October 18, 2024

Masturbation is a natural and relatively common event that most people indulge in at various stages of life. Still, there is something around the issue that is surrounded by a sort of stigma and, at the same time, curiosity. Questions pop up regarding the mechanism of pleasure, like why does masturbation feel good? Knowing the reasons for the pleasurable sensations in masturbation requires a great amount of understanding related to physiology, psychology, and emotional dimensions of human sexuality. The pleasure of masturbation can be traced to a mix of sensations, hormone releases, and even mental well-being. In this blog, we hope to look into the science behind why masturbation feels good, its benefits, potential drawbacks, and everything else you may need to know to make informed decisions about this common practice. 7 Reasons Why Masturbation Feels Good It’s standard practice to masturbate, which is touching the genitalia or other delicate body parts for pleasure or sexual stimulation. Indeed, according to an estimate from a study on older persons, between 27 and 40 percent of women and 41 to 65 percent of males admitted to masturbating in the previous month. 1. Release of Endorphins A principal reason why masturbation feels good is the release of endorphins in the process. Endorphins are chemicals the body produces to decrease pain and bring about feelings of happiness and euphoria. The stimulation of sexuality, such as masturbation, sends electrical signals from nerves in the genitals to the brain, which creates a natural high. Ninety percent of participants in a 2020 Indian sex study said they engage in at least one monthly masturbation. Eighty-five percent of those surveyed said they would be interested in trying out sex toys. It not only brings a high mood but also relaxation and euphoria. This neurochemical response is similar to the “runner’s high” experienced by athletes, indicative of how our bodies are wired to find pleasure in exercising and self-stimulation. 2. Physical Sensation Yet another reason why masturbation feels so good is the physical pleasure one receives from the stimulation of sensitive parts of the body. Human bodies are overly saturated with nerve endings located mainly around the genitals, giving off a sensation that can easily overpower the individual when touched. The physiological reaction to masturbation is both psychically arousing and physiologically stimulating because it’s a matter of discovering what feels good in one’s body, deepening an understanding of their sexual responses. Self-exploration can lead to a better connection with one’s body and improve general sexual satisfaction. 3. Stress Relief It’s beneficial to masturbate to relieve stress. In today’s environment, stress and anxiety are commonplace, and people need time away from these emotions. In response to stress, the body releases cortisol, which makes the body feel uncomfortable and uneasy. By promoting relaxation and reducing the body’s production of cortisol, masturbation aids in the reduction of stress. Now, endorphins are released together with the physical pleasure of masturbation, creating a general sense of well-being.  Masturbating women reported more orgasms, improved self-esteem, stronger sexual desire, and greater satisfaction with their marital and sex life, according to a 2015 study on married women. Thus, many people end up feeling so much better after masturbation, reaffirming the question: does masturbating feel good? The answer is mostly a sure and thumping yes because it provides immediate and longer stress relief. Also Read: Does Masturbation Cause Blindness? Here’s the Truth 4. Increased Blood Flow Masturbation increases the genitals’ blood flow, which increases their sensitivity. When masturbating, several physiological changes occur, such as elevated blood pressure and pulse rate.  This increased blood flow can heighten these feelings, thus improving sexual pleasure. The arousal process is very physiological; it is only as you feel yourself get more and more turned on that your body’s response becomes a part of the process. These physiological feedback loops strengthen the pleasurable feelings that masturbation provokes. 5. Mental Escapism Masturbation can also temporarily serve as an emotional escape from frequent stressors and responsibilities. Indeed, many are known to assert that masturbation allows them to concentrate exclusively on their bodies and sensations, thus supporting a temporary distraction from life’s difficulties. This psychological relief can further be associated with the aspect of happiness and contentment, returning to the question of why does masturbation feels good. Concentration on personal pleasures allows one to treat oneself to a reprieve from daily pressures, which improves one’s moods and acuity. 6. Exploration of Sexuality To many, masturbation presents a very significant tool through which individuals explore their bodies, hence enabling them to gain an understanding of their sexual preferences. It may lead to greater sexual satisfaction for a given individual, both during masturbation and in the sexual experience with a partner. A cohort study conducted in 2016A higher frequency of ejaculation was linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer, according to a Trusted Source study with 31,925 participants and an 18-year follow-up. According to a 2016 review of the literature, 44% of the studies examined found a similar correlation between frequent ejaculation and a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Understanding what feels right would make them better at telling others what to expect and will make the sexual experience far better than imagined. So, this self-empowerment or self-discovery should go along with developing a healthy relationship with one’s body and, thereby, also with sexual experience. 7. Relief from Menstrual Cramps For women, masturbation may help break up menstrual blood clots, which can contribute to relief from menstrual cramps. The contractions experienced during orgasm can help ease pain, making this not only a pleasurable but also beneficial sexual experience at a time when women are often uncomfortable. This benefit in itself entails the question of why masturbation feels good because, apart from being a source of pleasure, it also entails a role in pain control. This duality of benefit gives credence to not understanding masturbation as a sex act but, instead, as a multiplex experience to benefit overall well-being. Also Read: How Often Do Men Masturbate? The