6 Reasons Women Should Masturbate Regularly

I woke from the strangest dream last night.

Someone stole my vibrator.

Panic.

Luckily it was just a dream.

It, the dream, was perhaps prompted by my partner’s playful requests that I stop using my vibrator and save my pent-up sexual energy for him.

Not going to happen. We spend too much time apart.

Or maybe the dream has something to do with an article I read before bed; I read the latest news on Trump suspending Global Entry for residents of New York State, punishing them for their sanctuary state laws.

I live in California; I’m sure we’re next on his list for retribution.

I’m not sure what Global Entry has to do with my favorite vibrator, but I’m positive there is a connection in my psyche somewhere.

What prompted the dream I’ll never know for sure.

Anyway, my nightmare got me thinking about masturbation and how I’m grateful I land on the pro-masturbation side of things.

Sometimes I worry I masturbate too much, as a stress reliever, like shopping or binge-watching “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”

But whether with a partner or solo, masturbation is healthy.

I googled, “how much masturbation is normal,” and immediately read the line, “people masturbate for different reasons — it helps them relax, they want to release sexual tension, or their partner isn’t around.” Check, check, and check.

Thank you, PlannedParenthood.org.

I can keep masturbating on the same schedule I brush my teeth.

Orgasm is normal and healthy

Having an orgasm, every day, once a week or as much as you see fit, is a healthy normal function of the human body.

According to research, 10–40% of women report having difficulty or an inability to reach orgasm. About 75 percent of all women never reach orgasm from intercourse alone — that is without the extra help of sex toys, hands or tongue.

According to studies, about 10 to 15 percent of women never climax — women not being able to achieve orgasm.

For the 75 percent who aren’t reaching climax through intercourse alone, it can be helpful to purchase some toys and practice — find out what you like, what turns you on, and what your body needs to climax.

A non-orgasmic life is no way to live.

It’s worth the effort to figure out what is going on, whether it’s a psychological block or something physical. Discovering what you need to reach orgasm can be made easier with a vibrator.

Visit The Pleasure Chest store, or if you don’t have a local one, visit their website.

My partner and I go to the store together, not only is it fun, it sparks hilarity between us, bringing forth each of our inner comediennes.

Here are just some — six — benefits of masturbation

1. Reduces stress — Masturbation is a great way to relieve stress and tension. When you orgasm, your body releases oxytocin into the bloodstream, the so-called “cuddle hormone,” making you more relaxed. For women, orgasm leads to lower blood pressure levels, so it’s good for your heart. Sex decreases stress, which, in turn, reduces stress hormones in the body, which lowers inflammation. Inflammation is not good for the body.
2. Keeps you in a sexual state — Not only is there research on this, but I find this annecdotaly true, the more sex you have, the more sex you want. For me, the same is true of eating sushi and chocolate, the more I have, the more I want. The reason is, for women especially, sex and arousal, start in the brain. When you are feeling sexy and stimulated, you will want to have more sex. If you haven’t had sex in a long time, you probably aren’t thinking about sex. According to Dr. Streicher, “If you’re between partners, there’s a very strong benefit to keeping things going by self-stimulating — not only in terms of keeping the tissues elastic and healthy and increasing blood flow but just getting your brain going.”
3. There are great vibrators on the market — I keep it simple; mine is not high tech, and it doesn’t have multiple gadgets. I have used The Rabbit Vibrator, and it lives up to its hype. A girlfriend of mine swears by Tracy’s Dog Vibrator. I haven’t tried it yet, but it looks interesting. From hands-free vibrators to vibrators controlled by apps, there is something for everyone.
4. It helps you sleep better and fall asleep faster — Because orgasm relieves stress and exhausts the body, you fall asleep more quickly. According to Womenshealthnetwork.com, “Dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, rises during the anticipation of a sexual climax. After the orgasm, the calming hormones oxytocin and endorphins are released, allowing you to feel a warm afterglow that helps you sleep.”
5. Multiple orgasms — Using a vibrator can help you understand how your body works and how to please it. Men need to rest after climax. After climax or resolution, the man enters a “refractory period,” where he has to recover. But women can keep going. In a study, Masters and Johnson found 14–16% of women had multiple orgasms.
6. There is no downside — Masturbation has “absolutely zero negative effects,” Dr. Streicher says. She is right, you can’t get pregnant, you can’t contract an STD, and you can do it solo. There are no negative repercussions, and it feels incredible.

To feel joy through sexual pleasure is a part of life you don’t want to miss out on, sexual pleasure makes you feel alive and in the moment. To feel joy via sexual gratification is life-affirming.

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Jessica is a writer, an online entrepreneur, and a recovering Type A personality. She lives in Los Angeles with her extrovert daughter, two dogs, and two cats.