Hey, all you sexy Badgers! Lately I’ve noticed the topic of masturbation popping up quite frequently (pun intended). One of the most frequent questions I have been asked is, “Do you still masturbate even though you’re married?” Absolutely, I do! Actually, it has been shown that people with a regular sexual partner actually masturbate more regularly than those without a sexual partner. Then there’s the follow up question of “Why would you need to masturbate if you’re in a relationship?” For so many reasons! Those reasons, and why masturbation is so great no matter what your relationship status is, is what I will be talking about today.

It has been reported that seven out of 10 male-identified persons and 50 percent of female-identified persons masturbate. Those who don’t participate in this extracurricular activity often don’t because it’s against their religion, they don’t know how or they just don’t want to talk about it because of guilt or shame. A note to those who have been taught that it’s wrong to masturbate and tell: To change that norm, you have to defy it. Some people think it’s rude to talk about masturbation. I think it is rude if you don’t share information about that amazing toy that made you say, “Ooh,” five times last night. Unlike what circulating myths try to tell us, masturbation is not harmful. Masturbation can actually be good for you for a plethora of sexual and general health reasons – a few of which I will discuss with you.

• Masturbation helps you explore your own sexuality. The more time you spend literally playing with yourself, the more you’re able to get to know your own body. Maybe you have a secret sensitive spot hidden between your thigh and your ball sack that you didn’t know about because nobody has ever touched it. Masturbation gives you time to yourself to figure out where those spots are on your body and what kind of touches you need to climax.
• Masturbation can help improve your sleeping habits. Just as with other forms of sexual activity, masturbation releases endorphins that lower blood pressure and give you that happy sensation. This provides relaxation that can help  relieve stress and help you get a good night’s sleep. When finals roll up any day now and you’re trying to balance eating, sleeping and studying, don’t forget to set aside some extra time for self-loving to relieve some stress and help you catch some Zs.
• Masturbation can relieve menstrual cramps and muscle tension. The hormones released during an orgasm help naturally relieve pain and give us that awesome relaxed feeling. Also, just before an orgasm, the uterus relaxes itself and the cervix moves in a way that can help dislodge blood clots, all of which can potentially help make your cramping a little less painful. It might also help you simply take your mind off of the cramping.
• Masturbation can help you last longer when you do want a partner to join you. You’ve probably heard the saying “practice makes perfect,” and this holds true for masturbation. Let’s say it usually takes you about four minutes to reach your big release. Each time you spend a little one-on-one time with yourself, aim for holding off another 30 seconds or so before you let yourself go. Within a couple months you’ll need to start doing more cardio to keep up with your sexy self.
• Masturbation can provide sexual satisfaction for people without a partner. While this may speak for itself, I think it still needs a good mention. While for some people it may be easy to decide to go out on a Friday night and pick up a partner for sexy time, not everyone has this ability. Whether it’s because of self-esteem, a long-distance relationship or sexual abstinence, masturbation is a way for people to find that sexual release on their own. Even for people who are in relationships, masturbation is useful when your sexual libidos don’t quite match up. Masturbation also allows you to be more comfortable with your body, it increases your self-esteem, and – like we talked about earlier – it helps you find those extra sensitive spots on your body, all of which will be beneficial when and if you ever decide to take on a partner for sexy time.

As you can see, masturbation can be beneficial. Although, just like anything else, masturbation has habit-forming potential, but as long as you don’t become dependent on just masturbation in place of social contact, I think you will be OK.

Until next time, stay sexy and keep practicing safe masturbation.