Masturbation. Solo sex. Self-love. Whatever term you prefer, the act of pleasuring oneself to orgasm is a universal human experience. It’s how we explore our bodies, understand our desires, and, let’s face it, feel incredibly good. While societal attitudes towards masturbation have varied throughout history, the science is clear: it’s a natural and healthy behavior. In fact, a 2018 report by Cision PR Newswire indicated that a significant majority of adults worldwide, around 78%, engage in masturbation. This includes a notable 92% of men and 76% of women in America, according to the TENGA 2018 Global Self-Pleasure Report. But despite its prevalence, have you ever stopped to truly consider: why does masturbation feel so intensely pleasurable?
Of course, the obvious answer is orgasm. But the satisfying sensation goes far beyond just that peak moment. To delve deeper into the biological and psychological reasons behind the pleasurable nature of masturbation, we turn to the experts in the field of sexual health and wellness.
According to Toronto-based sexologist Dr. Jessica O’Reilly, host of the acclaimed @SexWithDrJess Podcast, the intense pleasure experienced during masturbation is rooted in our brain’s reward system. “During orgasm,” Dr. O’Reilly explains, “the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental areas – the brain regions responsible for processing reward and pleasure – become highly activated. Simultaneously, the areas of the brain associated with reasoning and behavior temporarily shut down during the peak of pleasure.” In simpler terms, when you orgasm, your brain’s pleasure centers are firing on all cylinders, while your logical, rational mind takes a brief backseat. It’s a full-on sensory experience orchestrated by your own body.
Dr. O’Reilly further elaborates on the complex network of nerves involved in transmitting these pleasurable sensations. “Research indicates that the pelvic nerve plays a crucial role in conveying sensations from the vagina and cervix, as well as the rectum and bladder,” she states. “Additionally, the vagus nerve communicates signals from the cervix, uterus, and vagina, bypassing the spinal cord altogether. The pudendal nerve is responsible for carrying information from the clitoris, while the hypogastric nerve transmits data from the uterus and cervix.” This intricate system of nerves ensures that stimulation in the genital and pelvic regions sends a powerful cascade of pleasure signals directly to the brain. Essentially, masturbation turns your body into a powerhouse of sensational feedback, culminating in the intensely rewarding experience of orgasm.
And it’s not just your brain that’s involved. Dr. O’Reilly emphasizes that various nerves throughout your body contribute to the overall pleasurable experience of masturbation. This widespread bodily engagement is why a truly satisfying orgasm can leave you feeling physically and emotionally altered, in the best possible way.
Adding another layer to the benefits, Dr. Adeeti Gupta, a NYC-based OBGYN and founder of Walk IN GYN Care, highlights the hormonal advantages of self-pleasure. “Masturbation, or any satisfying sexual experience, plays a role in balancing stress hormones by regulating cortisol levels,” Dr. Gupta explains. In our modern, often stressful lives, activities that help manage cortisol are invaluable, and masturbation offers a readily available and enjoyable way to achieve this balance.
However, the profound pleasure of masturbation extends beyond just the physiological responses. It’s also deeply intertwined with psychological and emotional well-being, contributing to a range of benefits that enhance both our solo and partnered sex lives.
Masturbation: Your Personal Guide to Better Sex with a Partner
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One of the most significant benefits of masturbation, as highlighted by Dr. Jess O’Reilly, is its role in improving partnered sex. “Masturbating is the most effective way to truly understand your own body and what brings you pleasure,” she asserts. This self-discovery process is invaluable because it allows individuals to learn their unique erotic map in a safe and pressure-free environment.
Dr. O’Reilly further explains that this solo exploration translates directly into enhanced partnered experiences. “Individuals who masturbate often report higher levels of orgasmic response during intercourse and greater overall sexual satisfaction,” she states. By experimenting and understanding your own preferences through masturbation, you become better equipped to communicate those desires to a partner, leading to more fulfilling and mutually pleasurable sexual encounters. Think of masturbation as personal research and development for your sex life.
The Freedom of Solo Pleasure: No Pressure, Just Pure Enjoyment
Masturbation offers a unique form of sexual expression that is entirely self-directed and free from external pressures. Luke Thao, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) and member of the PNW Sex Therapy Collective, emphasizes this aspect, stating that masturbation feels good because “with solo sex, you’re by yourself, the stakes are low, and you’re using toys or whatever method you prefer to achieve orgasm entirely on your own terms. This is often inherently pleasurable and accessible because there’s no one else involved.”
In contrast to partnered sex, which can sometimes be accompanied by performance anxiety or the pressure to please a partner, masturbation allows for complete freedom and self-focus. “Partnered sex can be incredibly exciting and thrilling, but it can also introduce pressures and anxieties that can sometimes hinder orgasm,” Thao explains. These pressures can stem from performance worries, fear of judgment, or simply navigating the complexities of another person’s desires and expectations. Masturbation, in its solitary nature, eliminates these external factors, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience focused purely on personal pleasure. It’s about reclaiming your sexuality for yourself, without any external validation needed.
