Masturbation has a bad reputation. 

Although our society is becoming increasingly sex-positive, stigma still surrounds self-pleasure — so much so that about one-quarter of women say they’ve never engaged in solo masturbation. 

Feeling confused and conflicted about self-stimulation is incredibly common. A number of factors — including misinformation and censorship in sexual education — can make navigating your sexuality a challenging process. The key to overcoming this discomfort is learning about masturbation as an act of self-care and self-love.

Here’s the truth about masturbation: The benefits are real. Shake off the stigma and get ready to have some fun in a healthy, natural way.

Is masturbation good for you?

Science has proven that masturbation is more than just OK. It’s actually healthy to masturbate. But before we get into masturbation’s many health benefits, let’s address a few of the most common myths:

Myth #1: Masturbation is dirty or wrong

There’s a long-standing myth that masturbation is immoral. In reality, it's a natural, deeply personal expression of sexuality. The notion that it’s wrong or impure is rooted in outdated beliefs that seek to control and stigmatize sexual autonomy, especially the autonomy of women. Embracing your own pleasure is an act of self-love and self-care — there’s nothing dirty about it.

Myth #2: Masturbation causes physical or emotional harm

Masturbation isn’t physically or emotionally harmful. It actually has numerous benefits for your overall well-being, which we’ll get into a little later.

Myth #3: Masturbation decreases libido and ruins relationships

Masturbation and partnered intimacy aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, understanding your body and pleasure through masturbation can lead to a more fulfilling and empowered sexual relationship with a partner (or partners).

Myth #4: Masturbation causes STIs

Masturbation itself doesn’t lead to sexually transmitted diseases or infections. There’s a potential risk for spread if you masturbate with another person or with an unsanitized object or device. But it’s virtually impossible to contract an STI from solo masturbation — and as you grow more comfortable with your body, you may even find that talking about safe sex and pregnancy prevention is easier than before.

12 Benefits of Masturbation

We’ve touched on some of the benefits of masturbation — but we’ve barely scratched the surface. Here’s a more detailed look at what masturbating does for your health and well-being: 

1. It promotes self-exploration and body awareness

Masturbation allows you to discover your own unique desires, preferences, and erogenous zones. It’s an opportunity to explore your body and develop a deeper understanding of what brings you pleasure.

2. It provides stress relief and relaxation

Engaging in self-pleasure releases endorphins and promotes a sense of relaxation and well-being. It’s a healthy outlet for stress relief and a great way to unwind after a long day. In fact, masturbation has even been linked to better sleep quality. The release of endorphins and subsequent relaxation can help you drift off to sleep more easily and allow you to enjoy a restful night.

3. It increases sexual confidence

Embracing self-pleasure can help you love your body by promoting a stronger sense of sexual confidence and self-esteem. And remember: Understanding your unique pleasure and desires empowers you to communicate more effectively with your partner(s), leading to a more fulfilling sexual relationship.

4. It helps with pain (including menstrual pain)

The endorphins released during masturbation can act as a natural pain reliever, helping to alleviate headaches, muscle tension, and other minor aches and pains. Masturbation can also ease menstrual cramps by promoting blood flow to the pelvic area. If Midol and a heating pad aren’t working, it may be a fun and relaxing way to find relief during your menstrual cycle.

5. It promotes hormonal health

Masturbation helps regulate hormonal levels in the body, particularly by increasing the release of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin. This cocktail of chemical messengers contributes to a sense of well-being and emotional balance.

6. It improves sexual function

Regular masturbation can enhance sexual function by increasing blood flow to the genital area, strengthening pelvic floor muscles, and improving overall sexual responsiveness. Similarly, incorporating Kegel exercises into your masturbation sessions can lead to improved bladder control, enhanced sexual function, and the prevention or alleviation of pelvic floor disorders.

7. It boosts the immune system

Regular sexual activity, including masturbation, may boost immune function. The release of endorphins and other hormones can strengthen the body's defense mechanisms, which fight off illnesses and infections.

8. It increases intimacy and communication

By exploring your own desires and pleasure through masturbation, you can gain a deeper understanding of your sexual needs and preferences. This knowledge can enhance intimacy in partnered relationships and facilitate open and honest communication about sexual desires.

9. It encourages empowerment

Engaging in masturbation is an act of self-empowerment. It allows you to prioritize your own pleasure and take control of your sexual experiences, fostering a healthier sex life and  greater senses of autonomy and agency.

10. It enhances blood circulation

Engaging in sexual arousal and stimulation, which occurs during masturbation, can increase blood flow throughout the body. This leads to faster-healing wounds, better brain function, and a stronger heart.

11. It helps achieve a clear complexion

Improved circulation also helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells, promoting a healthy and vibrant complexion. The improved sleep, balanced hormones, and decrease in stress hormones that often result from masturbation can also positively impact the skin.

12. It fosters sexual independence

Not all sex is with a partner. Learning how to find and achieve pleasure when it’s just you is a vital and fulfilling part of sex. A regular masturbation routine helps you feel sexually fulfilled whether you’re having a Hot Girl Summer or flying solo. 

Masturbation doesn’t have to be boring

It’s not uncommon for women to need some support on the journey to self-pleasure. Fortunately, you have a wealth of sexual entertainment at your disposal to help you achieve arousal and orgasm safely and comfortably.

We made Quinn, the audio erotica app, to address the needs of women. If you’re looking for audio content to improve your sexual health and help you set — and keep — the mood, Quinn is a great place to start.

To access thousands of audio stories and guided sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.