“I recommend masturbation to the women I treat,” says US-based women’s mental health expert Kelley Kitley.

“But a lot of women are embarrassed by it. My hope is that we can normalise it for women because it’s such a natural function. I like to refer to it on the same level of importance as eating, sleeping and brushing our teeth,” she adds.

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According to social worker Krystal Jagoo: “Masturbation may include a variety of sexual acts to different people and can impact mental health in both positive and negative ways.”

Here’s a list of positive health benefits you can get from pleasuring yourself.

1. It can go a long way in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. Condoms are the usual go-to for safe sex, but adding in some self-play alone or together as a couple is a super-safe way of enjoying each other. It’s not only a good way to learn more about your hotspots, it’s also great for showing your partner what really gets you revved up.

2. Masturbation can help release sexual tension during pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, many women have an increased sexual appetite. If your man’s not there to please you whenever you get the urge, no problem! And as it’s also known to act as a pain reliever, a good session of self-love may even get rid of some of those niggly pregnancy symptoms. But be warned – if you have a high-risk pregnancy, check with your doctor whether having sex and masturbating is okay.

3. Exploring your body and discovering your likes and dislikes can empower you and improve your body image.

4. Beat fatigue with some pre-bedtime loving. Orgasms help to release pent-up energy and as you come down from that high, take advantage of the wonderful sleepiness to aid a good night’s rest.

“It naturally just puts people in a meditative state and is great to do right before bed, in the bath or during other relaxing night-time rituals,” Kitley says.

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5. It improves your mood because orgasms result in a release of endorphins – our bodies’ feel-good chemicals. The pleasure of the act forces us to live in the moment and all negative thoughts are put aside, even if it’s just for those glorious few minutes we have to ourselves.

6. Increase your natural lubricant and drive. If your libido is low and you’ve turned your back on your partner, find your inner tiger all by yourself. Masturbation has been found to increase libido and vaginal dryness in women, especially those in menopause.

7. Work out your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder, womb and colon. Exercising them keeps them strong, especially after natural birth. While Kegel exercises are perfect for this job, masturbation also aids in making them stronger – and it’s way more fun.

“If you find yourself feeling guilty following masturbation, it can be helpful to remind yourself that this is a healthy activity for sexual expression,” Krystal writes in Verywell Mind.

“If these negative emotions persist, it may be worth talking through with a trusted loved one or a therapist to unpack stigma or shame regarding masturbation.”

^{Sources: verywellmind.com, healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com, refinery29.com, self.com} 

This story was originally published in the print version of the magazine.