Masturbation Matters

Hey, hey, May is National Masturbation Month! This is a great opportunity to talk openly about masturbation. There is so much shame placed on exploring your body, but masturbation is neither “disgusting” nor “sinful.” It’s completely normal and even healthy!

In honor of National Masturbation Month, here are some more reasons to feel good about masturbating.

Sexual Self-Care

Many people masturbate, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, age or cultural background. Not only is it a great way to get to know your body and de-stress, it’s also a safe way to have sex without risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Self-pleasure is a way to give yourself some love. Think of it as sexual self-care.

It Isn’t New

Over the years, people have spread misinformation about masturbation. You might have heard that “masturbation will make you go blind,” or “lead to erectile dysfunction,” but these claims are not based on facts.

These misconceptions lead people to believe that masturbation is wrong and against our nature when in reality, masturbation is nothing new! Not only was it depicted in prehistoric cave paintings but also as a ritual of honor in Egyptian mythology.

The long history of self-pleasure is just one of the many pieces of evidence that show masturbation comes naturally to us. It’s a biological urge that can make us feel good.

Physical and Psychological Benefits

Masturbation can lead to a release of endorphins (hormones that promote positive emotions), which may be helpful if you’re stressed or just want to clear your mind. It can also help reduce menstrual cramps and promote better quality sleep.

Masturbation can also be a helpful tool in learning to love yourself and increasing confidence in your body. When you masturbate, you’re putting aside time to understand your body better and what you do and don’t like.

Being comfortable in your own skin can then allow you to feel more comfortable when with a partner. Getting to know what you enjoy can help you communicate that clearly to someone else as well as set boundaries about what you don’t want. In other words, building a healthy connection between you and your body can lead to more fulfilling relationships with others!

So, this month and any month, know that masturbation is completely normal. If you choose to try it, that’s great. If you choose not to, that’s fine, too. It’s up to you. But know that there’s no shame in getting to know your body better.