Although the topic of masturbation is taboo, it exists and is a real part of our lives. The “most visible” side effect of it is well known – the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. What are the others? Releasing stress and tension Like any other sexual activity, masturbation stimulates the synthesis of endorphins – substances in the body that lead to feelings of happiness and release accumulated stress. They are formed in the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in the brain. Endorphins are endogenous, opioid and polypeptide compounds, or neurotransmitters, that act in different parts of the brain. They also contribute to a person’s health. For both men and women, masturbation releases tension and is a time to commune with yourself. In addition, these soothing benefits aid sleep and reduce menstrual pain. Prevents getting sick This applies to representatives of both sexes. Some experts associate it with benefits for preventing the development of prostate cancer, as it allows men to naturally rid themselves of accumulated toxins in the urogenital tract. According to them, among men who ejaculated more than 5 times a week, a reduction in toxin levels was observed and thus the risk of prostate cancer was likely to be reduced by a third. NEWS_MORE_BOX Masturbation also benefits women by lowering the risk of urinary tract infections. Road to addiction? Unfortunately, not all possible effects of masturbation are beneficial. In some cases, it can lead to avoiding intimacy with others, which in the long run can be a cause of anxiety and restlessness. Masturbation can stimulate the reward response in the brain, which is also an addictive pathway to orgasmic substances. It can harm us both mentally and physically.