Even though most people aren’t raised with myths like “masturbation will make you go blind” anymore, few men and women are raised with a sense that masturbation is actually good for them. But it is! Here’s why:
1. Masturbation is a great way to learn to pleasure yourself. This is true for both men and women. Once you learn how you like to be touched, you can show or tell your partner(s) for ultimate mutual pleasure. Ask her how she likes to be touched, too. Maybe you can even show each other at the same time.
2. It can help you to fall asleep. The relaxation that masturbation – and sex – provide is unbeatable just before sleep. Considering how important sleep is to cognitive function and a positive mood, take one for the team and masturbate before bed.
3. Frequent masturbation in early adulthood is linked with a lower risk of prostate cancer later on. Whether you masturbate or have partnered sex often, there seems to be some benefit to clearing out the pipes at least a few times per week. And if you do it more often, good for you! Unless you’re causing yourself pain or discomfort or you’re turning down work and social opportunities to stay home and self-pleasure, there’s no harm in masturbating every day, if you feel like it (or several times per day).
4. It helps you play it cool. Like in Something About Mary, some men find that masturbating before a date can help them to feel more calm and comfortable when they’re out with someone they like. Masturbation is certainly known to be a great tension reliever.
Learn fun facts – and some seriously good health information – about masturbation and sexuality in The Big Book of Masturbation.
Debby Herbenick, PhD is a sex researcher and educator, a widely read sex columnist and author of Because It Feels Good: A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Pleasure and Satisfaction. Follow her on Twitter @mysexprofessor. Culled from Men’s Health.
