If sex is considered a touchy subject, then masturbation is completely forbidden to discuss. Although many of us shy away from the topic, we all know that it happens and it’s just a part of life. But it’s also important to mention the great health benefits that it provides for the body and the mind. Here are 11 great benefits you can get from pleasing yourself:

1. It’s a stress reducer

Sex, in general, is known to ease the mind. Masturbation can accomplish the same thing. Although it might be more socially acceptable to attend a yoga class or have a glass of wine, pleasing yourself is nothing to be ashamed of.

2. It can improve the quality of sperm

For couples who are trying to conceive, masturbating can improve the quality of sperm. By masturbating before intercourse, the body will release those sperms in the semen that carry tubules. This allows the new sperm to be fresher, which makes it easier to conceive.

3. It increases your dosage of endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin

Anytime our bodies experience an orgasm, dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin are released. When these hormones are boosted, the stress hormone cortisol is reduced. The process overall results in us being happier and less stressed.

4. It’s a self-esteem boost

Masturbating is an act of the body and the mind. When women are capable of learning how to please themselves, they are strengthening their emotional intelligence and connection to their bodies. It also gives you some confidence. When you’re pleasuring yourself, you’re aware of your sexiness and it needs no validation.

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5. It makes intercourse better

It’s proven that women have a harder time reaching climax than men. If practice makes perfect, then masturbation is just that. By masturbating, you can increase your chances of having an orgasm, which will also be beneficial for intercourse with a partner.

6. It eases body pains and aches

For women, that time of the month can be stressful and painful. Masturbation is a solution to those cramps or bad headaches. The increased blood flow to the brain and reproductive organs can ease those pains completely — or at least reduce the severity of them.

7. The positives outweigh the negatives

The truth of the matter is there are no downsides to masturbating. Unlike with regular sex, there are no risks of pregnancy, STDs or anything else. It’s a win-win situation every time.

8. It ehelps stop the junk food cravings

Earlier we mentioned that sexual interactions can release oxytocin. Although it’s known to make you happy, it also rids us of those sugary cravings. Physical stimulation of the breasts, vagina and cervix automatically causes oxytocin to release. So even if there’s no orgasm, you’re still fighting those junk food cravings.

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9. It’s exercise

Masturbating is a real workout for the pelvis area. As the clitoris engorges during an orgasm, blood pressure, heart rate and respiration increase. The lifting and contracting of the uterus helps to strengthen the entire vaginal muscle.

10. It can boost your immune system

Pleasing yourself on the regular can help your cardiovascular health. People often attribute masturbating to lowering the risk of type-2 diabetes and even preventing regular colds. It helps your general health overall.

11. It boosts your sexual desire

Whether you’re single or in a long distance relationship, masturbation can be helpful for those times where you’re not engaging in sex. It helps to keep the reproductive tissues flexible and in shape. It also increases your desire for sex because you’re thinking about it more. Remember, sexual arousal starts in the brain first.

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