Ignite Your Desire: Masturbation as a Libido Booster
If you’ve noticed a dip in your sex drive, incorporating masturbation into your routine might be the answer. Dr. Jess O’Reilly highlights masturbation’s role in increasing libido, stating, “Masturbation is fundamental in many cases for increasing desire, as it helps us learn about our own bodies and reactions.” By engaging in self-pleasure, you are essentially re-familiarizing yourself with your own erotic responses and reinforcing the connection between stimulation and pleasure.
Furthermore, the act of masturbation itself triggers a cascade of hormonal and neurochemical responses that contribute to increased desire. “Self-pleasure increases the likelihood of orgasm, which positively impacts self-esteem and, in turn, boosts libido,” Dr. O’Reilly explains. This creates a positive feedback loop where pleasurable experiences enhance self-confidence and sexual desire. Additionally, masturbation releases dopamine and endorphins, neurochemicals associated with pleasure and reward. “As your body revels in the release of dopamine and endorphins, you are more likely to experience an increase in desire for sex,” she concludes. It’s a natural and enjoyable way to reignite your sexual appetite.
Cultivating Body Positivity Through Self-Pleasure
In a world often saturated with negative messages about bodies, masturbation can be a powerful tool for fostering body positivity. Dr. Jess O’Reilly emphasizes this benefit, stating, “Masturbation not only cultivates a positive connection with your body, but it also boosts self-esteem.” By engaging with your body in a pleasurable and affirming way, you shift your focus from perceived flaws to the capabilities and sensations your body can experience.
Dr. O’Reilly elaborates, “When your body ‘performs’ – whether through sports, dance, or a session of self-pleasure – you experience a surge in confidence and tend to focus on its strengths rather than perceived ‘problems.'” Masturbation becomes an act of appreciation and acceptance of your physical self. It’s about moving away from self-criticism and embracing the inherent sensuality and pleasure your body is capable of providing.
Strengthen Your Orgasms: The Pelvic Floor Connection
For those seeking more intense and satisfying orgasms, regular masturbation can play a key role. Dr. Jess O’Reilly explains that masturbation can contribute to stronger orgasms by “toning your pelvic floor muscles, which can increase the intensity and ease of orgasmic contractions.” The pelvic floor muscles are actively engaged during the plateau phase of orgasm, and strengthening these muscles can enhance your overall orgasmic experience.
“Your pelvic floor is activated and works quite intensely during the plateau stage of orgasm,” Dr. O’Reilly explains. By regularly engaging these muscles through masturbation, you are essentially “working them out,” leading to improved muscle tone and function. This, in turn, can translate to stronger, more easily achieved orgasms, both during masturbation and partnered sex. It’s like a workout for your pleasure muscles!
Heart Health Benefits: A Surprising Perk of Self-Love
Incorporating heart-healthy habits into our lives is crucial, and surprisingly, masturbation can be considered one of them. Dr. Jess O’Reilly highlights the cardiovascular benefits, stating, “Masturbation can also have health benefits that facilitate orgasm. It increases circulation in the pelvic area, which promotes clitoral erections – a vital part of the sexual response cycle leading to orgasm – and is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases that can sometimes hinder orgasm.”
By promoting healthy blood flow and circulation, masturbation contributes to overall cardiovascular well-being. This is particularly relevant to sexual health, as proper circulation is essential for sexual arousal and response. Therefore, the heart-healthy benefits of masturbation indirectly contribute to a more satisfying and fulfilling sex life.
Mental Well-being Boost: Relaxation, Stress Relief, and Better Sleep
Beyond the physical pleasures, masturbation offers significant benefits for mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Jess O’Reilly emphasizes the stress-reducing and relaxation-promoting qualities of self-pleasure. “Masturbation helps you to relax, de-stress, and enjoy a good night’s sleep – all of which ultimately benefit your intimate relationships and overall sex life,” she explains.
The release of endorphins and other neurochemicals during orgasm has a natural calming and mood-boosting effect. This can help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. Furthermore, the post-orgasmic state often leads to improved sleep quality. By incorporating masturbation into your self-care routine, you are not only experiencing immediate pleasure but also contributing to long-term mental and emotional resilience. A relaxed mind and body are also more conducive to positive and fulfilling intimate relationships.
In conclusion, masturbation is far more than just a physical act. It’s a complex interplay of biological responses, psychological benefits, and emotional well-being. It’s a natural, healthy, and empowering way to explore your sexuality, enhance your pleasure, and improve your overall quality of life. So, embrace self-pleasure, understand its benefits, and enjoy the incredible feeling it provides.
Experts:
Dr. Jess O’Reilly, Sexologist and Author
Dr. Adeeti Gupta, NYC-based OBGYN and Founder of Walk IN GYN Care
Luke Thao, MA, LMFTA (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate)
This article was originally published on Bustle.
