For so many reasons. Apart from it feeling awesome and having the potential to give you an orgasm, self-loving has loads of benefits to your daily life. Stress, sleep, stamina, pain relief – these are just a few things which private browsing can potentially help.

And this is based in fact. Scientists have proven that masturbation - and climaxing in particular - causes your brain to release lots of different hormones that have a range of positive effects.

Lovehoney sexpert, Dr. Megan Fleming, explains that “Masturbation is a cocktail of neurotransmitters/endorphins, all of the feel good ones, including dopamine and serotonin plus the attachment/cuddle hormone of oxytocin. This is self-love on steroids. Not only does it feel good in the moment, the physiological changes of arousal and orgasm are just plain good for your body, health and overall wellbeing.”

Ever experienced that dreamy post-sex snooze? Post-solo sesh sleepiness is a thing too.

One of the side effects of masturbation is the release of oxytocin (A.K.A. the attachment hormone) which – when paired with the relaxation of your muscles after an orgasm – preps the body and mind for a much easier drift to sleep.

Masturbation releases endorphins and reduces the stress hormone cortisol, allowing your body and mind the opportunity to relax and let go.

De-stressing can have a myriad of positive flow-on effects, including helping to boost your immune system and even potentially improving your skin.

Struggling with premature ejaculation? According to sex therapists, it’s possible to help improve your stamina by masturbating around two hours before having sex. Giving yourself a regular tug or rub and trying techniques like edging have also been shown to improve stamina over time.

Interested in improving your pelvic floor strength? The same goes for you. Schedule in some regular self-loving to give the area a mini workout and maybe even make your orgasms feel stronger in the process.

As it's just you and your imagination involved, masturbation offers the safest and easiest way to explore your sexual desires and fantasies, allowing you to release any lingering sexual tension.

Masturbation is one of the best ways to enhance the pleasure you enjoy from sex with a partner. How so? Well, if you're not 100% sure what gets you off the most, then no one else is going to know either!

Exploring your own body allows you discover what's hot and what's not in your sexual world, so that when it comes to coupling up, you're able to guide your partner to the places where things feel best. Our Advice guides are here to help...