Bite my lip and close my eyes...

Masturbation--the thing that a lot of people do and a lot of people lie about doing. But it's totally natural. Even young children do it (of course, not with the means of 'finishing,' they just start playing with themselves because it feels good). And it does feel good. It releases all the same hormones that are released during orgasm with a partner, and the best part is, you don't need someone with you to do it. You don't need anything to do it, except a hand. Of course, many people prefer other things such as sex toys, lube or lotions to get them going, but it's not always necessary.

Some people may feel guilty for masturbating. They might think it's a 'sinful' thing to do, or that they're 'cheating' on their partner. Well, it's not cheating. If you believe it is, that's your loss, but touching yourself when you feel turned on is not on the same level as touching someone else or someone else touching you. And as far as religion goes, well, if you think your religion is against it, then don't do it. But there's nothing wrong with it. It's completely normal and even healthy. The only times it gets to be unhealthy are when you are so addicted to masturbating that you start missing out on life events because you want to do it all the time, rough penetration by a sex toy causing injury, or chaffing (due to dryness or roughness).

A lot of people don't know that masturbation can be a great thing. Did you know it can increase your sex drive, making your sex life better? People who masturbate tend to have a better self-esteem, making sex easier for themselves and their partners. One of the greatest benefits of masturbation is that it helps you figure out what feels good, making it easier for you to orgasm while with a partner. Don't be afraid to tell your partner where to go, to guide them to it, or to touch yourself even while with someone. Most partners find it sexy anyways, and it'll feel super good. If you don't know how to reach orgasm with a partner, masturbate. Don't be afraid or feel weird. Once you find what feels good, incorporate it into your intimate times with your partner.

What are some other benefits of masturbation?

-Relaxation. Orgasm releases tension of all kinds. After peak, your body relaxes and you feel good. It's win-win.

-Sleep aid. Hormones (such as oxytocin) released during orgasm can make you feel sleepy afterward. Some people do it before be as an aid to help them sleep.

-Sexual arousal increases blood flow to the genitals, causing an overall rise in sex drive. This makes you want sex more. What could be bad about that?

You could be just like these people!

-Sex and masturbation can make you live longer. In this day in age, we are always being told what not to do because it can cause cancer or disease. But now we're being told what to do to stop it, and it's something we all love! Sex!! Of course, there are discussions about this. Studies have shown that men who have more orgasms a week tend to die later than those who don't, and those who live later are having sex later as well. Some people argue that this means that sex is the cause; Maybe people who are having sex more are just happier and healthier and therefore have a stronger sex drive. Either way, sex causes happiness and happiness can cause sex. Again, win-win.

-Sex/Masturbation can make you healthy. Hormones released during arousal and orgasm can help decrease stress and even things like headaches. An article in Men's Journal states that having sex even a couple of times a week can raise your immunoglobin levels, which fights off sickness and infections.

-Women: An orgasm can relieve pain caused by cramps!! In the same way that orgasms can decrease pain by headaches and other stresses, it can lessen the pain caused by your period. It's also a great idea since most girls tend to get very horny on their periods.

-It can help with premature ejaculation. Learning how to control your orgasm and how to decided how close you are and how to slow yourself down while masturbating will help you in your next sexual act. Having an orgasm once in a day tends to prolong orgasm the next time. If you have a problem with erectile dysfunction, try masturbating before seeing your partner, and see if that helps you hold on longer during sex. Of course, an overstimulated body can cause a man to not be able to come with a partner.

Men, be careful. Masturbating too much can make you unable to come by anything other than your own hand, as you grow too accustomed to your own touch and pressure. Don't do it too hard or in any strange way for too long. Be careful not to hurt yourself, and it's probably a good idea to use a lube or lotion. Ladies, don't use anything inside you that is not a sex toy (this includes food products and handles of sorts). When using a sex toy, make sure it is clean and don't push it further than is comfortable to you. Also be careful about the pressure you use. Extreme vibrations from a vibrator or movement of a finger can cause a bit of a numbing feeling in the clitoral area. This isn't permanent--feeling will come back. It may just be uncomfortable for a bit. It's common, just be a little easier on yourself or take a break from the vibrator.

Masturbation can make a partner look sexy (while they touch themselves), make you crave sex more, relax you, and help you sleep--all things that alcohol can do! So next time you want a drink but have to work the next morning, touch yourself instead.


Men's Journal - An Orgasm A Day Keeps The Doctor Away.
Women's Health Mag - The Art Of Masturbation.
WebMD, Men's Health - Masturbation: 5 Things You Didn't Know.
Planned Parenthood - Menstruation.
McKinley Health Center - Masturbation.