Women masturbate - it'sa fact and it's normal. Due to strict cultural beliefs and societal values,many women feel guilty about masturbating, therefore rendering this a tabootopic that many women only ever whisper about. But we're here to reassure youthat masturbation is perfectly healthy and, in fact, has many perks.
It's high timewe put the stigma associated with masturbation to bed so women can feel free topleasure themselves without feeling like they are committing a sin. Healthy asit is, addiction to masturbation is a downside that could prove problematic ifnot nipped in the bud.
Tracy Ziman Jacobs, an intimacy and relationship coach,agrees that it is possible? to get addicted to masturbation. "Itcauses?chemicals to be released?by the brain, which triggers?the pleasurecentres of the?brain, having positive effects?on you, or a ‘high' thatleaves?you wanting more and more. And?the best part is that masturbation?isfree," she explains, adding that you can avoid becoming addicted by simplybeing conscious of when and how often you masturbate.
Despite the possibilityof addiction, however, masturbation has no harmful side effects, saysJoburg-based urologist and sexual health expert Dr Shingai Mutambirwa."Firstly, we must recognise that there's nothing wrong with masturbation. Ibelieve 40% of females and 80% of males masturbate at some stage in theirlives. 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 areyou stressed by an upcomingpresentation? The chemicalsreleased during masturbationhave been proven to take a person'smind o stressful situations.Oxytocin, also known as the ‘lovehormone', is one of the chemicalsreleased during masturbation -it stimulates a warm feeling andintense relaxation.
