Masturbation is the stimulation of one’s genitals for sexual arousal or pleasure, frequently leading to orgasm. It is frequent in people of all ages and is seen as an essential factor in healthy sexual development. To various people, the phrase “masturbation” might indicate different things. Some people prefer to masturbate alone, while others prefer to do so with a companion. Masturbation, regardless of how it is performed, can be a helpful strategy for enhancing mental health and relieving stress. It can, however, cause undesirable side effects such as feelings of guilt, humiliation, and worry. Some people may acquire obsessive masturbation practices that negatively impact their quality of life.
The Effects of Masturbation on Self-Esteem
Masturbation can boost a person’s self-esteem and give them a sense of control, pleasure, and self-knowledge.
Masturbation Can Improve Your Self-Esteem
These sensations were observed in a study of 40 college-aged women who masturbated alone. However, the same study found that masturbation caused guilt (when done alone) and awkwardness (both when practicing solo and with a partner). Several factors, including race/ethnicity, contemporary societal conventions, and underlying sentiments about sex, can influence how these people perceive masturbation.
Masturbation Can Assist Women in Achieving Orgasm
Another study discovered that masturbating women had an easier time obtaining sexual excitement and orgasm. Also, masturbation can also aid in the relief of period cramps.
Masturbation can cause Feelings of Guilt or Shame
Masturbation is prevalent in many countries around the world, yet many religions and cultures regard it as an evil conduct. Individuals in these oppressive environments may experience masturbatory guilt,’ a condition in which they become agitated, as well as despair and anxiety. A minority of participants in the previously described study (in which women discovered that masturbation could help them achieve orgasm) also expressed feelings of guilt and shame when masturbating.
Masturbation Can Help You Relax
Though masturbation might bring up mixed emotional sensations in certain persons, the scientific research suggests that it can be a helpful strategy for stress treatment (when used in moderation) since the brain releases various hormones while masturbation can help alleviate stress.
Among the hormones released during masturbation are:
- Oxytocin: Oxytocin, or known as the “love hormone,” is a neurotransmitter that is released during orgasm and has stress-relieving qualities. One of the oxytocin’s functions is bringing about emotions of better connectedness and promoting pro-social behavior. Oxytocin has also been shown to assist people in coping with stress and anxiety, as well as to help them process unpleasant emotional cues.
- Serotonin: Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that might assist in boosting mood, is another substance released during masturbation.
- Endocannabinoids: Masturbation can enhance endocannabinoid levels. These are hormones that, like the compounds in cannabis, attach to cannabinoid receptors and are responsible for sustaining homeostasis inside the body. Endocannabinoids research is still in its early stages; however, these substances have been found to lower anxiety, regulate emotional behavior, and boost cognition.
Sleep Quality May Improve
In one study, 778 people were asked to rate their sleep quality following masturbation or having sex with a partner. Researchers discovered that people who orgasmed by masturbation had higher sleep quality than those who engaged in sexual activity with a partner. Masturbation was also said to assist these people in falling asleep faster.
Improves Cognition
Masturbation can aid in cognitive maintenance, particularly in older persons. One study examined the association between sexual activity and cognitive performance in over 6,800 adults aged 50 to 89. Those who reported more sexual activity, both men and women, scored better on recall tasks. However, this study does not explore masturbation explicitly, thus further research is required to assess masturbation’s influence on cognition.
The Side Effects
Masturbation may become addicted in addition to causing embarrassment, shame, or emotional anguish. Masturbation addiction can arise even though it is not a diagnosable mental health disease. It frequently becomes excessive and compulsive at this point, significantly impacting other aspects of a person’s life.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
Masturbation might be good for stress alleviation when conducted in moderation. However, if it begins to have a detrimental impact on your mental health and keeps you from being present in other aspects of your life, know that you are not alone in your struggles. A skilled mental health expert can assist you in identifying and dealing with underlying emotional triggers, as well as developing appropriate coping techniques.
