With summer almost over, now’s the time to get some quality ‘me’ time – because yes, yes, YES! you deserve it, screams the internationally-renowned sex advice expert, Liv Arnold.
Masturbation is one of my favourite things to do. Besides eating and crying.
Many people are embarrassed about self-love. Society is conservative. There’s a myth that masturbation is only for men. Males are stereotyped to always be in the mood. As a romance author, I write characters who love orgasms and exploring their desires. Self-pleasure is a big part of that. Let’s challenge the taboos by not being so private about our private time.
I’m banging out my top three benefits of self-pleasure.
1. No chance of STDs.
Who would want to agonisingly wait for an STD test? The walk of shame to the doctor’s office, peeing in a cup, informing all sexual partners. This reminds me, a couple I knew contracted chlamydia. The guy tested positive first. Meanwhile, she kept congratulating him. She thought ‘positive’ meant the result was good. That was an awkward conversation by itself. As for the STD side effects…a cottage cheese texture was oozing out of their genitals. It hurt them to go to the bathroom. No thanks!
2. Climax quicker.
Let’s be honest. Most partners aren’t that good. Time is precious. We don’t need a guy or girl. Our erogenous zones are already mapped out in our minds. Ready, set, go. We’re independent. We’re busy. DIY.
3. Improve your health and confidence.
My swimsuit tells me to go to the gym. But my track pants say, ‘nah, you’re good.’
Sexuality is connected to our body image. Through self-love, we associate pleasure with our body’s responses. When we explore, we learn more about ourselves. A climax releases endorphins and hormones, increasing our feelings of pleasure and wellbeing. Lower your stress levels, lift your mood and bring yourself back to the present. An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away.
There is nothing shameful about having a relationship with your body. So, get out the candles and run a hot bubble bath. A lot of adult toys are waterproof these days. Or wear something that makes you feel sexy and whip up the aphrodisiac foods.
If you feel that self-pleasure is wrong, consider your reasons and if they’re still relevant today. Masturbation is our privilege and birthright. Explore the power of solo-love. Get in tune with
your body. Learn what makes you shake with satisfaction. Enjoy yourself and be unapologetic.
Liv Arnold (https://www.livarnold.com/) is a critically acclaimed author and internationally renowned sex advice expert who has featured on the covers of Playboy, FHM and Grazia, among many others. Her books have garnered widespread acclaim from the media and from a string of New York Times bestselling authors.