9 reasons why women should masturbate more

Flicking the bean, managé a moi, or good old fashioned masturbation. Whatever you call getting to know yourself, during this time social isolating, you've probably been doing it a lot. The good news for everyone is that masturbating is actually really (really) good for you.

Here at Knude Society, we're all for feeling ourselves. So we researched 9 reasons why anyone who owns a clitoris should masturbate more. Y'know, just in case you needed any more reasons.

1) It's a stress reliever

We're living in unprecedented, stressful times. The COVID-19 virus has seen our way of life change dramatically, and it's no wonder many of us are facing anxiety as a result. But luckily for us, genital stimulation — orgasm or no orgasm — causes a huge increase in dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. More commonly known as happy hormones.

Studies have shown that the presence of oxytocin lowers the levels of cortisol. AKA the stress-you-the-fuck-out hormone. Think of masturbating like booking a meditation class or downloading an app. Without having to shell out money to do it — a win-win in our book.

2) It can help you sleep better

Glorious sleep and glorious orgasms? Where do we sign up?

There's a few reasons why a good session of getting-to-know-thyself can help your sleep. One, orgasms can physically and emotionally relieve tension that you didn't even know you were carrying. Leaving you feeling calmer and more relaxed, and helping you fall asleep quicker.

Secondly, that wonderful hormone, oxytocin, makes an appearance again. Its relaxation qualities send you off to sleep-with-a-smile heaven.

Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash

3) You become more comfortable with your own body

Our relationship with our body can be both frustrating and wonderful at the same time. We should be in sync — but more often than not, we find that difficult. Getting more comfortable with your body comes with exploring it and finding what feels good.

4) It can improve your sex life

The best thing about masturbation? You get to know what you like! The second best thing about masturbation? You can tell your partner what you like!

Getting to know what you love in the privacy of your own 'me time' can help you be more confident vocalising to your partner. And you know what they say — two hands are better than one.

5) Multiple orgasms

Yes we know this should fall under improving your sex life. But this deserves to be a reason all by itself. Because why stop at one? Learning what feels amazing can help you once, twice, three times… Well, you get the gist.

6) Menstrual pains can be eased by masturbating

The words 'period cramps' can send shivers down many uterus-owning people's spines. Research behind this benefit is very limited at the moment. But there's theories why it could be a good thing to paint the town red while your uterus is… painting the town red.

When you're on your period, your body releases the hormone-like chemicals prostaglandins.  These hormones tell the uterus (which is a muscle!) to start contracting in order to get rid of the unnecessary uterine lining. And boom, you can get cramps.

Whilst it might seem strange to suggest that orgasm spasms can help uterine spasms — it all goes back to those happy hormones. Endorphins especially help here, as not only are they stress-relieving (hello period emotions). But they help relieve pain. Of course, some period pain will be no match for an orgasm — but it can be more fun than going to bed with a hot water bottle.

If your period pain is causing difficulties in your normal day-to-day life, we'd alway suggest going to see your doctor.

7) Staying sexual, even when you're not having sex

We're not sex machines — everyone goes through ebbs and flows of desire and arousal. Sometimes you want to actually Netflix and chill, rather than… Netflix and chill.

We know that arousal and sex start in the brain. By getting to know those triggers by yourself, it can help keep your body's hormones primed and ready to get down to business. Think of it like keeping hydrated for your skin, instead you're keeping sexual for your libido.

8) It's one hell of a workout for your pelvic floor

Everyone talks about the benefits of kegels, but vibing on yourself can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles too. The contractions before and after an orgasm not only feel great, but they also help prevent incontinence and relieve period pain.

9) There are no downsides

None, nada, zip. You can't get pregnant, you can't catch anything, and you don't have to worry about your partner's pleasure or expectations. You don't even have to orgasm if it's not happening. It's entirely for you, and no one else.