Health Benefits of Masturbation

Masturbation is one of those words and one of those acts that cause people to feel uncomfortable. This is hardly justified. Significant percentages of men and women masturbate on a daily basis. Some studies have found that up to 94% of men and 89% of women have masturbated in their lives. Despite what some are attempting to inform youths of otherwise in an era of increasing abstinence-only programs, masturbation is a healthy act that can produce a number of health benefits in both males and females.

At its most basic level, masturbation serves to reduce stress and sexual tension. Humans don't go into heat at certain points of the year like other mammals, so starting with puberty we have a lot of bottled-up sexual energy year-round. People can't exactly just leap on someone they're attracted to and take out their pent-up sexual frustration on them. Well, they can, but it's called rape and it's a despicable thing indeed. What's the alternative when there's not a consenting partner to help you to release your sexual tension? Well, of course masturbation is the answer. Masturbating and achieving orgasm can cause all that sexual tension to be released in a controlled way and provide you with blocks of time in which you can be more focused, productive, and relaxed. Relaxation is a benefit that many stressed-out people in America could sorely use.

One of the most fundamental health benefits of masturbation is that it feels good. The reason behind this is because sexual stimulation and orgasm release endorphins in the body. Endorphins are natural chemicals produced by the body that give a feeling of well-being and elation after periods of exertion. Two of the best ways to release endorphins are exercise and sexual activity. In the absence of actual sex, masturbation serves the same purpose of releasing endorphins and improving mood. In women, masturbation can help to relieve cramps associated with menstruation. With both sexes, regular masturbation can help combat insomnia by lowering blood pressure and increasing relaxation through the release of endorphins.