Masturbation may seem like more of a single man’s game, but regular solo sessions can have a huge impact on the health of your marriage.
Research indicates that masturbating can improve your happiness, boost your confidence, and lower your stress levels—all factors that contribute to a better relationship.
So kill the lights, lock the door, and get ready to reap the benefits.
Getty Images
YOU’LL KEEP YOUR SEX DRIVE REVVED UP
When you’ve been married for a while, it’s hard to maintain the high levels of passion you had when you first met. But masturbation can keep you feeling like a sexual being.
“Having sex alone can build your drive,” says Sadie Allison, author of The Mystery Of The Undercover Clitoris. “For both women and men, masturbation maintains the healthy functioning of your sex organs. Like the old saying goes, the more you have it, the more you want it.”
YOU’LL HAVE AN ACTIVE FANTASY LIFE
Daydreaming about a sexy actress or the cute receptionist at work can help keep sex in the forefront of your mind. The sky’s the limit on the scenarios you can dream up, and your relationship will reap the benefits of your increased interest in sex.
“Fantasising is completely normal, and anything you wish to imagine is absolutely okay,” says Allison. “It’s safe and private, and no one ever has to know about it. That’s why they’re just fantasies.”
The more years you’ve logged with your partner, the easier it is to fall into a sexual routine.
Masturbation is a way to declare that you’re responsible for your own pleasure, whether or not someone else is there to provide it.
“It can be a great reminder that ultimately, you’re the one in charge of your own happiness,” Allison says.
YOU’LL SLASH STRESS
Whose relationship isn’t better when they’re feeling less stressed? Masturbation floods your body with feel-good endorphins, so it’s a no-brainer that anyone, including those in a long-term relationship, can benefit from a little self-love.
“Research suggests that orgasms can improve your mood as your body releases the pleasure chemical called dopamine, which can give you a natural stress-relieving high,” says Allison.
The best way to be a generous lover is to know your own likes and dislikes so you can share that information with your partner. So think of masturbating as a self-discovery mission.
“As your body changes with age, what you find sexually pleasurable can change as well,” says Allison. “A method that may have worked for you in the past may no longer be as effective. Masturbation will always provide a safe, private space for you to try new techniques.”
Even if you’re in it for the long haul with your other half, that doesn’t mean that from time to time you won’t find other people attractive.
Masturbation can be a positive way to indulge your daydreams while keeping the fires burning in your marriage.
“Just because two people choose to share their lives doesn’t mean their bodies share the same schedule, sex drive, sexual appetite, or stamina,” says Allison. “Masturbation is a great solution for when these differences arise.”
The Western Bulldogs superstar is working diligently on his rehab as he prepares his body for a return to the field sooner rather than later. As Smith told MH at the Australian F1 Grand Prix last weekend, being away from footy has only deepened his love of the game
After enduring a year that would have broken most people, the surprise star of the Tokyo Olympics and Ralph Lauren Fragrances campaign face is feeling relaxed, confident and determined ahead of the Paris Games. As he tells Men’s Health at this week’s Australian Grand Prix, that’s when he’s at his best
