Testosterone Is Linked to Higher Sex Drive - in Women
Testosterone has long been linked to a higher sex drive. It’s also commonly associated with the male gender. One study throws a kink in the popular stereotype. It shows that women with more testosterone have more desire to masturbate (and have sex). Interestingly, the same is not true of men.
Masturbation Can Relieve Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is a neurological condition that affects at least 30% of the population. It’s marked by itching, aching, burning and leg spasms at night. Masturbating at bedtime can bring relief to sufferers. Orgasm causes the brain to release dopamine, which works like a painkiller.
Masturbation Goggles are Kind of Like Beer Goggles
Masturbating can make men more attracted to unusual things. One study showed that during masturbation, men respond with higher rates of attraction than they normally would to things that wouldn't normally arouse them. Their stimuli even included questions about animals, a 12-year-old girl, and someone they hate.
Masturbation Shuts Down the Anxiety Center of the Brain
Many activities increase blood flow to specific regions of the brain. But for women, masturbating to orgasm increases blood flow to the entire brain and shuts down the anxiety center. Activating many different brain regions like this is the ultimate brain teaser.
In the good old days, athletes would go abstinent before an event. They believed it would boost testosterone, giving them an edge on the competition. As it turns out, masturbating before a sporting event improves performance for over half of athletes. It's also a great way to calm pre-game nerves!
Masturbation Improves Male Fertility
Couples hoping to conceive used to think masturbating wasted precious seed. So, men were encouraged to save their sperm for reproductive-only activities. What we know now is that sperm has a shelf life of just five to seven days. Masturbating produces a newer sample of stronger swimmers that are more likely to make it to a waiting egg.
Humans Aren't the Only Species That Do It
Humans aren’t the only animal species that masturbate. Plenty of other animals engage in some form of autoeroticism, including primates, dogs, horses, cats, rodents, elephants, penguins, dolphins, turtles, bats, birds, squirrels, lizards, walruses, porcupines and ferrets. Whew! It’s a completely natural thing to do.
It Makes for Better (Partnered) Sex
Some people think masturbating can unwittingly replace the need for a partner. But, in fact, people who masturbate more often have more partners and enjoy more sex with those partners. Frequent masturbaters are also happier in their relationships and experience more sexual satisfaction. Which makes sense, since masturbators tend to be more open with their sexuality.
Science has proved it: Regular orgasms have proven benefits, and masturbation is a reliable way of reaping those rewards.
Don’t wait, masturbate.