May has come, and so should you! May is International Masturbation Month and we are here to celebrate an entire calendar month of self-love!
Masturbation is still very much stigmatised – many people associate it with guilt and embarrassment due to their religious or spiritual upbringing. Myths persevere but we could easily put that to sleep with a sex-positive attitude and schooling. Polishing the pearl is a wonderful, natural thing and there is no need to feel shameful about it. It is part of our development and self-discovery.
You may have heard the old wives’ tales about going blind or getting hairy palms if you masturbate. Or that it causes infertility and erectile dysfunction (You can find most of these superstitions in the book Onania; Or, the Heinous Sin of Self-Pollution, and All Its Frightful Consequences, in Both Sexes, 1724). Masturbation is just a normal part of a healthy sex life, with or without a partner! It’s okay to pleasure yourself frequently, or infrequently, or not at all. Besides, why would you want to miss out on all the health benefits and pleasure that stroking the one-eyed monster brings?
Masturbation comes with a multitude of health paybacks. They include stress relief, self-pleasure, boosted mood, better sleep, and it can alleviate anxiety. The best part about masturbation is that while you’re practicing self-love, you can also boost your self-esteem. Getting to know your body and spending quality time by yourself can help you discover your own desires, and it will help you figure out what is pleasurable for you. As a bonus, you can be selfish and have as many orgasms as you want!
Of course, you can masturbate with your partner. Practicing self-love in front of your lover can make you feel ultra-vulnerable and it’s the hottest thing you can do together. Mutual masturbation can make your sex life so much better by building intimacy and it can be a lot of fun!
Masturbation is healthy, safe and enjoyable, plus it can help you get in touch with your own needs and wants. Whether you do or don’t is a personal decision and you should not feel guilty about your choice. If you do, and you haven’t celebrated Masturbation Month as yet, today is a good day to get on the path to your own pleasure! Pleasure yourself first thing in the morning, do it on the couch or do it in the kitchen. Do it with your hand or use your vibrator. Focus on you and enjoy happy days!
