What happens in your body when you masturbate? Where does this feeling of well-being come from, and what should you do if you have trouble reaching orgasm? Is masturbation good for your health? Can it be excessive? We explain everything.
Masturbation refers to touching yourself to experience pleasure. But for many of us, it remains a taboo subject. Although the majority of people practice it, it can lead to feelings of shame, but there’s no need for this: masturbation is a healthy way to express your sexuality.
What is masturbation?
Masturbation, or solo sexual pleasure, involves touching one’s body—usually the penis, scrotum, clitoris, vulva, breasts, and anus—to achieve orgasm. It is generally accompanied by watching porn content such as Japanese mature porn or MILF porn. But it doesn’t just involve the genitals: the entire body is sensitive to sexual stimulation.
The location, method, and objects used for masturbation vary considerably from one individual to another. Fantasies, toys, films, sounds, or images can all serve to stimulate us. Masturbation can also be performed between two people. This is called mutual masturbation.
Where does this feeling of well-being that masturbation provides come from?
The genitals are equipped with nerve endings that, when stimulated, signal to our brain that we are about to have sexual intercourse. The genitals swell and produce natural lubrication, the heart rate increases, and arousal mounts. Masturbation can then lead to orgasm. In response to arousal and orgasm, the body releases hormones such as oxytocin, the pleasure hormone, which provides a feeling of calm and well-being.
How to masturbate when you have…
A vagina?
The vulva, clitoris, and vagina have many nerve endings and can be stimulated in different ways, such as by caressing or penetration. You can use a lubricant for added comfort.
A penis?
The penis is generally stimulated by caressing, rhythmically moving the foreskin up and down. The scrotum (the skin covering the testicles) can also be stimulated. Some people also enjoy stimulating the anus with fingers or a toy, and others use lubricant during masturbation, which is particularly useful if the penis is circumcised.