May is Masturbation Month! It's Officially Self-Care Season!

We're officially in the season of solo self-care, ladies and gents! Can you believe it's already May? What a crazy year it's been!

Well, the good news is, May is the month that's all about you and your pleasure!

Hence, we're dedicating this space to all you sexy folk who want to indulge and enjoy everything that masturbation has to offer.

There are tons of benefits when it comes to masturbating, and so many different ways to enjoy it too!

So, come with us on a journey through what is arguably the most tantalising activity yet... masturbation!

Or, if you've already boarded the Masturbation Train, take a look at our fabulous sex toys for a new kind of solo self-care fun!

Why is May International Masturbation Month?

For a bit of a history lesson, it was back in 1995 when this special month-long masturbation session began. And it's all thanks to Dr. Joycelyn Elders, a surgeon general from the U.S.

Elders was super progressive for her era, noting that masturbation is "a part of human sexuality". In 1994, she also fought for children to be more educated in sex and masturbation, and stated that masturbation could even help prevent the spread of HIV AIDS. 

This opinion was found to be quite unpopular by many, which ultimately lead to the forcing of Elders to resign. But, alas, sex shop, Good Vibrations, stepped in to save the day. 

In 1995, this store declared May "National Masturbation Month", which was such a huge hit as the years went by, that it is now known as "International Masturbation Month". Isn't that fabulous?

10 Benefits of Masturbation

Now that you know all about the history of Masturbation Month, here are 10 benefits you can enjoy when you give yourself a lil' solo self-care!

1. Masturbation is a Natural Pain Reliever

When we orgasm, a slew of lovely hormonal cocktails are released. Hormones such as endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin flood the body, all of which not only bring about an overall feeling of well being, but also act as a short-term pain reliever. As for the long term, the discoverer of the G-spot, Beverly Whipple, Ph..D, said that vaginal stimulation could actually increase one's pain threshold by over 40 percent.

2. Masturbation Helps Reduce Stress

As we mentioned all the glorious hormones that take over one's body during orgasm, it's these same orgasms that aid in stress reduction. For example, oxytocin (more commonly known as the 'love hormone') creates a feeling of love and happiness while reducing the amount of cortisol that's released into the body. Cortisol is our stress hormone, fyi.

3. Masturbation Exercises Your Pelvic Floor

Exercising your pelvic floor can be hugely beneficial. This is because it can aid in stronger and more powerful orgasms, and it can help decrease the chances of incontinence as you age. So, when you masturbate to orgasm, your pelvic floor does a series of contractions that essentially exercise the muscles, bringing about two amazing benefits with it.

4. Masturbation Could Increase Your Libido

In an unusual twist, engaging in sexual activity, whether it's partnered play or masturbation, actually creates a feeling of wanting more sexual activity. This makes sense, as we all enjoy doing things that make us feel good (e.g. masturbating and having sex). And actually, frequent masturbation is a great strategy for those who have a low libido.

5. Masturbation Aids in Better Sleep

Masturbation creates a feeling of peacefulness and quiet, which aids in a more relaxed state and mind. This alone can help someone's sleeping pattern. But, given the amount of feel-good hormones that are released during climax, better sleep is also a big possibility. For example, the hormone prolactin that is secreted during climax is strongly related to sleep onset.

6. Masturbation Gives Your Skin a Natural Glow

Did you know that when you orgasm, you release more estrogen? This hormone is linked to healthier-looking skin and hair, bringing about a beautiful, natural glow. Not just that, but the reduced stress you experience during and after masturbation also aids in less acne!

7. Masturbation Can Prevent Prostate Cancer

For penis-owners, the prostate is a walnut-sized gland that's located inside the anal cavity. One of its jobs is to create a liquid for semen to travel effectively. In a 2014 Harvard study, it was found that those who ejaculated 21 or more times a month had a 31 percent lower risk of prostate cancer.

8. Masturbation Could Make You Smarter

Oddly enough, a 2017 study showed that those who were more sexually active, either solo or with a partner, actually achieved higher scores on a memory and verbal fluency test. This study was done on 73 people over the age of 50, proving that masturbation is healthy for all.

9. Masturbation Aids in Better Partnered Sex

When you masturbate, you have the wonderful opportunity to learn more about your body. It's the chance to discover what feels good, what feels amazingly good, and what doesn't exactly float your boat. All of this self-exploration means better partnered sex, as you can guide and teach your partner the things you want in the bedroom.

10. Masturbation Can Help Increase Your Confidence

"Masturbation is an excellent activity for self-awareness, body-awareness, self-acceptance, and confidence," says Holly Richmond, Ph.D, certified sex therapist. This, in turn, translates into other areas in your life, including partnered play. 

So, ladies and gentlemen, it's official! Masturbation makes you happier, less stressed, more confident, boosts libido, helps relieve pain and stress, and is, well, just a tantalisingly fantastic activity to enjoy.

So go ahead and enjoy International Masturbation Month in all of its glory... and then some!