The physical and mental benefits of masturbation

Masturbation is arguably one of life’s greatest pleasures. But it turns out there’s many more benefits than it feeling really really good. We speak to sexologist and relationship expert Amanda Lambros, to understand what exactly happens to our brains and bodies when we touch ourselves, and why we shouldn’t wait to reap the mental and physical rewards of self-pleasure.

What happens to your body when you reach orgasm?

When you reach orgasm, your body goes through a series of changes, both physiological and psychological. The first thing you might notice is an intense feeling of pleasure that radiates throughout your body. Your muscles tense up, and your heart rate and breathing quickens.

It’s also likely you will feel a warm, tingling sensation in your genitals and surrounding area. As the climax continues, your body releases a flood of hormones: oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins are the most common. Oxytocin, sometimes called the love hormone, is responsible for feelings of closeness and bonding. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, while endorphins are natural painkillers that can produce feelings of euphoria.

During orgasm, your brain's reward centre lights up, flooding your body with a sense of wellbeing and pleasure - seriously how good is that! At the same time, your pelvic floor muscles contract rhythmically, propelling semen (if you have a penis) or facilitating the release of cervical fluid (if you have a vulva).

After orgasm, your body enters a state of relaxation, and you may feel sleepy or content, which can reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. Remember that people experience orgasm differently. Some have multiple orgasms, while others may only experience one. The most important thing is to listen to your body and explore what feels good to you.

How can masturbation improve mental health symptoms like stress and anxiety? 

Masturbation can be a form of self-care. Taking time to focus on your pleasure and relaxation can be a powerful way to reduce stress and promote feelings of well-being.

Masturbation can also help you connect with your body and become more attuned to your own needs and desires, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.

Masturbation can be a form of self-expression and empowerment. Taking ownership of your pleasure and desires can help boost self-confidence and self-esteem, which can be a powerful antidote to feelings of stress or anxiety.

How about improving your physical health? 

Of course. Who needs the gym when you can masturbate for free at home, right? Self-pleasure can offer numerous health benefits for both men and women.

Firstly, masturbation can improve sexual function by increasing blood flow to the genitals and strengthening pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to better erections in men and more intense orgasms in both men and women. In fact, regular masturbation has been shown to decrease the risk of erectile dysfunction in men and improve overall sexual function in women.

It can also help promote better sleep. The release of endorphins during orgasm can have a calming effect on the body and mind, which can lead to more restful sleep. Masturbation can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be a common barrier to good sleep.

Lastly, masturbation can have positive effects for your immune system. Studies have shown that an orgasm can increase the production of antibodies, which helps fight off infection and illness. 

Is it okay to masturbate if you’re not single?

Ah, the question on everyone's minds: can only single people masturbate? Well, the answer is a resounding no! Masturbation is a completely normal and healthy part of sexual expression, regardless of your relationship status. 

What impact can masturbation have on your sexual connection with a partner?

Masturbation can be a great way to improve your sex life with a partner by helping you learn more about your own body and what feels good. This knowledge can be used to guide your partner during sexual activity, making it more enjoyable for both of you. Plus, sharing your preferences and desires is helpful to increase intimacy and communication with your partner.

It can also help increase sexual desire and arousal. Engaging in self-pleasure may build sexual tension and anticipation, which can then be brought into sexual activity with a partner. This can lead to more intense and satisfying sexual experiences for both of you.

So, there you have it, folks – whether you're single or in a relationship, masturbation is a completely normal and healthy part of sexual expression. And if you're looking to improve your sexual connection with a partner, self-pleasure can be a great tool for increasing intimacy, communication, and pleasure. Happy exploring!

Amanda Lambros is a Perth-based sexologist, relationship counsellor and academic with a Masters in Forensic Sexology. You can follow her on Instagram.