Female masturbation is one of the biggest misconceptions related to sex. This is not part of a normal conversation, as it appears to be on a different side from male-dominated society's thinking about sex and relationships.

Female masturbation is a natural process in which women are able to connect with the emotions of their body and experience pleasure. It is not only a means of personal pleasure, but it also provides many benefits for physical and mental health. In today's Healthshots, we will discuss in detail the various aspects of female masturbation, its benefits and side effects. This is not only an important topic for women, but it is also necessary to increase awareness about it in the society. Women should understand and accept their choices for their sexual health and happiness.

What is Female Masturbation?

Self-stimulating your genitals for sex is called female masturbation. It helps reduce stress, improve mood instantly and also improves general health. This includes pleasuring the vagina, clitoris and vulva, or reaching orgasm by rubbing the clitoris. Women can use their hands or sex toys such as dildos or vibrators.

This is not only a way to pleasure yourself but it also has many benefits. Let us know what the experts have to say on this. Dr. Meenakshi Bansal, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecologist Department, Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, says, “The general thing about female masturbation is that it is a natural physiological process. , which does not have a negative impact on health as long as it is done in a balanced manner.”

Also see: These 6 vagina cleansing foods will help in keeping gut and bladder healthy along with vagina.

Experts are telling the benefits of female masturbation

Explaining its benefits, Dr. Meenakshi says, “It can be beneficial for physical and mental health in women in many ways, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and increasing sexual self-awareness.

1. Better mental health

Like other sexual activities, masturbation also promotes the release of feel-good hormones from the pleasure part of the brain. Hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, while also increasing your confidence. When you're excited, levels of mood-enhancing hormones, such as dopamine and epinephrine, increase in your body. Hence, reduces emotional stress in women. Read this: Masturbation can increase happy hormones, know some easy tips to make it exciting

2. Relief from period cramps

Your period pain can be reduced through masturbation. When you are on your periods, it is difficult to think about sex, but masturbation can ease the period pain. It releases oxytocin, a feel-good hormone, which naturally reduces pain and helps deal with even the worst period cramps.

3. Relief in menopause symptoms

It is difficult to face the problems arising due to menopause. But masturbation can help with some of these problems. If sex becomes extremely painful for you during menopause, this could be a possible solution. A major benefit of female masturbation is that it can reduce the blood flow, libido, tissue and moisture loss that post-menopausal women commonly struggle with.

4. Restful sleep

Masturbating before going to bed is a normal thing for many people. The main reason for this is that your brain releases a mixture of neurochemicals like oxytocin, serotonin, vasopressin, and prolactin, which prepares your body for sleep.

Masturbation helps in better sleep. Image: Shutterstock

5. Protection from cervical infection

Another benefit is that it can help prevent cervical infections. Women who suffer from urinary tract infection (UTI) have a greater desire for masturbation than other women. It reduces pain, removes harmful bacteria from the cervix and lubricates the vagina.

6. Sexual Self-Awareness

Masturbation makes you more aware of your sexual pleasures. With this you are able to understand different parts of your body and their sensations. While masturbating, you get a chance to explore your desires and likes. This helps you understand how to achieve orgasm, so you can communicate better with your partner. You learn how to take care of your body.”

Can there be some disadvantages to masturbating for women?

Dr. Meenakshi further explains that “It is completely safe unless done excessively. If masturbation is done too frequently or done incorrectly, it can sometimes cause irritation or inflammation of the genitals. If it is affecting your everyday life or relationships, it may be unhealthy.

Apart from this, not taking care of cleanliness and hygiene can also lead to the risk of STI or UTI. In such a situation, masturbation is safe only as long as it is done in a balanced and healthy manner. Also, in case of any kind of discomfort or physical problem, it is important to consult a gynecologist.”

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