According to sexologist Robin Milhausen, a little "self-love" (nudge nudge, wink wink) goes a long way when it comes to your health. In fact, masturbation boasts some surprising benefits to your well-being.
Improve your self-love savvy (and your health!) with this quick quiz.
1. Self-pleasure can...
a. Aid in weight-loss efforts
b. Boost the immune system
c. Both
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Robin says... B. Research shows that masturbation can increase the number of cells that attack infected cells in men.
2. In men, regular self-pleasure is known to prevent...
a. Testicular cancer
b. Prostate cancer
c. Both
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Robin says... B. Australian researchers found that men who masturbated more than five times per week were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer.
3. In women, self-love can...
a. Help alleviate menstrual cramps
b. Reduce irritability associated with PMS
c. Both
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Robin says... C. Masturbation increases blood flow to a woman's genitals, which can reduce cramping and backaches associated with her period. It also causes endorphins to be released in the brain, which can reduce irritability.
4. In women, self-pleasure is often recommended as treatment for...
a. Frequent bladder infections
b. Incontinence
c. Both
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Robin says... B. Masturbation strengthens the Kegel muscles by causing them to clench and unclench. These muscles, found at the base of the pelvis, are responsible for controlling the flow of urine.
5. In men, self-pleasure can be recommended as a treatment for...
a. Nasal congestion
b. A sore throat
c. Both
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Robin says... A. One researcher has proposed that ejaculation causes the sympathetic nervous system to constrict blood vessels throughout the body, causing swollen nasal blood vessels to shrink and allow for easier breathing. More research is needed to support this claim.
6. Self-love can improve fertility in...
a. Men
b. Women
c. Both
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Robin says... C. In men, frequent ejaculation is an important factor in sperm health because it flushes out the older sperm, which are then replaced by fresh swimmers that have a better chance of fertilizing an egg. In women, masturbation timed close to intercourse alters conditions in the vagina, making it a more hospitable environment for sperm.
