When it comes to "masturbation," many people still blush, change the subject, or even think of it as "something they shouldn't do." In many cultures, it has been labeled as "shameful," "dirty," or "degenerate," lingering in a gray area for a long time. But in reality, masturbation is a normal human physiological behavior. Regardless of gender or age, most people may experience it at some point in their lives.

More importantly, it actually has quite a few real benefits.

Today, let's talk about the positive effects of masturbation from a scientific and mental health perspective, and also help some people shed unnecessary baggage.

Have you ever had this experience: working late into the night, overwhelmed by a project, or feeling tense after an argument with family? In those moments, a private act of self-release can often make you feel like a completely different person — relaxed.

Masturbation promotes the release of dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins in the brain. These three are known as the "happy trio." Dopamine brings feelings of pleasure, oxytocin makes you feel warmth and attachment, and endorphins are natural painkillers and sedatives. Many people notice a significant stabilization of their mood and muscle relaxation after masturbation — even headaches or irritability may disappear.

This also explains why many people use it as a "personal pressure valve" — no alcohol, no drugs, no harm to others, just a private conversation with your own body.

To be honest, we are often quite unfamiliar with our own bodies. Especially for those raised with the notion that "sex is not to be discussed," even touching oneself can feel awkward. Masturbation offers a safe, judgment-free opportunity for exploration.

Through masturbation, you can gradually discover: which areas are most sensitive? Do you like it fast or slow? Do you need direct stimulation or indirect touch? This information is incredibly valuable because it forms your "sexual preference map." When you eventually enter an intimate relationship, you won't passively hand over all control to your partner. Instead, you can gently guide them: "This feels better for me" or "Lighter there, please."

This acceptance of your own body is a form of confidence in itself. Many people find that after becoming familiar with masturbation, they feel more comfortable looking at themselves in the mirror.

On sleepless nights, some people count sheep, some take melatonin, and others… quietly use masturbation to help them fall asleep. This isn't a joke — it has a physiological basis.

After orgasm, levels of oxytocin and prolactin rise, while cortisol (the stress hormone) drops. This state is very similar to the drowsiness you feel after a satisfying meal — the body transitions from excitement to deep relaxation. For those who have trouble falling asleep or frequently wake up during the night, moderate masturbation can be a natural, fast, side-effect-free sleep aid.

Of course, this isn't to say you must do it before bed. But if you happen to feel the need and it helps you sleep well, why not?

Many people don't know that masturbation can have positive effects on certain physical health indicators.

For men: Regular masturbation can help expel aged, accumulated sperm and reduce the concentration of inflammatory markers in semen. Some urological studies suggest that moderate ejaculation (including through masturbation) may be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Of course, this doesn't mean masturbation "cures" anything — it just indicates that it's part of normal physiological metabolism.

For women: The pelvic congestion and contractions brought on by masturbation can promote blood circulation in the reproductive organs and relieve lower abdominal bloating and lower back pain during menstruation. Some women with painful intercourse disorders, under medical guidance, use masturbation exercises to relax their pelvic floor muscles and gradually adapt to penetration, thereby improving their sexual experience with a partner.

It's important to emphasize that these benefits are based on "moderate and comfortable" practice — too much of a good thing can be counterproductive.