Pros and Cons of Masturbation: Get in Touch With Yourself!

Masturbation can be a rather touchy subject. Pun intended. And in this day and age, it’s important we know the pros and cons of masturbation when we do venture through the route. As humans, it’s natural and normal to have sexual desires.

Because like everything else, there are the fun and not-so-fun sides to this intimate and solo (most of the time) sexual activity. You can like it or not. You can partake in it or not! It all depends on one’s personal opinion.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the different pros and cons of masturbation and some helpful tips on how to partake in it safely.

Pros of Masturbation

In this packing list of the pros and cons of masturbation, let’s first get intimate and learn more about the advantages of this fun activity when you’re all by yourself.

1 It provides sexual pleasure.

The most known pro of masturbation! In fact, it’s the main reason why we engage in it. Through masturbation, we unravel and explore our bodies and preferences freely. From stimulating our erogenous zones, embarking on our fantasies, and experiencing the bliss of an orgasm, your body can experience such euphoria and heightened sensations like never before. Not just this, but it’s a chance to connect and be intimate with yourself. Let yourself nurture deeper knowledge of your sexuality and needs through your journey to self-pleasure.

2 It releases a lot of hormones.

Feeling low? That can be solved by touching yourself. According to Healthline, a major pro to masturbation is releasing hormones such as dopamine (happy hormone aligned with reward), endorphins (painkillers), and oxytocin (love hormone in line with social bonding). These hormones will give you a mood boost that can last long and benefit your overall health as well. So whenever those bad days occur, solve in it your hands during your private time. Another pun intended.

3 You’re more likely to have better concentration.

There’s no actual study of why this pro of masturbation came to be, but it occurs to many people wherein their focus improves after touching themselves. When your mind is in distress, masturbation lets go of your tension, whether it be in the mind or body. It diverts you away from the testing situation for a moment, allowing you to have a mental break and regather your thoughts. And from getting mental clarity, you’ll feel more motivated.

So in case you’re preparing yourself for a challenging exam or meeting, masturbate beforehand to get your brain to truly work at that time.

4 It improves your self-esteem.

Engaging in masturbation is a gateway to becoming more familiarized with their body. To explore and embrace their sexuality that is uniquely their own. Through experimenting and venturing assorted kinks and sexual practices (safely), they’d be more attuned to what they desire and don’t. They take charge of their pleasure, which would be helpful when they engage in partnered play and can easily communicate their needs and wants. You can build fulfilling relationships from this outcome.

And furthermore, their sexual confidence gets an upgrade. You’d view yourself in a more positive light and slowly accept yourself in a world that judges your every movement.

5 You can sleep better.

Masturbation releases endorphins, as mentioned earlier. Due to that, it eases any tension in your body. So if you’re in bed, playing with your sensitive part, expect the cushions to feel much softer when you reach your o’ and catch a breath. That will transition into a good night’s sleep (or maybe a good afternoon nap).

6 Bye-bye, stress.

In line with endorphins once again, they decrease your stress levels when you engage in masturbation. As masturbation becomes an outlet for one to unleash their sexual energy, it allows you to connect and prioritize yourself over everything else. It can act as a temporary distraction wherein you are the star of the show, which is your pleasure. 

Masturbation is also self-care for your body and soul as you work on your needs and gain comfort. With these in mind, you can lay back and let go of whatever is holding you back.

7 You’ll understand your body more.

One great pro of masturbation is the freedom to explore and see what works for you to reach an o’ or your pleasure in general. You get to witness what actions elicit sexual responses within your body, alongside trying out different ways to touch yourself and which area reacts strongly to what type of touch. For example, your clitoris enjoys being pinched more than rubbed.

Masturbation increases your sexual awareness the more often you do it. Over time, your sexual confidence gets a boost as you know what gets you off and how you crave to be pleased. You’re fully attuned to your desires and such.

8 It can reduce menstrual pain.

For the vulva owners, this pro of masturbation is a major win. When we touch ourselves and bask in those o’s, our muscles instantly relax and soothe your entire body. Your pelvic area is included, where menstrual pain occurs. From lessening such pain, your mind will be swayed away from such and focus more on any positive sensations in your body when you masturbate.

Cons of Masturbation

Let’s balance things out and uncover the cons section within the pros and cons of masturbation in your body and life.

1 It’s not pleasurable if you have underlying conditions.

Physically, having any illness or condition in your body can limit your sexual adventures. This would make it a big con of masturbation in your case as it leaves you frustrated and hopeless because you can’t maximize the depth of your fantasies and kinks. And even if you have touched yourself despite your condition, it might not feel as good as you hoped.

Some examples of conditions that can hinder you while indulging in masturbation are erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and low libido.

2 You can feel shame or guilt.

Varying societal, religious, and cultural beliefs worldwide have a negative stance on sex and masturbation. Thus, it becomes taboo and closed for discussion with an underlying message to not indulge in it. Well, that’s difficult when sex is a part of being human. It’s normal and natural. Because of this ingrained mindset in many people, mainly older generations, the younger generations don’t feel comfortable discussing or exploring their sexuality. Up until now, this is a strong con of masturbation.

Like we’ve had our fair fear of someone walking in us as we masturbate, or maybe just thinking of doing it makes you feel alone. But as time progresses, that shouldn’t be the case. Here at Lauvette, we aim to advocate sexual wellness and sex-positivity in the country and beyond. This is a safe place for you to go to when you want to venture and invest in your sexual health and pleasure.

