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Sexual pleasure is the physical and/or psychological satisfaction and enjoyment derived from shared or solitary erotic experiences, including thoughts, fantasies, dreams, emotions and feelings - Word Association for Sexual Health Sexual Pleasure Declaration
Sex is a natural and positive part of life. One of the best ways to experience a pleasurable sex life is to know and understand our own bodies.
It doesn't matter what your gender identity or sexual orientation is, how much money or education you have, or what your race and age are, YOU DESEREVE TO HAVE AN ENJOYABLE SEX LIFE!
Health Benefits of Sex
According to OSHU's Center for Women's Health, some of the benefits of sex are:
- Lower blood pressure
- Better immune system
- Better heart health, possibly including lower risk for heart disease
- Improved self-esteem
- Decreased depression and anxiety
- Increased libido
- Immediate, natural pain relief
- Better sleep
- Increased intimacy and closeness to a sexual partner
- Overall stress reduction, both physiologically and emotional
You don't have to have partners to have a satisfying sex life. Masturbation is a normal, healthy way to experience pleasure and learn what feels good for you. And there are health benefits!
When you have an orgasm, your body releases hormones (endorphins) that block pain and make you feel good. It doesn't matter if you orgasm from sex or masturbation.
Health Benefits of Masturbation
According to Planned Parenthood, masturbation can:- release sexual tension
- reduce stress
- help you sleep better
- improve your self-esteem and body image
- help treat sexual problems
- relieve menstrual cramps and muscle tension
- strengthen muscle tone in your pelvic and anal areas
Bonus: Masturbation is basically the safest sex you can have!
No matter what stimulates our sexual desires or how we choose to satisfy them, we are all sexual beings. No matter what gender or sexual identity we're attracted to, we learn to experience sexual pleasure by understanding out own sexual desires and paying attention to how our bodies respond.
There's no "right way" to experience sexual pleasure. You can live out your fantasies on your own or with a partner.
Tips and Advice from the National Coalition for Sexual Health:
References:
- Oregon Health & Science University (n.d.). The Benefits of a Healthy Sex Life. Center for Women's Health. Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/benefits-healthy-sex-life
- Planned Parenthood (n.d.). Is Masturbation Healthy? Planned Parenthood. Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/masturbation/masturbation-healthy
- National Coalition for Sexual Health (n.d.). Five Action Steps to Good Sexual Health. Five Action Steps. Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://www.fiveactionsteps.org/