It Helps Us Get to Know Our Bodies and Minds
We are often told to refer to our genitals as our "privates." In fact, our genitals are so private that many of us never explore them, due to shame, or fear of the unknown. Masturbation can allow a person to explore those so-called private parts, and all the pleasure they are capable of producing, in a safe and healthy way.Masturbation can also help us get to know our sexual preferences. By allowing ourselves to tune into our fantasies while we masturbate, we can better understand the types of things that turn us on.
It's 100% Safe
It's pretty difficult to get pregnant or contract an STD when you're only having sex with yourself. It would be wonderful if schools and communities that insist on teaching abstinence could present masturbation as a safe alternative to partnered sex. Masturbation is also a safe way of exploring our own bodies and fantasies without fear of rejection - a definite plus at any age.
It's Free!
And not in the sense that it saves you hard-earned cash. Instead, and more importantly, self pleasure costs you nothing emotionally; as the popular saying goes, "It's sex with someone you love" (or, for many people, someone you are learning to love). With masturbation, there is no risk of the complications that jealousy, lust or fear can bring to a relationship, and it's a great way to explore avenues of sexuality long before you explore sex with a partner.
It Does a Body Good
It's no secret that life can be very stressful. Thankfully, the activity of masturbation releases certain chemicals in the brain and body, such as acetylcholine, serotonin and dopamine, all of which can result in psychological and physical relaxation. Masturbation is also non-carcinogenic, non-fattening, low in sodium, and a whole lot cheaper than anti-depressants. (If you still need more convincing, check out 5 Reasons Why Masturbation is the Greatest.)
