Traditionally May has been the most sexual of all months. In Europe the start of Spring brought the Gaelic Festivities of Beltane (May Day) celebrating fertility, sexuality and sexual healing through self-love. It was in May 1995, when International Masturbation Day began, thanks to the US sex-positive retailer Good Vibrations.
When Jocelyn Elders, Surgeon General of the United States, stated; "I think that (masturbation) it is part of human sexuality, and perhaps it should be taught" uproar and controversy ensued - resulting in Elders losing her job. Good Vibrations responded with the launch of Masturbation Day to ‘raise awareness and to highlight the importance of masturbation’. Over the years this day has transformed to a whole month dedicated to this most rewarding of sports.
Here are the top 5 reasons to indulge in masturbation:
1. Chemically rewarding, stress relieving and pain reducing
Pleasurable stimulation reacts within the brain’s reward centre by increasing your dopamine and endorphins levels, leaving you with a natural boost in your mood. This in turn lowers cortisol production (the stress hormone) and boosts oxytocin (the love hormone). Oxytocin is known to reduce pain. Beverly Whipple, famed author and sexologist found “that when women masturbate to orgasm, the pain tolerance threshold and pain detection threshold increased significantly by 74.6 percent and 106.7 percent respectively.”
2. Leads to better sexual experiences
Self-exploration can help you discover what works for you sexually. Take the opportunity to teach your partner what triggers your pleasure to fully develop your experiences together. Mutual masturbation can be a great way to learn and build confidence especially with a new partner. Masturbation doesn’t have to be a solo act.
3. Masturbation with sexual fantasy can increase your libido
This study reveals that sexual daydreaming naturally releases testosterone in women. Other studies show that higher levels of testosterone are effective in improving sexual drive during or after taking SSRI anti-depressants.
4. Regular masturbation can help achieve orgasm in intercourse
Orgasms can intensify and become easier with practice thanks to the body’s incredible ability of muscle and emotional memory. However if you are having a dry-spell this memory can be lost. Sex therapist Judith Golden explains that, “in order to be able to function sexually we need a supply of nitric oxide in our blood. Sexual activity in any form maintains levels of this chemical.”
5. Masturbation is Empowering
Women who masturbate regularly are found to have a healthier body-positive outlook. Self-love improves your self-image and in turn your self-confidence.
Sex toys are designed with masturbation and your pleasure in mind. Here at Je Joue we go the step further and work with sexual wellbeing specialists to create the ultimate design for each style of sex toy. If you are new to sex toys the Je Joue Mimi is the best place to start as a discreet yet powerful pebble shaped versatile vibrator. Good Housekeeping Magazine clearly agree after awarding Mimi with Best Sex Toy 2014.
The pebble design allows for the option of either a wide vibrational surface or a precision surface. A good place to start is by letting the deep resonate vibration travel throughout your entire vulva, try the wide side on a low speed setting to warm up, gradually increasing the speed as you start to explore. When you are happy with the sexual build up, use the precision side directly on the clitoral hood for maximum effect and intensified orgasm.
However, if you're looking to spice up your partnered play or elevate your solo sessions, the Mio Vibrating Cock Ring is your go-to for simultaneous, mind-blowing orgasms! With ultra-low-frequency vibrations delivering Je Joue's renowned deep rumbles, this ring transforms a penis or dildo into a powerful vibrator. The sensations travel down the shaft and directly stimulate the clitoris or perineum. Other 'buzzy' rings just cannot compete!