5 surprising benefits of masturbation you need to know

If you didn’t know, May is Masturbation Month, and we can name on two hands all the reasons why you should celebrate yourself this month, but all we need is one to convince you. (But highkey: we think you’re worth celebrating every month, bb 😉) Putting those hands to work isn’t just about getting off. There are so many reasons why tapping into your self-pleasure can be beneficial not just for your body but your mind, too. Here are five reasons why we think this month is a great time to add some solo pleasure to your self-care routine.

1. Masturbation is as safe as it gets.

Solo sex is the safest sex you can have. There’s no risk of sexually transmitted infections (aka STIs) or pregnancy, just stress-free time to explore your body and sexuality in whatever way you want. Just remember to give your hands and sex toys a wash with some warm water and soap before heading downtown, especially if you’re sharing toys with anyone else because they can pass STIs. Cleaning your toys before and after using them is a great way to prevent anything from building up that could lead to an infection. You can also use a condom on your sex toys for even easier cleanup.

2. It’s a cost-saving way to have a little fun.

We see it all the time these days. So many ads, influencers, and companies tell us that self-care can be ours if we just spend a bag 💰 on whatever new thing they’re trying to get us to buy. But in this economy!? The truth is, you don’t need any fancy, new toy or lube to experience pleasure. Masturbation can, and should, fit perfectly within your budget. So you can save your coins and get digital instead. Use your hands, grind on a pillow, or even use a shower head to help get you off. There are tons of budget-friendly options for taking care of yourself and feeling a little bliss.

3. It can help you figure out what you like.

Figuring out what kinds of touch are pleasurable for you—and where—can be an important part of getting to know yourself and your sexuality. Masturbation not only helps you learn more about what you like and what makes you feel good, but can also help you communicate what you want sexually in partnered sex. You deserve to feel good in your body, and masturbation can be a way to help you figure out what that looks and feels like for you.

4. Masturbation is goodGREAT for your health.

There are so many myths out there about masturbation, but the real tea is that it’s actually good for your health. From helping you get a better night of sleep to offering some stress relief at the end of a long day, masturbation can be a source of some serious health benefits. Sex of any kind, including solo sex, isn’t all about experiencing an orgasm. But when you do have an O, your body releases those “feel-good” hormones (aka endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine) that are known to bring on some deep relaxation and sexual release. Oh, and those cramps that seem to always come with your period? Masturbation can also help with that, too. Those same “feel-good” hormones can also provide a little relief if you’re experiencing period cramps.

5. It can help you connect to yourself—and that’s empowering.

Self-care isn’t just about candles and bubble baths. Masturbation can be a great addition to your self-care routine by giving you some space to get connected to your body and mind. Exploring your body with sensuality, patience, and care is a way of showing yourself the love you deserve. It can also be a way to heal from any trauma or shame about your body or sexuality. If you’ve ever had any not-so-kind feelings about your body, self-touch can be a road to feeling more safe, grounded, and confident in your own skin. And accessing your pleasure on your own timeline and on your own terms is empowering—and pretty badass, tbqh.

Whatever way you want to celebrate Masturbation May, just remember to create some time to explore what feels good to you. Your body and mind deserve it.