Sure, masturbation is a great way to relieve stress and improve your sleep. But so is enjoying a little one-on-one time with you and your body.

In fact, solo play has infinite health benefits and absolutely no downsides — plus it’s fun!

Masturbation doesn’t have to lead to orgasm. But if you’re in the mood and want that endorphin rush, there are a few things you must know and do to help your body achieve the Big O.

Did you know these facts about masturbation?

masturbation

Set the mood

The setting can sometimes make a big difference in whether or not you’ll have a good solo session. Think about turning down the lights, lighting some candles, and listening to relaxing music to get the mood going.

Add some lube

When you’re aroused, your body self-lubricates, making masturbation a much smoother and pleasurable experience.

Let your mind wander

It may go without saying, but you can turn yourself on by simply thinking about that hottie you met last week. Let your mind fantasize about people or situations that send tingles down your spine. It’s fun to let your mind wander, but you don’t always have to use your imagination. If you want to turn up the heat, read a dirty book or watch a sexy video.

Take your time

You don’t have to rush masturbation. Play around with techniques and take your time to enjoy all of the sensations you’re feeling throughout your body.

Explore erogenous zones

Playing with your erogenous zones — think your nipples, ears, or thighs — can shoot sparks of pleasure throughout your body.

Give your usual sex toys a break

Vibrators and dildos are loads of fun to play with, but they’re not the only sex toys in town. Some people, for example, like to stimulate themselves by using a showerhead on their clitoris or rubbing their vulva against a pillow. Women are more likely to use sex toys than men, when asked whether they used “sex toys” when masturbating 43% of women said “sometimes”, compared to 13% of men. But men were twice as likely as women to say that they used fantasies every time when masturbating.

If after years of extensive hands-on experience, you think you know everything about masturbation, maybe you don’t. Here are some that may surprise you:

Masturbation will Make You Better and More Confident in Bed

And not just with yourself. Many people get offended if their partner masturbates, but sometimes you just need to feel comfortable in your own skin. And because you’re able to figure out what you like, you’re able to tell your partner too, making it a much more enjoyable experience when you’re in bed together.

There’s A Reason Why Some Vibrators Look Like a Rabbit

Who would have thought that a vibrator could be cute? The Japanese, that’s who. In Japan, it’s illegal to create sex toys that actually look like a penis, so they designed the rabbit vibrator instead and also showed the Japanese government their middle finger at the same time.

The Vibrator Was Invented to Cure Hysteria

Symptoms of hysteria included fainting, anxiety, fatigue, depression, and emotional instability. So how were these symptoms treated? By female arousal of course. Doctors would make house calls to women who were suffering from hysteria and would treat this diagnosis by giving them a ‘healing massage. In comes the vibrator. These magical devices were strictly kept in doctor’s offices for medical purposes only, but then bigger companies started manufacturing them and began to sell them in very subtle advertising spots in women’s magazines.

It’s A Form of Mild Cardio

For women at least, and it’s very, very mild. Your heart rate still increases along with your breathing, and you’ll even find yourself sweating. You also know that you can have a guaranteed orgasm without getting pregnant or contracting an STI. But for boys, masturbating is very different to sex as their body responds differently to it.

 How Many Times A Month Do People Masturbate on Average?

Men masturbate more than women and they started at a younger age. Most women didn’t start until their late teens or 20s until they were mature enough for sex in the first place. The reason behind it wasn’t primarily for pleasure wither, it was because they wanted to become more comfortable with their own bodies. So, women masturbate on average around 5 times a month, whereas as men find the time to do it around 12.

Humans Aren’t the Only Species to Masturbate

Did you think that you were the only living species on this planet that has needs, sexual needs? Whenever the animals feel like they’re in the mood for some love, they’ll just do it, there and then. They don’t even care if anyone is watching. And that’s definitely the biggest difference between you and these animals; it’s not that you can’t fly, it’s because you don’t like an audience.