Masturbation is typically an act more commonly known to be performed by men who need to relieve themselves of sexual tension, but this act of “petting” isn’t just one for the “boys”. In fact, female masturbation (or self-pleasuring) is a necessary discovery tool that every woman should adopt in her weekly routine.
Why is it a good idea for women to pleasure themselves regularly? Here are five reasons why every woman should “pet” herself.
1. Helps Clear Up Your Skin
We've all heard about the post-orgasm glow. The beauty benefits of sex are real, and they also apply to masturbating. But the skin-boosting benefits go beyond the sex flush: One study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found having an orgasm increases your body's estrogen levels, which are known to help with healthier-looking skin (and some say hair too).
"Masturbating reduces stress levels, which can reduce some of the body's stress such as the overproduction of sweat and acne," Sexual health educator and author Janine Hartzold adds. "So a regular masturbation practice really can make someone's skin look clearer." And hey, a visit with your vibe is a whole lot more fun than a visit to the dermatologist.
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2. Experience an orgasm
It is a fact that over 70 percent of women do not experience an orgasm during penetrative sex, and this is partially due to the lack of clitoral stimulation provided during intercourse. Many women go through life believing they don’t have the ability to orgasm while others know the possibility is there yet never experience the euphoric experience of a climax. By using one’s hands or the assistance of vibrating accessories a woman can experience an orgasm and truly know what it is like to reach a peak during sex.
Sexual arousal can be a tricky thing, especially when it pertains to which areas of the vulva are the most sensitive and reactive in getting to the point of no return (the point of orgasm). By practicing self-pleasuring a woman can discover which areas of the vulva—lips, pubis mons, clitoral hood, clitoris vaginal opening—are most reactive during stimulation for sexual arousal. Once an orgasm is experienced, she will never have to question this ability again.
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3. Masturbation can help make your pelvic floor stronger
Your pelvic floor is a diamond-shaped group of internal muscles work together to support our pelvic organs, including the vagina, uterus, bladder, and bowels. If the pelvic floor muscles are weak, these organs can literally fall out of place, known as prolapse. Weak pelvic floor muscles are also associated with urinary and bowel incontinence (for instance, leaking every time you sneeze), lower back and pelvic floor pain, discomfort during penetrative sex for vulva owners, and constipation. Masturbating won't heal these things, but it's a great way to help prevent pelvic floor weakness.
"An orgasm creates a series of muscle contractions in the pelvic floor," Holly Richmond, Ph.D., LMFT, somatic psychologist, certified sex therapist, and K-Y partner, tells mbg. "So essentially, orgasming is like a mini workout for your pelvic floor," she says.
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4. Become comfortable with your sex parts
It’s shocking to hear about the number of women who have never touched their private parts let alone can recognize which parts are which. Practicing self-pleasuring is a great way for a woman to become comfortable with herself and to unify with her sexual anatomy. It is important to know the difference between the vagina and the urethra and to know the placement of the clitoris (the clitoris plays a central role in female arousal and orgasm). The key component to great sex is knowing thyself, and there is no better way for a woman to know herself than to explore her nether regions with love.
5. Bring your body into balance
Having an orgasm brings balance to the body by releasing endorphins, balancing hormones, relieving pain, lowers stress and reduces anxiety amongst other benefits. Reduce stress at the end of the day by setting aside a period of time to incorporate deep breathing and masturbation.
Getting past the shame of pleasuring self requires for one to get out of her own head and come into the realization that she is an adult that is allowed to explore HER body. Be happy, be free and be unashamed!
Glamazon Tyomi is a freelance writer, model and sex educator with a deeply rooted passion for spreading the message of sex positivity and encouraging the masses to embrace their sexuality. Her website, www.sexperttyomi.com, reaches internationally as a source for advice and information for the sexually active/curious. Follow her on Twitter at @glamazontyomi.
