For many women, orgasms can be pretty damn fantastic — be it with intimate partners during sexy times or during a sensual solo session. And while we’ve certainly come a long way since the damaging and far-reaching thinking of nineteenth century Freudian psychoanalysis revolving around the female orgasm, masturbation and reaching climax is still shrouded in shame and stigma for some women. Instead of being embraced for what it is – a normal and healthy expression of sexual pleasure and self-care – the female orgasm is still too often dismissed as unnatural and difficult to achieve, even during self-stimulation. However, by reframing masturbation in your mind as the ultimate example of self-care, you open yourself up to a plethora of health benefits that come with regular self-love sessions.

Masturbation is self-love (and Canadian women are ready for some good, good lovin’)

Orgasms help with sleep

Healthy masturbation helps with stress

The female orgasm can help with easing menstrual cramps

Masturbation can give your heart a workout

Sex myths interfere with sex education

The female orgasm is amazing and you deserve to enjoy it

Masturbating on the regular can make you happier
This one is a no-brainer. Pleasing experiences and sensations make people feel good, so it goes without saying that intimately knowing your body can contribute to your overall happiness. The act of self-stimulation releases enough levels of dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin to produce a natural high following climax. And there’s no better drug than that.
Related: 11 Ways to Improve Your Self-Love Now.

Masterbation helps you discover what you like
