Self-pleasure is a healthy, safe, and accessible method of stress relief and part of our sexual wellness. In the past, masturbation carried a certain stigma and was often discouraged. Today, we know that masturbation is a healthy form of self-expression, one that we can even learn from.
So what can people learn about themselves through masturbation? There’s much to discover through self-pleasure, including body image and sexual confidence, preference, and emotional and psychological awareness. Through masturbation, we learn what we like and don’t like, where our limits lie, and where we can grow and expand.
Masturbation isn’t just for fun and a sense of release but also for self-discovery. Through self-pleasure, you can even learn to be a better sexual partner. According to Planned Parenthood, “Learning how to have orgasms by yourself makes it easier to have them with other people, because you can show them what you like.”
So how can you incorporate masturbation into your overall, everyday wellness routine? Read on and discover how a little quality one-on-one time with yourself can lead to new discoveries about what makes you tick.
What is Masturbation?
Masturbation is described as the self-stimulation of genitals or other sensitive areas with the intent of sexual arousal or pleasure. This can be achieved through the use of hands or body-safe sex toys through rubbing or stimulating genitals and other sensitive areas. You may use unique vibrators or fingers to explore your body in ways that feel pleasurable until you experience sexual release, or orgasm.
While masturbation is often best done solo, self-pleasure is also encouraged when you’re with a partner. You can use toys on yourself or your partner, or manually stimulate yourself or each other to reach orgasm.
What Are the Benefits of Masturbation?
Masturbation with or without silicone sex toys has been proven to offer a variety of health benefits. When our bodies orgasm, they release feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin that help to counteract the stress hormone, cortisol.
Masturbation has also been proven to:
- Relieve tension
- Reduce stress
- Increase focus
- Improve sleep
- Prevent anxiety
- Boost mood
Masturbation also has no serious side effects and is an excellent preventative measure from pregnancy and disease. While in the past, many tales were told to discourage people from indulging in self-pleasure, today we know they simply aren’t true. Notions like insinuating that masturbation will make you blind or cause you to have hairy palms are false.
Masturbation for Women
In women, masturbation offers a variety of positive benefits, whether single or married. Bringing yourself to orgasm through the use of clit massagers or a thrusting dildo can offer a wide variety of benefits, including:
- Menstrual cramp relief
- Less vaginal dryness and pain
- More frequent orgasms during sex
- Increased libido
- Higher self-esteem
- Greater satisfaction in relationships
Masturbation for Men
For men, the benefits of masturbation are just as great. Bringing yourself to orgasm through the use of realistic masturbators or a blowjob toy can provide a host of health and wellness benefits, including:
- Lower risk of prostate cancer
- Lower risk of depression
- Better self-esteem
Self-Discovery Through Masturbation
No matter your stage in life, masturbation can help you to discover your sexual preferences. Unlike sex with a partner, self-pleasure provides a private way for you to learn what you like or don’t like, and to take as much time as you need. Use your hands or quality sex toys of your choice and discover the following about yourself:
Emotions and Psychology
- Turn-Ons: Allow yourself to fantasize and discover the images or thoughts that stimulate you.
- Promote Relaxation: Develop a deep connection with your emotional state and physical reactions for overall relaxation.
- Manage Stress: Discover when and why you may use self-pleasure to find relief during times of distress or tension.
Body Image and Confidence
- Improved Self-Esteem: Take charge of your body and learn your sexual preferences to build confidence.
- Better Sex: Enjoy improved sex with your partner when you are able to effectively guide them to the preferences you discover through masturbation.
Physical Preferences
- Setting Boundaries: Learn what you like and don’t like, including anal play, through the use of masturbation with toys like an inflatable butt plug.
- Erogenous Areas: Discover which areas on your body are erogenous zones through exploration, including thighs, neck, anus, or nipples. Map those areas as you explore your body with your hands or quality sex toys.
- Pressure and Rhythm: Discover the speed or intensity your body responds to in order to be aroused and achieve climax.
Practicing Masturbation for Self-Awareness
Self-discovery through masturbation is a practice that can take place at any moment in your lifetime. Through the years, you may discover that new things arouse you that might not have before. With a combination of masturbation and discovery through visual and auditory stimulation, like erotic novels, videos, or magazines, you may learn that there are new sexual horizons you’ve yet to explore.
Thankfully, there is less stigma surrounding masturbation these days. The benefits of self-pleasure are undeniable for both women and men, and show that frequent orgasm helps to boost both the body and the mind. If you’ve been curious about ways to elevate your masturbation experience, browse our online sex shop today. You may just learn more about yourself through self-pleasure than you could have ever dreamed.
