Masturbation still remains  a taboo sexual act even though we live in a hypersexual climate.

Whether you wack your ‘weed or polish your pearl’, you probably heard the rumours some time or the other that it’s unhealthy and can lead to infertility and blindness.

But can self-love be beneficial for your health? In an AsapSCIENCE video, hosted by Mitchell Moffit, Gregory Brown and Rachel Salt; titled “Is Masturbation Good for you?”

They attempt to explain that there are many benefits to reap from ‘self-love’; from lowering menstrual cramps to reducing cancer.

With 95 percent of men and 72 percent of women having admitted to partaking in some ‘self-love’.  According to AsapSCIENCE, however there is a belief that only single people indulge but contrary to that. It was found that 70 percent of men and 40 percent of women in relationships reported masturbating four weeks prior to the survey.

By indulging in some ‘self-love’ (a better term better than masturbation, right?) it can boost your health and your partner’s health; as well as lending a helping hand in the bedroom (pun intended).

As endorphins give off that ‘runners high’ feeling (addictive and uplifting) which is released during an orgasm; it can decrease your perception of pain, especially for women experiencing menstrual cramping.

You (men) can benefit from some ‘self-love’, as it can lower the occurrence of  catching a cold as well as the risk of cancer.

According to Medical Daily, “A study found components of the immune system are activated during masturbation, increasing the number of white blood cells in the bloodstream. Male solo sessions might also help reduce prostate cancer due to high ejaculation frequency.”

Researchers found that increased ejaculation led ‘to potential carcinogenic secretions in the prostate excreted more regularly, decreasing their negative impact on the body.’

Look no farther for a helping hand in the bedroom, as researchers suggest that stroking your manhood or a women’s clitoris can awaken the bulbocavernosis reflex, resulting in your pelvic muscles contracting.

The bulbocavernosis reflex gives your sex muscles a workout; the list of health benefits that some self-love can provide seems endless as masturbation can help maintain your nitric oxide levels in your blood.

I guess all that’s left to say is go  give yourself some ‘self -love’.

Sources: Medical Daily, AsapSCIENCE

Alice Paulse