World Masturbation Month 2023: Make time for yourself this 'Masturbation May'

Yeah! You read that right! May is considered Masturbation Month and May 28th is the International Masturbation Day. This act of self-gratification, which is considered taboo even though most people do it, has proven to have some physical as well as psychological benefits!

Hyderabad: For all the shy and reserved people out there, the month of May is observed as Masturbation Month and the 28th of May is the International Masturbation Day. Created in the year 1995 by a San Fransisco sex-toy shop called "Good Vibrations", this commemoration was a response to former US President, Bill Clinton's firing of the then Surgeon-General, Jocelyn Elders, after she suggested that masturbation be taught as a part of sex education, in her speech at the 1994 United Nations World AIDS Day.

Since then, the month raises awareness and promote masturbation as a healthy, safe and natural way to express your sexuality, generate conversation and acceptance, thereby removing the shame and stigma towards the often-maligned act. Even though it is considered the foundation for human sexuality in both men and women, only a few of us admit to masturbating and most of us categorise it as a taboo. Such actions, or the lack of them, are what keeps us away from understanding ourselves and exploring the health benefits of masturbation.

Admit it or not, everyone enjoys the act of self-pleasuring, especially men, as it is easier for them due to their genitals being visible from a young age, and they can even learn to control their ejaculations through masturbation. But it gets difficult for girls and even grown women because most of them haven't even seen their genitals and are unaware that to achieve an orgasm their clitoris needs to be stimulated directly. Due to a lack of exploration, women tend to be unaware of their likes and sexual responses, which makes it difficult for them to communicate with their partners during sex.

And No! Masturbating while you're in a relationship is not considered cheating! In fact, regular masturbation keeps people sexually and physically confident! And how do you expect your partners to figure out what you would like if you don't know yourself? It helps the blood flow, and virility, aids stamina and helps control ejaculations. While in women, masturbation has been known to provide relief during menstrual cramps due to the muscular attention to the area. But still, the health benefits of sex with a partner are way more than just by yourself!

Masturbation releases all kinds of stress-relieving, mood-boosting hormones such as adrenaline, oxytocin, endorphins, serotonin, etc. Even animals like elephants and penguins do it! And we don't see them going extinct due to a lack of sexual activity among themselves! According to Indiana University's 2009 National Survey Of Sexual Health And Behavior, 84 per cent of men aged 25-29 enjoyed themselves in the past year, as compared to 72 per cent of women. Apparently, this number decreases as people age!

The biological benefits and statistical data should encourage you to indulge in the act of "self-love", but make sure you do it in your own space and time! Go ahead and set an actual date for yourself if you need, from making yourself your favourite meal to watching your favourite movie!