Reasons why women should masturbate more, according to science

As a little-discussed topic, bringing up female masturbation in conversation is often accompanied with awkward glances at the floor and a lot of nervous coughs. It’s still a taboo for women to admit to a little self-loving – but why? Why do people not talk about the very real health benefits of masturbation, in terms of our psychological, emotional and physical well-being?

The information is definitely out there, but having trawled through many studies and articles, it is surprising how difficult it is to find all the answers in one place. As such here is the most important information, condensed into the five major benefits of masturbation for women. Let’s do away with the taboos and educate ourselves!

It relieves stress and can improve your mental health

One of the major benefits of female masturbation is that the feel-good hormones, Dopamine and Epinephrine are released in the anticipation of a climax – you don’t even need to orgasm.

Physical effects aside, simply taking some time to yourself removes you from the stresses and pressures of everyday life and gives you and your body the TLC it deserves.

It encourages body-awareness and acceptance

Knowing and accepting your body is hugely influential regarding our overall self-confidence and self-acceptance, and being able to control what gives you pleasure through masturbation can be extremely helpful in developing this confidence.

Dr Lauren Streicher, associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University, has talked extensively on the importance of women knowing and exploring their bodies, noting that through learning how they react to various pleasure-stimuli, our self-awareness and so our self-acceptance are improved.

In a society that focuses so much on how women present themselves superficially, it’s more important than ever to be comfortable in your own skin and therefore also your body.

The calming hormones it releases help you sleep better

Fortunately for all you self-lovers out there, masturbation is actually the key to that good night’s kip you’ve all been searching for. You may not know that after a climax the ‘calming’ hormones oxytocin and endorphins are released, giving you that warm, relaxed, cosy feeling. Masturbation might be the most effective night cap yet.

It can relieve UTIs and cervical infections

Several studies have shown masturbation to have multiple benefits to your physical well-being. When you orgasm, unwanted bacteria are flushed out of the cervix and your vagina is lubricated, relieving pain caused by UTIs as well as reducing the risk of other cervical infections.

It strengthens the muscles of your pelvic floor

Another little known fact is that orgasms provide you with quite the effective workout. During an orgasm, your heart rate and respiration increase and the uterus lifts and contracts, not only increasing sexual satisfaction but also strengthening the muscles in the pelvic floor. So basically your orgasm is your own, personal, self-made blast of goodness.

It’s frickin’ bliss

It might seem obvious, but don’t ever think that pleasure isn’t reason enough to enjoy a little masturbation. I mean, guys do it all the time and no-one bats an eyelid – it’s time for the ladies to reclaim their party for one! Enjoy.