3 At the same time, people can be judgmental about it.

In connection to the previous con, some say it’s selfish to indulge in sex alone. Others say sex after marriage is the only acceptable belief, shunning those who may not believe so or hold no religion. Some people even think sex can be the act of the demon. With these in mind, they’re quick to shut down any new ideas about sex since most of the time, these beliefs were taught at a young age. It makes sexual wellness a stigma.

Alongside this, there’s a lack of information and education about sexual health and wellness in general. This can lead to rushed judgments and misconceptions about it, including masturbation. Lack of such means a lack of normalcy in our society, making us fear to try something that is normal.

4 If done harshly, it can hurt your genitalia.

Anything done with aggression and rush will inevitably cause pain and irritation. That applies to masturbation, wherein your hands are vigorous and centered to pleasure you. When you’re too focused on wanting to feel good without being physically aware, you’re more likely to feel physical

discomfort after your session and the days after. Especially if there’s no lubrication from all the friction. This works if you’re also trying new masturbation positions, wherein your muscles can get strained.

This may also apply if sex toys are involved.

5 People can get addicted to it.

It’s normal to masturbate regularly. However, there are limits to it. For some people, there can come a time when they may unhealthily indulge in masturbation more than normal. To the point wherein they solely depend on it to feel sane, and they need to do it before anything else. Because of this con of masturbation, affected people start to neglect their responsibilities. They can also neglect their well-being and daily routine.

6 We’re more likely to develop unhealthy social media consumption habits.

Some of us rely on media to gain a clearer visual or auditory idea of how we want to be pleased as we give into masturbation. In other words, they rely on porn. However, this can be unhealthy if their reliance is too grave, affecting their ability to get aroused if any specific material they watch isn’t present.

Alongside this, the media can provide them with a distorted view of sex. From overexaggerated moans and unclear boundaries, this can blur the lines between fiction and reality. It can even set unrealistic expectations for that person. And crucially, it’s possible that consent can be compromised if you move from masturbation to partnered play. The key here is to find that balance.

7 You can become emotionally disconnected.

Emotional disconnection is a big con of masturbation, and it can occur if you’re too caught up in masturbation as your main source of sexual pleasure. Even adding porn from the previous point while engaging in masturbation is a possible outcome too. Seeing that you’re more focused on these factors, you’d have a reduced desire or have a hard time being emotionally intimate with others as you struggle to be emotionally intimate with yourself. In the process, your relationships with others can be compromised.

8 Your sleeping habits may shift negatively.

Although we shared that masturbation can make you sleep better, there are instances where your body may feel more motivated and alive. The way masturbation is done to regain your focus, it wakes your body up. So instead of unwinding and preparing for sleep in your bed, your body craves more action and stimulation. From here, you struggle to get your body to rest properly, changing your patterns for as long as you keep masturbating at night and getting this response. 

Masturbation Safety Tips

Before you embark on masturbation after reading through its pros and cons, venture through some of our key safety tips on this intimate sexual activity within yourself.

1 Practice proper hygiene.

Before you get hands-on with yourself, wash your hands with soap and water. That way, you can reduce the risk of catching infections or getting bacteria to interact with your sensitive genitalia. If sex toys are involved, either wash them the same way with your hands or use a trusted sex toy cleaner. Follow the cleaning rules of the toy as stated in its package.

2 Listen to your body.

Masturbation is about connecting with your body, knowing what it wants and what it doesn’t. So be gentle with yourself. Never engage in masturbation with excessive force or pressure; constantly adjust your techniques when needed. Doing this lessens your chances of getting injured or immensely sore as time passes.

3 Lube up!

With sex toys or not, using lube reduces friction within your body, specifically in your genitalia. Due to this, your actions are smoother and more controlled. Plus, it’s more pleasurable as you can unlock new sensations. For prolonged solo sexcapades, using water-based lubricant is the way to go. To learn more about the perks of lube, you can read more about it here.

4 Value your privacy well.

Privacy is a crucial factor when you’re eager to engage in masturbation. When you engage in such, it’s a personal journey of your sexual wellness and interests. You deserve to be in a safe space when you crave doing it. As much as possible, your place of privacy isn’t a shared space nor has thin walls wherein your neighbor can tune into your business (accidentally or not). Alongside this, masturbating in public is discouraged as nobody consents to seeing you in such a vulnerable state.

Overall, masturbate responsibly by embarking on it in a quiet, safe place, where you’re alone. Or unless you have a consenting partner, you can trust who’s eager to watch you (aka. engaging in consensual voyeurism).

5 Prioritize your emotional well-being.

Masturbation can put you in the mindset that you need to orgasm to feel content. When really, there’s more to it. Masturbation is a journey of learning and understanding what makes you feel good and on top of the world. Don’t rush, and take your time with it. Your emotions need time to process what’s going on.

Aside from this, some or maybe a lot of us grew up in an environment where engaging in anything sexual is something to be ashamed of. If that’s the case, it’s time for you to learn and navigate healthy ways to gain a more positive mindset on sex, masturbation, and your own sexual side.

Takeaway

Learning the pros and cons of masturbation allows one to be more open to talking and venturing through their sexuality. As masturbation can be a complex topic and people’s views on it vary, we must discuss more about it as it keeps people informed and safe. Regardless, the pros and cons of masturbation don’t apply to everyone. But what should apply to everyone is keeping an open mind and holding no judgment as we were raised differently.