Spring isn't just about flowers blooming and spring settling in. May is National Masturbation Month! Originally established in 1995, this month-long celebration is all about normalising masturbation and recognising its many physical, emotional, and mental health benefits.
Let’s delve into the best tips on techniques and tools for self-love, along with the link between self-pleasure and mindfulness to discover how you can celebrate National Masturbation Month in style.
What Is National Masturbation Month?
May is National Masturbation Month, a time to explore new things about your body, challenge outdated taboos, and encourage open, shame-free conversations about self-pleasure.
This day was first launched in 1995 by the sex-positive retailer Good Vibrations in response to the firing of U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders. At the 1994 United Nations World AIDS Day Conference, Joycelyn Elders had suggested that masturbation should be part of sex education. The day later became International Masturbation Month in 2023 and is celebrated by people around the world.
How Can Self-Pleasure Benefit Your Mental and Physical Health?
Masturbation isn’t just about pleasure, it’s also good for your health, including both your mental and physical well-being. Orgasms trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin, which naturally lower stress levels and boost your mood. You may also find it easier to sleep after an orgasm due to how relaxed your body feels following the sexual release. Regular self-love will also help you to become more familiar with your body and what feels good, which can make you feel more confident and have a better self-image.
Some people find that orgasms can help relieve menstrual discomfort by reducing cramps and pain, while regular ejaculation may lower the risk of certain prostate issues in people with prostates.
What Are the Best Techniques for Solo Pleasure?
When it comes to solo pleasure, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. However, there are certain tools and techniques that can help elevate your masturbation experience and give you greater orgasms.
Sex toys are great for clitoral, penis and anal stimulation, particularly toys such as vibrators and dildos. Whether you’re an experienced user or you’re new to the world of sex toys, you can find plenty of toys at MegaPleasure to suit your needs and comfort levels to help you reach the best orgasms.
If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can experiment with different speeds, from light touches and slow movements that build anticipation to fast and rough motions that push you over the edge. If you want to experience something a little different, why not try masturbating in the shower or bath. Warm water can elevate your sensual experience, while also making clean-up faster and easier! Temperatures, whether hot or cold, can add another layer to your intimate moments, as can scents and sounds. Why not experiment with different candles or essential oils to make your room smell heavenly, while putting on a relaxing playlist in the background.
Can Masturbation Be Part of a Healthy Relationship?
Masturbation can be a healthy and beneficial part of any relationship, whether you're single or in a partnership. In fact, self-pleasure can improve your intimacy and communication within your relationship, as you can discover what gets you going through self-love and tell your partner how they can pleasure you best. You can even masturbate at the same time, which reduces the pressure on each other while making sure you both fulfil every sexual need.
How to Celebrate National Masturbation Month in a Meaningful Way
National Masturbation Month isn’t just about indulging in self-pleasure, it’s also an opportunity to embrace self-love, promote sexual health, and challenge outdated taboos. May is the perfect time to explore your relationship with your body and your sexuality, whether it’s with a new fleshlight or you’re treating yourself to a rabbit vibrator. You might also want to use this month to experiment with mindful masturbation, which can make self-pleasure more connected and intentional. By focusing on your sensations, breath, and emotional responses, you can become more tuned in with your body and potentially experience more intense orgasms.
Get Ready for National Masturbation Month
National Masturbation Month is a perfect opportunity to celebrate and embrace self-pleasure in all its forms. Whether you’re exploring solo activities for the first time or elevating your self-love with new toys and techniques, this month serves as a reminder that pleasure and sexual health is an essential part of your mental and sexual well-being. Just remember, while May is National Masturbation Month, you can enjoy self-love any time of year.
Read more on Why Solo Play Is Essential for Sexual Wellness and How Sex Toys Can Help You Destress.
