Masturbation is the act of stroking one's genitalia or other delicate body parts in an effort to arouse or enjoy one's sexual urges.
Depending on the day, the action feels somewhere between fantastic and mind-blowing.
Masturbation is so much joy and almost everyone does it, but what really happens when you do it? Is there anything else to it besides the apparent physical thrills?
Masturbation can be a touchy subject for some, so many people would rather avoid it. However, if the activity piques your interest, it is imperative that you inform yourself on it.
The most popular queries about masturbation on Google are answered by sex expert Sarah Riccio, owner of delicto.com, an online shop specialising in adult toys.
Is masturbating normal?
While some religions consider masturbation to be sinful, for the most part, it is a normal way for people to show their sexuality. One can use sex devices or their own hands.
A self-pleasure survey found that 84% of Americans and 91% of Britons have engaged in masturbation, with multiple times per month being reported in both nations.
People should be reassured that doing it is a perfectly healthy, common, and normal activity because so many other people do it.
How do you masturbate?
Masturbation can be done in a variety of ways, and which method you choose will rely on how it makes you feel physically.
Masturbation is a good way to understand your own body and sexual desires without having to deal with the difficulties that can arise when doing so with a companion.
The usual methods involve feeling the clitoris, the glans (also known as the "bell-end"), peering inside the vagina, and pulling back and forth on the penis. Sex toys, which are available for all genders, are used by some individuals to explore.
How frequently should you masturbate?
There is no "normal" regularity for masturbation, according to the International Society for Sexual Medicine.
It is a healthy method to take care of yourself, and you can choose how often you do it as long as it doesn't negatively impact your daily life.
What amount of masturbation is excessive?
Masturbation is a positive hobby that enables one to unwind and enjoy oneself. There is no top limit to the number of times you can do this as long as it continues to be enjoyable.
To determine whether your urge to masturbate is unhealthy, you should consider whether it conflicts with your daily life.
Having masturbation on your mind constantly, using it as an outlet, or engaging in it at untimely or inappropriate locations are all indications that you have formed an unhealthy practice.
Recognise this, and perhaps spend some time doing something else to divert your attention, like taking a walk or writing in a diary.
Can you masturbate "too much"?
The only health danger associated with frequent masturbation is tenderness or soreness.
The skin may become inflamed and sore as a result of excessive friction, but this will pass quickly after the act or you can apply a cream to ease the pain.
How can I indulge in masturbation without porn?
Masturbation can spark your creativity even in the absence of porn. When you're by yourself, your inventive mind is in overdrive.
That implies that while masturbating, your mind generates vivid ideas and pictures to help bring exciting scenarios to life.
Don't neglect to give your prefrontal cortex some credit the next time you have a fantastic fantasy while spending time alone.
But some individuals rely too much on manufactured sexual experiences like pornography.
You can't use your own thoughts as a visual aid if you spend too much time masturbating to this. You may discover vivid pictures in your mind of positive past experiences or fantasies as you wean yourself off of pornography.
What are the effects of masturbation?
Although pleasure is the most apparent benefit of masturbation, other facets of life are also improved. Masturbation is regarded as a type of self-care or therapy by 74% of the adult global population.
Improved sleep hygiene
Throw away the sleeping aids and delete the white noise app! After masturbating, the same chemicals that make you feel euphoric and relaxed also aid in slumber.
It makes sense that when insomnia hits, so many of us reach for the vibe, dildo, or masturbator. Playing alone is fantastic for both the enjoyment and the calm rest that follows.
Reduction in blood pressure
Oxytocin can reduce your blood pressure and help you relax in addition to making you feel more at ease and attached (to yourself or a partner!). For this reason, oxytocin has been referred to as the body's natural sedative.
Enhanced erotic performance
Masturbation causes the muscles to tighten, the blood to pump, and the juices to flow. Even though it feels wonderful right now, this has a deeper meaning. Your genital response system is maintained and kept in top shape by masturbation.
Regular solitary play can also assist you in noticing when something doesn't seem right, such as chronic vaginal dryness or erection problems.
More focused memory
Prolactin and dopamine help you recall things better and can shield your brain from the negative effects of stress. An excellent side effect of masturbating as you get older is that the impact is more noticeable if you're over 50.
Higher self-esteem
An improved body image and more positive feelings about yourself can be brought on by the adrenaline released during masturbation.
Studies have even found that the adrenaline that is produced during solo play can give you a sense of empowerment and purpose. It seems that enjoying yourself is beneficial for both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Strengthens the immune system
Self-indulgence has some great antimicrobial benefits! According to one study, masturbation increases the amount of killer and white blood cells, which helps your body fight off illnesses like infections and colds. How?
Cortisol, a hormone that can lower defence if you're under constant stress, is controlled by orgasm. Remember that orgasming can also aid in slumber, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
Boosts pelvic floor strength
Masturbation causes the blood to flow to the pelvic area, supplying those vital internal organs with oxygen. Pelvic muscles contract during arousal and climax, which tones and strengthens them.
Your pelvic floor muscles, also known as Kegel muscles, are responsible for how pleasurable masturbation feels and, consequently, how much you want to play solo. Another great cause for people of all ages to masturbate is that stronger pelvic floor muscles are linked to better bladder function.
As you can direct your partner to the pleasure points you are aware of in yourself, knowing your own body can also help you develop a stronger sexual connection. You can comprehend as well
How many calories are burned during masturbation?
Masturbation isn't a very physically demanding activity; according to a Healthline report from 2019, the typical solo masturbation session only burns five to six calories.
Masturbation can be compared to exercise. Playing by yourself causes your pulse rate to increase and gets your blood flowing.
The more calories you're likely to burn during the exercise, the longer and more intense it is. When you climax, you exert the most energy, so you might consume more calories during an orgasm.
Masturbation isn't as physically demanding as, say, having partner sex or running on a treadmill, and that's a significant but. You won't likely expend as many calories as you would by engaging in foreplay with a partner.
As opposed to partner sex, this deed does not release as much energy. This is said to burn an average of 101 calories for males, but only 69 calories for women.
What should you consume after masturbating?
While there is no specific diet that should be followed after masturbation, bananas are a wonderful source of natural energy if you feel low on energy after a solo session because of their high potassium content.
Apples, eggs, and oranges are additional energy-boosting meals that are generally easy to find.
Is it healthy to masturbate?
Your physical and mental health can both profit from masturbation, which is totally safe.
Additionally, there is no chance of contracting an STD during this very safe sexual deed. It's interesting to note that practising foreplay may increase your pain tolerance.
According to research, the hormone serotonin is to blame for the up to 75% increase in pain tolerance that occurs during masturbation and climax.
Sarah Riccio said in a statement,: “Masturbation is a completely normal activity that can serve as the ultimate form of self-care, and strengthen intimacy with a partner as well. When people bring themselves to orgasm, their body is flooded with oxytocin and dopamine, hormones that create feelings of love and happiness.
This can spark a boost in self-confidence, make them feel more empowered in their sexuality, and deepen their understanding of how they like to receive pleasure”
“This enhanced awareness of one's sensual self can absolutely lead to better communication and greater sexual satisfaction with a partner.
In fact, research shows that people who masturbate solo are more likely to reach orgasm with a partner.”
To better understand your body, exercise self-love, and discover what makes you sexy between the sheets, solo play is a fun, natural, and safe activity. It doesn't hurt that masturbation can burn calories.