Masturbation and female pleasure are, even today, surrounded by many taboos. Discussing these issues is essential, as it encourages women to get to know each other better and to prioritize their own needs. To clarify your doubts on the subject and learn about the benefits of masturbation, check out tips and information from sex therapist Gabriela Vitor (CRP 01/18018).
8 benefits of masturbation that will convince you to pleasure yourself
The sex therapist comments that the practice has many benefits for mental, physical and sexual health. According to her, “talking about women’s health without mentioning female masturbation is skipping an important step.” She checks out, below, great reasons pointed out by the specialist for you to get to know your body better:
1. Favors self-knowledge and independence
Gabriela remembers that, without knowing your own vulva, you don’t know what you like and how you like it, or how to pleasure yourself. “Not knowing your own body is similar to living in a house you don’t know and leaving some rooms without care and attention”, she comments.
The therapist explains that, unlike joint masturbation, solitary masturbation is not sex, but a way to get to know yourself better and relieve sexual desire. And she adds: “You are your own home, so stand in front of a mirror, look at yourself, touch your vulva and research more about it”.
2. Relieves cramps and pain
In addition to being pleasurable to masturbate during menstruation, the therapist explains that, due to the excitement and hormonal changes of the period, the body releases the hormones of happiness. “Among them, we have endorphin, a powerful analgesic that helps relieve pain.”
With the contraction of the uterus and the relaxation of the genital muscles after orgasm, menstrual blood is also favored, relieving symptoms. For those who still feel uncomfortable touching themselves or having sex on these days, the expert warns: “It’s nice to masturbate during your period, and we need to learn that menstruation is a natural process in our bodies.”
3. Improves mood
During masturbation and orgasm, the body also releases serotonin, the hormone responsible for balancing mood. “The benefits of this hormone are many and they improve the quality of sex, appetite, sleep and memory”, explains the sex therapist.
4. Decreases anxiety and increases relaxation
This benefit is due to the action of oxytocin, also released during orgasm. As the expert explains, this happiness hormone “enables the feeling of calm, security and reduces anxiety”.
5. Sleep aid
Gabriela explains that with masturbation and orgasm, the pelvic floor and some muscles contract. This generates energy expenditure similar to that of low-intensity exercises, “leaving the body tired and providing better sleep, to replace this caloric expenditure”, she comments.
6. Assists in sexual performance
The more you know your body, the greater the possibilities of having and giving yourself pleasure. The therapist advises not to focus only on stimulating the vulva, as “breasts, legs, neck, feet, hands, bellies and back are also pleasure zones”. And she gives the following tip: “Explore these points too, along with masturbation, and write down what you liked or didn’t like during the act”.
7. Works the imagination in sex
For the sex therapist, imagination is a great ally for fantasizing sensual and sexual situations, although this benefit is underestimated by many. She explains that “working on the imagination also helps to improve creativity, and the two together are great allies against routine and complacency in relationships”.
8. It’s safe
In a context of pandemic and social isolation, masturbation also becomes a great ally. “In addition to being a technique that can be practiced alone or accompanied, it relieves the horny, even at a distance”, adds the specialist.
The therapist highlights the importance of masturbation to deconstruct female social roles that can lead to social pressure, harming sexual health. “Unfortunately, there is the concept that women don’t have this need, which is strange and inconsistent with our very nature, because we have an amazing genital organ whose function is to give pleasure (the clitoris)”, she concludes.
5 videos with tips and techniques for you to masturbate more and better
Now that you know the benefits of masturbation for your sexual, physical and mental health, how about discovering the best techniques to put this idea into practice? For that, follow more professional tips in the videos below:
10 myths and truths about female masturbation
In this video, Cátia Damasceno, a specialist in female sexuality, demystifies myths and truths about female masturbation, which is still the subject of a lot of misinformation. Still have questions about the benefits of practice? Check out the explanations brought by the professional!
Masturbation and orgasm: step by step to touch and have pleasure
Convinced of the importance and benefits of masturbation, but don’t know where to start? Mônica Moura, specialist in pelvic physiotherapy and sexuality, brings great tips for you to start touching yourself and having more orgasms. See in the video!
Tips to get rid of taboos and practice masturbation
Here, sex coach Delma Eusébio comments on social and cultural factors that harm women’s freedom and sexual life, and can even cause dysfunctions and pathologies. In addition, she gives tips to get in the mood and stimulate yourself at the time of masturbation. Get rid of taboos and get to know your body!
10 tips for a good female masturbation
In this video, Rayssa talks about how to create the perfect atmosphere for a good masturbation and explains about the importance of getting to know each other to have and give yourself pleasure. Check out all the tips and techniques presented to get you there!
The secret of female masturbation
In another video by sex coach Delma Eusébio, she has a frank chat about how to start masturbation, and also how it is possible to improve for those who already have this habit.
Female masturbation only brings benefits, and remember that knowing your own body is essential to have pleasure alone or as a couple. To continue on this journey of self-knowledge, also check out how to enjoy alone!