The Surprising Health Benefits of Masturbation: What Science Says About Self-Pleasure

The Surprising Health Benefits of Masturbation: What Science Says About Self-Pleasure

Masturbation Is More Than Just Pleasure—It’s Self-Care


Masturbation is one of the most natural and widespread forms of self-exploration and pleasure. Despite centuries of stigma and taboo, modern research continues to support what many already know: self-pleasure is not only safe, but good for you.

In this post, we’ll explore the medically supported health benefits of masturbation, bust a few myths, and explain why embracing your body is one of the best things you can do for your well-being.

 

 

1. Masturbation Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Orgasm—whether achieved alone or with a partner—releases endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These chemicals reduce cortisol levels, which are directly tied to stress and anxiety.

“Masturbation can serve as a natural stress reliever,” says Dr. Lauren Streicher, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University. “It promotes relaxation, helps people sleep better, and reduces anxiety.”
— Healthline, 2023

Citation:
Brody, S. (2010). The relative health benefits of different sexual activities. The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3466526/

2. Improves Sleep Quality
If you’ve ever felt like dozing off after an orgasm, there’s science behind that. The release of prolactin after climax is associated with feelings of satisfaction and drowsiness, making masturbation a natural way to fall asleep faster.

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that orgasm—especially through masturbation—enhanced sleep quality and reduced sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep).

Citation:
Lastella, M., et al. (2019). Sex and Sleep: Perceptions of Sex as a Sleep Promoting Behavior in the General Adult Population. Frontiers in Public Health.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00033/full

3. Reduces Menstrual Cramping
For people with uteruses, masturbation can ease menstrual cramps by increasing blood flow and reducing pain perception through the release of endorphins.

“Some women find orgasm effective for relieving menstrual cramps and pelvic discomfort,” says gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter. “It’s a non-invasive, drug-free option worth trying.”
— The Vagina Bible, Dr. Jen Gunter

4. Promotes Better Body Image and Self-Esteem
Masturbation allows individuals to explore their own pleasure and understand their sexual preferences, leading to greater sexual confidence and body acceptance.

Research published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that people who engaged in regular self-pleasure reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction and self-esteem.

“Masturbation is a form of self-affirmation,” says sex educator Emily Nagoski, PhD. “It can be empowering and healing, especially in a culture that often shames sexuality.”

Citation:
Štulhofer, A., et al. (2010). Body image, self-esteem, and masturbatory behavior among young adults. Archives of Sexual Behavior.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19350363/

5. Supports Pelvic Floor and Prostate Health
For people with vaginas, regular orgasms can strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control and sexual function. For those with prostates, masturbation may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

A landmark 2016 study in European Urology found that men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a significantly lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Citation:
Rider, J. R., et al. (2016). Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up. European Urology.
https://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838(15)00352-3/fulltext

6. Boosts Immune Function
Orgasms have been shown to increase levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an important antibody that strengthens the immune system.

A 2004 study from Wilkes University found that people who masturbated frequently had higher IgA levels, suggesting their bodies were more prepared to fend off illness.

Citation:
Charnetski, C. J., & Brennan, F. X. (2004). Sexual frequency and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). Psychological Reports.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.2466/pr0.94.2.839-844

7. It’s Safe, Free, and Normal
Masturbation has zero risk of pregnancy, no need for protection (unless toys are shared), and can be done entirely at your own pace. It’s also completely normal: over 78% of women and 84% of men report masturbating regularly, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.

Busting Myths About Masturbation
Let’s clear up a few lingering misconceptions:

  • It won’t cause blindness. That myth is centuries old and has no scientific basis.

  • You can’t get addicted in a clinical sense, though overuse may be a sign of underlying issues.

  • It doesn’t lower testosterone or fertility—in fact, it may support healthy hormonal balance.

Final Thoughts: Pleasure Is Power
Whether you call it solo sex, self-love, or just "me time," masturbation is a healthy and beneficial part of life. It supports emotional regulation, strengthens your relationship with your body, and boosts your overall well-being.

Taking the shame out of self-pleasure is part of embracing holistic, empowered self-care.

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