Is Masturbation Healthy? (Yes It Is And Here Is Why!)

Is Masturbation Good for You? - Sh! Women's Store

Can you guess how long we've been advocating for masturbation? Probably not, but we'll tell you: It's been 32+ years!

In our opinion, masturbation is a sexy & relaxing thing you can do for yourself. It helps you understand your body and its responses to stimulation and sensation. It also sets you up for pleasurable discoveries during partnered sex.

Masturbation comes naturally for some people but less so for others. We know that feelings around masturbation can be tricky for someone who grew up in an environment with strong cultural or religious views on sex. It's not uncommon for self-pleasure to be viewed as immoral or even 'dirty.'

We find that men & penis owners generally start earlier, do it more often, and have less shame around it. (Good for you; keep up the handy work!) However, many of our female & vulva-owning customers feel disconnected from their genitals and uncomfortable touching themselves. This is often closely tied to shame.

We can't tell you what to do with your genitals - nor do we want to - but if you feel ready to explore masturbation, we're super-happy to give you an encouraging nudge :)

We'll be covering the most common questions around masturbation in this article:

Is masturbation healthy?

Easy answer: Yes, masturbation is very healthy!

Masturbation helps relieve cramps, headaches and general tension. It gets your heart pumping and improves cardiovascular activity.

Masturbation makes for better, more enjoyable sex with partners, and it can even help boost self-esteem.

Masturbation and orgasms activate the reward circuit in your brain, and orgasms are a fantastic blast of dopamine. Cortisol, in small doses, helps regulate and maintain the immune system. So, if you’re feeling low or a bit under the weather, lock the bedroom door and show yourself some love. A cocktail of neurochemicals lifts spirits like nothing else!

One study found that men & prostate owners who ejaculate more than 21 times per month (very specific) reduce the risk of prostate cancer by around 33% compared to those who ejaculate only 4-7 times per month. Our tip for this is to keep an ejaculation diary. Once you hit your target, go one more time just for fun!

Does masturbation make you weaker?

As we age, we naturally lose muscle tone. Yep, even down there. Sorry. But this is not due to masturbation or sex with a partner- it's just age. Perfectly normal.

Masturbation & sex actually help keep the pelvic floor in good condition. A strong pelvic floor helps with incontinence, lack of elasticity inside the vagina, and erectile dysfunction. Orgasms become easier to have and feel more intense.

Doing Kegel exercises is crucial, and our favourite way to do them is during a masturbation sesh. Squeeze and release your pelvic floor in time with your finger or vibe strokes.

Love balls can help strengthen your pelvic floor. Plus, they are also sexy toys!

Doing kegel exercises with a pair of love balls inside your vagina helps tone up the pelvic floor faster. We have written a blog post on the benefits of love balls - check it out :)

Masturbation gives a natural glow!

Who needs expensive highlighters when you can sparkle naturally?

Orgasms boost blood flow and open blood vessels, giving rosy cheeks and twinkly eyes. Switch up your morning routine and ditch make-up in favour of a post-rub glow. It saves money, and the bounce in your step is a bonus!

Masturbation helps you sleep

Having an orgasm releases a feel-good cocktail of chemicals like endorphins, serotonin and oxytocin. This wonderful mix can help you get a few more zzzz’s in, so if you find yourself tossing and turning, grab your favourite vibrator and put it to good use...

Great toys for solo pleasure

First Time Vibrators

Here's what customers had to say about some of the toys we have rated best for newbies. These are discreet, easy to use and no too fiddly to charge.

'OMG this small vibe is truly epic' - Rainbow Bullet Vibe

'Not a powerful buzz as the bullet, but you have the flexibility and additional length, so overall a better toy for solo play' - Mini Rippled Vibe

'Oh how I love this little vibe! It really is the best sex toy I have ever had the pleasure of owning or using' - We-Vibe Tango X

Suction Toys

Clit suction toys offer clitoral sensations like no other! They are easy to use as long as you know where your clitoris is located. Take a look at what our customers think:

'Great for solo as you can either just use the arm as a handle or bend it inwards to add some sensually shaped penetration to the suction being delivered to your clit.' - Dina Bendable Suction Vibe

'If you can only have one toy, this is The One!' - Rose Clitoral Suction Toy

Waterproof Vibes

Waterproof toys are perfect for me-time. Lock the bathroom door, run a bath or turn on the shower, then enjoy...

'I love using this externally, the vibrations are just the right amount for me. It's also amazing in the bath!' - Cuties Slim G-spot Vibe

'More than satisfactory!' - Rocks-Off Prism Vibrator

'It is a very powerful clitoral massager for its size and produces exquisite sensations and powerful orgasms' - Lelo Lily 3

Ride-On, Hump & Grind Vibe

If touching yourself feels wrong, a hand-free vibrator can be just the thing. It’s possible to masturbate and experience pleasure & orgasms without touching your genitals until you feel ready for a more hands-on approach.

Ruby Glow Dusk is a ride-on clitoral vibe that lets you enjoy yourself hands-free. Designed by Tabitha Rayne, an erotic writer who wanted a toy to deliver pleasure whilst her hands are busy tapping out erotica, it can similarly be enjoyed by turning the pages of a hot erotic book or scrolling through porn... Genius!

Place Ruby Glow Dusk on the surface of your choice, then rock & roll your hips against the delicious vibrations.