Sex – Solo Intimacy

There’s no shame in admitting to masturbating. In fact, besides the thrill you get from pleasuring yourself, there are many health benefits too

Women masturbate — it’s a fact and it’s normal. Due to strict cultural beliefs and societal values, many women feel guilty about masturbating, therefore rendering this a taboo topic that many women only ever whisper about. But we’re here to reassure you that masturbation is perfectly healthy and, in fact, has many perks. It’s high time we put the stigma associated with masturbation to bed so women can feel free to pleasure themselves without feeling like they are committing a sin. Healthy as it is, addiction to masturbation is a downside that could prove problematic if not nipped in the bud. Tracy Ziman Jacobs, an intimacy and relationship coach, agrees that it is possible to get addicted to masturbation. “It causes chemicals to be released by the brain, which triggers the pleasure centres of the brain, having positive effects on you, or a ‘high’ that leaves you wanting more and more. And the best part is that masturbation is free,” she explains, adding that you can avoid becoming addicted by simply being conscious of when and how often you masturbate. Despite the possibility of addiction, however, masturbation has no harmful side effects, says Joburg-based urologist and sexual health expert Dr Shingai Mutambirwa. “Firstly, we must recognise that there’s nothing wrong with masturbation. I believe 40% of females and 80% of males masturbate at some stage in their lives. It has no physical dangerous problems,” he says. Women who masturbate experience a wide range of health benefits, and we’ve broken down a few below:

CHEERS TO LESS STRESS

Had a bad day at work, or are you stressed by an upcoming presentation? The chemicals released during masturbation have been proven to take a person’s mind off stressful situations. Oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’, is one of the chemicals released during masturbation — it stimulates a warm feeling and intense relaxation. “Masturbation is an instant tension reliever, and in today’s stressful society, people want instant gratification,” Jacobs says. Dr Mutambirwa agrees, explaining that, “The oxytocin and endorphins released during orgasm can make people feel more relaxed, comfortable, and safe.”

BETTER ZZZZS

According to research cited in Beverly Whipple’s book The Science of Orgasm, at least 32

percent of women who admitted to masturbating said it helped them fall asleep. Dr Mutambirwa says that while the rush of oxytocin already relaxes you, during masturbation you also release a hormone known as prolactin, which acts as a sedative — so the assertion that masturbation helps you sleep better is true. If you’ve ever wondered why men almost always fall asleep immediately after sex, now you know that it’s all the warm and fuzzy hormones released during orgasm. So, the next time you think of reaching for those sleeping pills, remember that masturbation also does the trick.

NATURAL PAINKILLER

Masturbation is also touted as a great natural painkiller. “During masturbation, you release natural chemicals such as endorphins, which help reduce pain. Among the list of things, this release of chemicals can cure menstrual cramps and headaches,” Jacobs adds. Several studies have also cited masturbation as playing somewhat of a big role in helping relieve menstrual cramps.

IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTER

Did you know that masturbation is a great way to avoid the common cold? A Wilkes University study revealed that people having sex once or twice a week had a 30% increase in immunoglobulin A, the body’s antibody blood protein that forms part of the immune system. If good old sex is not readily available, masturbating is the answer. “Orgasms help with your health generally. They prevent (certain) cancers plus the bonus is that you’re not at risk of STIs,” Dr Mutambirwa explains.

IMPROVED SEX LIFE

Exploring your own body and learning what makes you get off will definitely boost your lovemaking sessions with bae. Once you figure out what you like, you’ll be better able to communicate your pleasure points with your partner. “Masturbation is a way to learn what feels good to you without worrying about what anyone else thinks or needs. It can help you learn to build your arousal to higher levels, become orgasmic, or intensify your experience of orgasm,” says Joburg-based clinical sexologist, Elna McIntosh. Not only does it strengthen your relationship with yourself but with your partner as well. “Masturbation is also a way to meet your own sexual needs if your partner is tired, ill, or on a different sexual rhythm,” she adds.

HELLO, HAPPY DAYS!

We all feel blue and gloomy every now and again, and munching on our favourite chocolate sometimes just doesn’t cut it. Well, self-pleasure in between the sheets is what we need to do more of, ladies. The key to happiness is found right after orgasm. “When you orgasm it can change some of the hormones in your brain like oxytocin, which is alone a ‘feel good hormone’ that can improve your mood,” Dr Mutambirwa says. According to a study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, people who regularly have sex and orgasm, are happier. We suggest you clear your calendar and fit in a little more ‘me time’. •