The first time I heard the word ‘masturbation’, I was already in the 12th grade. My friend had explained it to me in a rather hush-hush tone, and I obviously didn’t question. I don’t remember much about sex education classes in school. The little that the teacher taught us, I didn’t understand – and what he hadn’t taught us, I only learned about them in my late teens. Obviously, I didn’t learn about masturbation early on and learning about this from a friend confused me on the concept even more. Talking about it openly was still a faraway idea for me at the time. 

Masturbation is when an individual stimulates their genitals for sexual pleasure, which may or may not lead to orgasm. Masturbation is common among men and women of all ages and plays a role in healthy sexual development. 

There are many known benefits of masturbation but before diving into it – to both our physical and mental well-being. We took a small online survey of 25 people to learn a little about what the ‘youth’ perceive masturbation as. It was inclined more towards the mental aspects of masturbation. Some of the results we got from the survey about the benefits of masturbation to the respondents are: 

1. Stress Relief 
2. Self-love and Body Positivity
3. Better Sleep Pattern 
4. Relaxed Muscles 
5. Better Mood

We are all sexual beings and we all exude sexual energies. Similarly, we have our sexual needs as a part of our basic human needs. Just like delicious food, clothing and a good place to reside in have a positive impact on our mental health, so do sexual activities. One of them being masturbation. 

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Whilst sexual intercourse is a shared moment with a partner, masturbation is an individual activity. Here, you recognize your needs, address it and do it to make yourself feel better and satisfy your needs. Thus, masturbation, when done in appropriate moderation is an act of self-love and self-care. 

A majority of 66.7 percent of our survey population stated that they felt more confident in their body after masturbation. The remaining part of the population had not explored their sexuality that much. One of the biggest aspects of being confident in your body is understanding your body and its needs. And in doing so, you become more comfortable and confident. When you are comfortable in yourself, you are open to being vulnerable and sharing your emotions. Anyone who acts out their emotions in the form of healthy confrontation tends to be more stress-free and relaxed. 

Anecdotal reports, as well as studies about sexual intercourse, suggest that masturbation has some helpful benefits. Masturbation may:

• help you relax
• release sexual tension
• reduce stress
• boost your mood
• improve sleep
• help you have better sex
• help you feel greater pleasure
• give you a better understanding of what you need and want in a physical relationship
• relieve cramps

All of these aforementioned points collectively help us build a well-formed and well-rounded personality. Therefore, learn about sex and masturbation, talk about it, ask questions.

Don’t shy away!

Pratiksha Rajopadhyaya