Women masturbate — it’s a fact and it’s normal. Due to strict cultural beliefs and societal values, many women feel guilty about masturbating, therefore rendering this a taboo topic that many women only ever whisper about. But we’re here to reassure you that masturbation is perfectly healthy and, in fact, has many perks.
It’s high time we put the stigma associated with masturbation to bed so women can feel free to pleasure themselves without feeling like they are committing a sin. Healthy as it is, addiction to masturbation is a downside that could prove problematic if not nipped in the bud.
Tracy Ziman Jacobs, an intimacy and relationship coach, agrees that it is possible? to get addicted to masturbation. “It causes?chemicals to be released?by the brain, which triggers?the pleasure centres of the?brain, having positive effects?on you, or a ‘high’ that leaves?you wanting more and more. And?the best part is that masturbation?is free,” she explains, adding that you can avoid becoming addicted by simply being conscious of when and how often you masturbate.
Despite the possibility of addiction, however, masturbation has no harmful side effects, says Joburg-based urologist and sexual health expert Dr Shingai Mutambirwa. “Firstly, we must recognise that there’s nothing wrong with masturbation. I believe 40% of females and 80% of males masturbate at some stage in their lives. It has no physical dangerous problems,” he says.
Women who masturbate experience a wide range of health benefits, and we've broken down a few:
- Cheers to less stress
Had a bad day at work, or are you stressed by an upcoming presentation? The chemicals released during masturbation have been proven to take a person’s mind o stressful situations. Oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’, is one of the chemicals released during masturbation — it stimulates a warm feeling and intense relaxation.
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