15 surprising effects of masturbation on the brain

Masturbation comes with a lot of health benefits . Not only is it good for our bodies, from helping us to explore our sexual needs to reducing pain, it can also be good for our minds.

Whether you choose to masturbate or not is a personal choice (and never something to feel guilty or worried about) but it is important to know that it will not harm your health.

In fact, as Mia Sabat, sex therapist at Emjoy explains, masturbation has several positive effects on the brain. Masturbation effects on the brain

1. Releases happy hormones

The brain releases many beneficial hormones during orgasm , including: dopamine, often referred to as the happiness hormone; endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers; and oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. All of these hormones are beneficial to your brain and body in many ways, as they collectively boost your overall wellbeing. 2. Increases self-esteem

Oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone, has a big impact on your overall self-esteem . When released, oxytocin contributes to feelings of increased confidence, especially in relation to how you perceive your body, mind, and emotions . In fact, a study conducted in 2015 found a link between confidence and masturbation in women, concluding that women who masturbate have higher self-esteem than women who do not. 3. Boosts mood

It’s no surprise that a surge of pleasure can boost your mood – but do you think of it as an act of self-care? You should! By giving yourself love and attention, you enable your brain and body to reap the rewards, similarly to if you were enjoying a bubble bath. Orgasms, however, add an extra degree of complexity that a body scrub or relaxing facial can’t achieve. Orgasms add an extra degree of complexity to self-care that a body scrub or relaxing facial can’t. Because orgasms release a rush of dopamine and endorphins, you give your body a release that will make you feel happier, more relaxed and in an overall better mood post-orgasm. Take note for the next time you feel stressed, anxious or in need of pampering – you won’t regret it.

How to masturbate for women: female masturbation tips 4. Lowers stress and anxiety

Masturbation can be a great way of relieving stress and worries, as it causes a chemical release which combats your body’s stress response and leaves you feeling soothed, relaxed and at ease. This is all thanks to our cuddly friend, oxytocin. In addition to promoting positive self-esteem, oxytocin helps reduce the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for stress and anxiety . Surges of dopamine in the brain have also been known to cause a wave of euphoria – which can help to improve your mood and put your stressors and worries on the back burner. 5. Pain relief

You might be surprised to know that the hormones released during orgasm are so powerful, that they can even relieve pain. Orgasms release contractions and endorphins during climax that can help reduce menstrual pain, with some studies even finding that orgasms effectively reduce migraines and headaches . It’s a must-try next time you’re suffering from period cramps!

Best times of day to masturbate 6. Helps f ocus and concentration

Dopamine is a feel-good chemical that promotes feelings of happiness and learning, and is often referred to as the ‘motivation molecule’. Dopamine plays an important role in your ability to feel motivated and concentrate, with a lack of dopamine leading to difficulties with focus and task-completion. When you masturbate and achieve orgasm, the surge of dopamine released during climax can be exactly what you need to gain a bit of mental clarity, while simultaneously boosting your focus and concentration. Giving yourself a helping hand is an excellent way to help yourself feel centred again. 7. Sleep

It’s no myth that sex can make many people feel heavy-eyed. Research has even linked sex to a better, more restful slumber, thanks to all the feel-good hormones released during orgasm. Oxytocin encourages your body to sleep when released, so it makes sense that increasing levels of this chemical through orgasm can help you enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep, too. The hormone vasopressin may have a role to play too. Its levels in the blood are increased by sexual arousal and are higher during sleep but whether its release will directly induce sleep is yet unproven. Oxytocin further helps to counteract the restless side-effects of the stress hormone cortisol , so next time you’re stuck counting sheep, try seeing if an orgasm can help you feel drowsy. 8. Masturbation can boost libido

One of the biggest concerns shared by many women is the loss of desire. Masturbation is, without a doubt, one of the key methods you can use to increase sexual desire and boost libido . Each time you masturbate, you learn a little more about your mind, body, and preferences. Understanding how you do, and don’t, like being touched plays a key role in increasing your libido and overall sex drive. 9. Masturbation can improve body positivity

Learning to appreciate and understand the beauty of your body is a very powerful thing, especially as many people struggle to love what they see reflected in the mirror. Realising that we can make ourselves feel good can help us accept, appreciate and love the amazing body that we have been given, consequently helping us to be kinder to our minds and bodies. Next time you’d like to masturbate, take care to notice how amazingly your body responds to every touch, and connect with all it can achieve – it’ll help to form a mind-body connection you’re sure to love.

Masturbating during your period 10. Increases pleasure awareness

Pleasure awareness takes on a snowball effect: the more you experience pleasure, the more you think about it, and ultimately, the more you want it! As this desire increases, you will make a continuously greater effort to achieve your desires. When […]

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