Female Masturbation Benefits: Why You Should Touch Yourself More

Nowadays women are more independent than ever; thoroughly consumed by a can-do attitude. It's no wonder, then, many women aren't shy when it cums to pleasuring themselves. That's right: female masturbation is on the rise, and we couldn't we more thrilled (literally). Here are 10 reasons you should join the fun and touch yourself more.

While there are many women who are completely uninhibited, and have zero problems with indulging in a little self satisfaction, there are others who are still unwilling to take that leap. And my, oh my, how we feel for them.

Masturbation not only serves as a means to immeasurable pleasure, it provides a plethora of health benefits. No lie.

We spoke to Emily Morse, sexologist and host of the Sex With Emily podcast, to get all the reasons you should be touching yourself more.

Here's what she had to say...

1. It gives you a natural high

Who needs drugs when you've got dopamine and oxytocin? According to Emily, masturbation releases the "feel good" endorphins, and they come with a slew of heath benefits.

"This should encourage women to indulge in more self pleasure," she said. "Especially if they experience feelings of guilt or shame around masturbation or just want to have a healthier life."

We won't argue with her there.

2. It rids your body of bacteria

Engaging in a little DIY will open up the cervix upon orgasm. This is especially important because, as our expert explains, the woman will be, "able to flush out any bad bacteria while allowing good bacteria to flush in which can prevent infections like UTI’s and cervical infections."

If you've ever had a UTI, you know just how painful they can be. Instead of chugging on cranberry juice to cure the infection, why not aim to prevent it from happening in the first place?

Prevention > Cure.

3. It reduces menstrual cramps

We've heard many rumours of masturbation being able to soothe menstrual cramps. Of course we were intrigued and had to get to the bottom of the much discussed topic.

"The intensity of having an orgasm and the hormones that are released during arousal can ease some of the pain of cramping," Emily began. "However, for some women, the muscle contractions during orgasm can intensify their cramps so proceed with caution."

4. You'll know your body better

Remember that Orange is The New Black episode where the inmates were blissfully unaware of all that goes on down there? Well, you don't want to be those girls.

Abandoning the fear of touching yourself will introduce you to a whole new world of pleasure. You'll know exactly what makes you orgasm, and how long it takes to climax.

Take it from us: that knowledge is invaluable.

5. You'll rock (even harder) in bed

There's a lot to say about a woman who isn't afraid to get down and dirty with her own body. The newfound self-awareness will grant you a certain liberty that might have otherwise been dormant. One thing is for sure: it will leave you more open-minded and possibly willing to experiment further.

6. It relieves stress

Why yes, masturbation does in fact relieve stress. Emily says this is "why many women choose to masturbate when they're feeling anxiety, stress, or after a long day."

When you climax, good ol' dopamine and oxytocin are released and invoke an inner sense of calm.

7. You'll get sound sleep

After pleasuring yourself, the release of dopamine and oxytocin, "also promotes a better nights sleep," says our expert.

So the next time you're tossing and turning in bed, you might want to show yourself a little love. Your Zzz's are relying on it.

8. You can get there more often

If you find yourself struggling to reach the big O on a regular basis, some DIY might do just the trick.

"Masturbation also helps women achieve orgasms because she’s working her pelvic floor (PC) muscles during masturbation," Emily shared. "Stronger PC muscles lead to more frequent orgasms not only during masturbation but also during intercourse."

She also stresses the importance of Kegel exercises, as they aid in "overall better health, stronger orgasms, and more sexual satisfaction.

Can't remember to get your daily Kegels in? Emily recommends her app, Kegel Camp, which comes with a reminder function.

9. You'll be less dependent...

Which means you won't be calling up that no-good dude simply because you're burning with desire.

If you're having an urge, don't be scared to handle it yourself. Not only will you have helped yourself, you won't have to deal with the regret of sleeping with that jerk.