Sex Toys for Female Masturbation
- Vibrators. Clitoral, G-spot, and dual-action (rabbit) vibrators for targeted or combined stimulation.
- Realistic Dildos. Non-vibrating toys for penetration; available in various sizes and textures.
- Bullet Vibrators. Small and discreet for clitoral or nipple stimulation.
- Suction Toys. Mimic oral stimulation on the clitoris using suction technology.
- Kegel Balls. Strengthen pelvic floor muscles while offering internal stimulation.
- Wands. Powerful vibrators for clitoral or body-wide massage.
Common Sex Toys for Male Masturbation
- Masturbation Sleeves. Soft sleeves simulating various textures for penile stimulation.
- Fleshlights. Realistic sleeves designed to mimic vaginal, oral, or anal sensations.
- Prostate Massagers. Specifically designed for internal prostate stimulation.
- Cock Rings. Enhance erections and delay ejaculation with added vibration options.
- Penis Pumps. Improve blood flow for stronger erections.
- Vibrating Strokers. Combine manual motion with vibration for enhanced pleasure.
From stress relief to improved self-awareness, masturbation is a self-care practice worth embracing. And if you’re looking to take things up a notch, adding sex toys to the mix can open up a whole new world of fun and relaxation.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.