7 Reasons Masturbation Matters

May is National Masturbation Month, and today, May 7th, is International Masturbation Day. In 1995, this honor was created by Good Vibrations shop to destigmatize the infamous solo sport. In case you're fuzzy about the events at that time, in 1994, President Clinton fired his Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders after she suggested masturbation being included in sex education programs.
 
In the early 1800s, Rev. Sylvester Graham rallied against masturbation and hoped to alleviate the world of this "self-abuse" through dietary measures. His Graham Diet consisted of a bland vegetarian diet, and most notably, introduced a special bland cracker to calm those unsavory urges, the Graham cracker. Following Rev. Graham's death in the mid 19th century, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg followed suit by creating Corn Flakes.These anti-masturbation efforts are down right charming compared to many so-called solutions for these urges, from steel chastity belts to the application of carbolic acid.

In light of this history, we feel quite strongly about masturbation at The Ruff Life, and here's why:

1. Masturbation also gives you a chance to understand your body. Whether you use toys or your hands, self-love provides a safe environment to determine what you enjoy.

2. Masturbation releases endorphins and dopamine, which are beneficial for pain management, stress relief, and relaxation.

3. Masturbation can relieve cramps by increasing the blood flood to your pelvis. 

4. Masturbation helps you keep your sex drive up. Apparently, the old adage "use it or lose it" rings true.

5. Recent studies found women who masturbate regularly have a higher resistance to yeast infections.

6. Knowing how to get yourself off can help you tell your partner how to as well.

7. On a similar note, if only one partner orgasms, toys can make up the difference.  We see many couples buying toys together, because it is a fun way to relieve the pressure of worrying about whether a partner is satisfied. Women generally take longer to orgasm than men, so extra time prior to penetrative sex can be make up for this disconnect.

 XOXO,
The Ruff Life