Sarah McElroy, Nurse Practitioner, shares a little about the health benefits of masturbation for Masturbation Month

Masturbation has long been vilified because of a misinterpretation of moral purity, aka…. For many, it apparently doesn’t seem to matter what your background was, there was always some kind of harm that came with masturbation

The most widespread myths include that if you masturbate, you’ll grow hair on your palms, you’ll go blind, you’ll lose your hair, your penis will shrink, or you will struggle with fertility. Sometimes I wonder if these were started to keep people from doing it “too much”, but the truth is masturbation is normal and can have health benefits.

Learn More: Why Masturbation Can Be Good for You!

I cannot stress this enough to everyone: masturbation is normal for everyone. Masturbation is the act of stimulating (touching) one’s genitals to the point of climax in private. It helps you find what feels good. You can do it with your hands or toys depending on the mood you’re in. Masturbation can be something you do alone, or with a partner. If you have partners, mutual masturbation is a great way to share with your partner(s) what feels good for you and learn what feels good for them.

This is a reminder that what feels good is different for everyone, and everyone gets off a little differently. Sometimes touching places other than the genitalia feels good. Some like erogenous zones like nipples, inner thighs or anal stimulation. Some people find pornography helpful, others do not. While most porn isn’t quite like real life, there are sites like Afterglow that are targeted at sexual wellness and are a more realistic depiction of sex and pleasure.

Benefits of Masturbation

There can be several health benefits to masturbation. Whatever your pleasure, masturbation can help reduce stress and tension. Masturbation can also help you sleep. When you masturbate to climax, your brain releases the hormones dopamine and oxytocin which can improve your mood. “Post-nut clarity” is a thing and masturbation can help you focus! If you’re in mild pain, it can also help relieve aches and pain. For those with penises, it can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer by increasing the frequency of ejaculation through the prostate. Those with a vagina can use masturbation to help relieve menstrual cramping and improve vaginal dryness.

Learn More: The Mind-Blowing Benefits of Orgasms

Is There a Downside?

Excessive masturbation can lead to chafing and irritation if you’re doing it too much or without the proper lubrication, so it’s best to listen to your body to figure out what’s too much for you.

Partner Considerations

Conversations are key no matter what type of relationship, situationship or friends with benefit coupling or poly relationships you’re in. It’s common for sexual partners to have different sex drives and different physical needs on a daily basis around masturbation and sexual connection. Open conversations with your partners can help explore how your and your partners' needs fit into the sexual rhythm of the relationship.

This article provides information about sexual health, healthcare and/or related subjects. The blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be construed as a substitute for, medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or person with a medical concern should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes. The views expressed herein are not sponsored by and do not represent the opinions of TBD Health Inc.