Even though the topic might feel a little uncomfortable to talk about, there’s a growing body of research that highlights the health benefits that come with masturbation.
Some studies have even found that ejaculating daily may lower the risk of prostate cancer. One particular study noted that having 21 orgasms in a month could potentially cut that risk by as much as 20 percent.
Participants had to follow a pretty structured schedule during the study. They spent one week avoiding masturbation completely, one week using the vibrator daily, and one more week going about their normal sexual routines as they usually would.
What the researchers found was pretty remarkable. The results showed that getting in at least one orgasm each day seemed to bring about real health benefits, reinforcing the idea that sexual wellness is an important part of overall health.
One participant told the New York Post: “Using the wand helped me manage my daily stress. It was an excuse to step away from my computer, connect with myself and reset.”
Another added their thoughts and said: “The difference in my emotional regulation and dissociation between [the abstinence week and the sex toy week] is huge! I’d only suspected a connection before this study, but the week without sexual activity was worse and worse for emotional regulation and dissociation and depression symptoms.”
She explained to the New York Post: “When thinking about the state of the world and the stress and anxiety crisis that we are living through, we think that orgasms can help us all stay grounded in our bodies and finding joy.”
On top of helping with mental health and stress, it turns out that masturbation might also be a solid remedy for sleep troubles. This was highlighted by Barmer Krankenkasse, a major health insurance provider in Germany.
Sex therapist Judith Golden also spoke with Reader’s Digest: Best Health and explained: “Just as people fall into a deep sleep after sex with a partner, because blood pressure is lowered and relaxation is increased through the release of endorphins, masturbation is a good sleeping pill.”
“It is relied on by many as a nightly occurrence.”