Many people masturbate and there’s no need to be ashamed. In fact, masturbation (the act of touching yourself for sexual pleasure) has health benefits and it’s 100% safe – there’s no chance of catching an STI or falling pregnant.

There are many myths, as well as stigma attached to masturbation. Bizarre claims such as: ‘it will make you go blind’, ‘you’ll get hair growing in strange areas and even, ‘it will cause you to become infertile’, are just a few that are completely untrue.

Masturbation can help prevent infections
Did you know that masturbation helps prevent cervical infections and relieves urinary tract infections (UTIs) as well? Interestingly, it can actually help women with a UTI infection because the release of endorphins from the satisfying experience relieves pain and flushes out bacteria from the cervix.

On an emotional level, masturbation can help increase your self-confidence through learning to love your body, which leads to positive self-expression that will benefit all aspects of your life.

Masturbation can improve quality of sleep; this helps women suffering from insomnia. Furthermore, women who experience more orgasms are known to have greater resistance to heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes.

Masturbation can improve your sex life
According to sexuality educator Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD, “Experimenting with what feels good and makes you respond positively can lead to better sexual experiences, both alone and with a partner.

“If you have trouble reaching orgasm, it’s a private, stress-free way to try different types of touch and pressure to see what helps you climax,” says Fulbright.

Sex toys can be a pleasurable addition to the experience. Toys such as vibrators help to stimulate the nerve endings of the clitoris which, more often than not, leads to climax.

Additional health benefits

• Release sexual tension
• Reduce stress
• Help treat sexual problems
• Relieve menstrual cramps and muscle tension
• Strengthen muscle tone in your pelvic and anal areas

Studies have found that masturbation on a regular basis keeps your body sexual; your tissues maintain their elasticity and blood flow is increased.

We can reassure you that there is nothing ‘bad’ about masturbation. It’s completely normal and has many lifestyle benefits.

How Marie Stopes can help you
Marie Stopes South Africa is the global leader in sexual and reproductive health. Our Well Women’s Wellness service, offers two comprehensive health check-up options from which to choose. Your health and safety are our priority, always.

If you have any questions or concerns about masturbation, please don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 11 77 85 or you can book an appointment.

We operate 17 centres across 7 provinces and are a Section 21 non-profit organisation recognised for the quality of our clinical services and our non-judgemental, client-friendly approach.

Our team is passionately pro-choice. At MSSA, pro-choice refers not only to reproductive freedom and the right to a safe abortion but also the choice of when and with whom to have sex, regardless of sexual orientation.