Addiction

Benefits of Masturbation: A Natural Path to Health and Well-being

Written By

Jagruti Rehab

Last Updated on: 02 Jun 2025

Open with, "Masturbation - the subject of whispers in dark corners and giggles when brought up in conversations, we can now shed the myths and shame around this completely natural and universal act! The reality is that masturbation is as natural to human beings as breathing, and the benefits right down to the root of that ancient tree are almost limitless! 

In this blog, we will look at: what is masturbation, the positive health benefits of masturbation for men and women, the truth about whether masturbation good or bad for health and we can weigh the pros and cons so you can be in a better position to make informed, guilt-free choices about your body.

What Is Masturbation?

Masturbation refers to stimulating one’s sexual organs for sexual pleasure and often leading to orgasm. Masturbation can be practised by individuals of all ages and cultures, a natural occurrence - whether it’s a quick moment of self-love, to a long indulgence, masturbation is a way to explore your own body and understand the sensations your body can experience. 

If done within the privacy of your home, many people feel that masturbation is related to something taboo or taboos, but the act of masturbation itself is not. Rather, masturbation is a natural and healthy means of expressing your sexuality.  The question is never whether it’s normal; it is normal, but the question then is, is masturbation good for health? The short answer is yes, yes, yes!

What Is Compulsive Masturbation Disorder?: Complete details about pros and cons.

Is Masturbation Good for Health?

You might be shocked to know that masturbation is not just a fun pastime, but a major health booster, both physically and mentally! Research shows that masturbation is helpful for stress relief, better sleep, and even for heart health. 

So here are a few ways masturbation can help you out: 

• Stress Relief: The endorphins and oxytocin you release while masturbating act as a natural mood booster and relieve stress and anxiety. 
• Better Sleep: Masturbation makes you fall asleep faster and also increases the time you spend sleeping. Orgasms relieve stress and promote calmness, making it much easier to fall asleep. 
• Better Sexual Function: Regularly masturbating allows people to be more aware of what their body enjoys, allowing for it to be more satisfying and effective with their partner.  
• Stronger Immune System: There are studies suggesting that orgasm facilitates the immune system, making you less susceptible to being ill. 
• Pain Relief: Orgasm stimulates the production of hormones that can relieve pain, including menstrual cramps and headaches. 
• Heart Health: Masturbation raises your heart rate to a mild form of cardiovascular exercise, which is positive for your heart. 

These benefits show that masturbation is not just a guilty pleasure, but rather a healthy part of a balanced life.

Related Learning: How to Stop Masturbating

Advantages and Disadvantages of Masturbation

As with anything in life, there are positives and negatives to masturbation - best to understand both sides so you can maximise the good while minimising any potential bad.

Advantages of Masturbation - Is Masturbation Healthy?

1. Sexual Health: Regular masturbation keeps the organs that create sex healthy - and prevents ailments like erectile dysfunction in men or vaginal infections in women. 
2. Clear Head: The mood-enhancing elements of masturbation can provide a mental 'lift' to shield from feelings of anxiety or depression. 
3. Safe Practice: Masturbation is the safest sex practice - no risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 
4. Improved body image: Using your own body promotes confidence and builds a better, healthier relationship with your body.

Related Learning: Side Effects of Masturbation

Disadvantages of Masturbation - Is Masturbation Harmful?

• Excessive Masturbation: Like any habit, excessive, compulsive masturbation can harm your everyday living, work, or relationships. 
• Guilt, or Shame: Guilt often develops from cultural and/or religious beliefs and can negatively affect mental health. 
• Physical Irritation: Vigorous masturbation without lubrication can produce soreness/irritation. 

In summary, is masturbation good or bad based on moderation and frequency? In moderation or balance, it is generally beneficial and healthy. When excessive or guilt-ridden, it becomes problematic.

Related Learning: Hasthamaithun Karne ke Nuksan

The Benefits of Masturbation for Men

For men, masturbation tends to be a one-dimensional experience, usually based solely on physical release. There is much more to masturbation than that. Knowing your body and learning what turns you on, not only helps you with better stamina and control when you have sex with a partner but also offers some health benefits. Here are some physical and mental health benefits of masturbation for men.

Physical Health Benefits for Men:

• Prostate Health: Regular ejaculation through masturbation might lower prostate cancer risk by flushing out dead cells and stagnant bodily fluids.
• Sexual Performance: Exploring what you like and what feels good — with regular practice — can help in developing endurance and control during partnered sex.
• Regulates Testosterone: Masturbation regulates testosterone levels, key to maintaining healthy muscle mass, mood, and energy.

Mental Health Benefits for Men:

• Stress Relief: Men carry a lot of societal pressure to be resilient, strong, and above all, not show any vulnerability. Masturbation and orgasm can be a solo safe place for relaxation.
• Better Sleep: Relaxing and relieving some tension can help improve sleep and might even help develop improved sleeping patterns. 

Ultimately, who benefits? Masturbation is a healthy habit for men, promoting physical and mental well-being.

The Benefits of Masturbation for Women

Women have always faced stigma with masturbation, but it is time to change that! 

Physical Health Benefits for Women:

• Pelvic Floor Strength: The muscles that are used when you masturbate and orgasm help to keep the pelvic floor strong, which will help with incontinence.
• Menstrual Cramp Relief: Orgasms help to release endorphins that reduce period pains.
• Enhanced Libido: Masturbating can increase desire and make sex more pleasurable.

Mental Health Benefits for Women:

• Body Awareness and Confidence: Women who masturbate tend to have better body awareness, which increases self-esteem.
• Reduction in Anxiety and Depression: The hormones released when you masturbate elevate mood, which counteract negative feelings.

Masturbation for women is truly more than just pleasure, it is about health, confidence, and wellness.

Why Choose Jagruti Rehab for Addiction Support?

It's important to understand masturbation and its potential health implications to live in a healthy, guilt-free way. However, when compulsive or porn-induced masturbation becomes a habit, it's time to get help. 

At Jagruti Rehab, we can provide you with supportive, evidence-based treatment for addiction (including compulsive sexual behaviours). We provide holistic care that treats both physical and emotional health.

You can obtain help for compulsive sexual behaviours at Jagruti Rehab, where healing meets hope, and you regain control over your life. Everyone deserves a life free of shame and full of health.

Related Learning: How to Quit Porn Addiction

Author

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.