A week of no masturbation leads to depression and stress: study
A new study seems to confirm what most of us already knew deep down in our throbbing loins — sexual pleasure is a boon for body and mind.
4 Resisting the urge to chase the big O turns out to be a big N-O for body and mind, a new study revealed.
New Africa – stock.adobe.com
And denying yourself that pleasure in any way is bad, very bad — in many ways.
Of course, a survey commissioned by the makers of a popular vibrator — the Magic Wand — would say that. But the statistics seem to be real, and experts appear to agree with the findings.
Citing a 'shift towards 'sexual wellness' with a general understanding that sex toy use and pleasure can have a positive impact,' a representative for the makers of the personal pleasure aid said in a written statement that the company's goal was to collect scientific data that shows the real impact self-love can have on people's lives.
The sizzling study gently tapped 1,000 women, or 'participants with vulvas,' as the authors put it, handing out Magic Wand Rechargeable personal massagers to all, asking them to track their quality of life over a three-week period.
The game guinea pigs were instructed to adhere to one week of abstinence, one week of daily Magic Wand use — those with partners were invited to incorporate the tool into their sex play — and one week back to their regular sex schedules and devices.
Across the board, a week without pleasure reportedly triggered a drop in all quality-of-life measures, including happiness, body image, confidence, and relationship connection.
Worse still, it also increased stress, the data showed.
4 A week without pleasure triggered a drop in all quality-of-life measures, including happiness, body image, confidence, and relationship connection — and increased stress.
Tinnakorn – stock.adobe.com
4 Study participants fared far better during the weeks where sex and sex play were permitted.
Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com
An orgasm a day, however, appeared to keep the doctor away. Using the vibrator every day for a week increased quality of life all around. Happiness, body image, confidence and sleep all improved — while stress decreased.
'When thinking about the state of the world and the stress and anxiety crisis that we are living through, we think that orgasms can help us all stay grounded in our bodies and finding joy,' Lead researcher Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons told The Post.
One participant said: 'Using the wand helped me manage my daily stress. It was an excuse to step away from my computer, connect with myself and reset.'
4 Using the vibrator every day for a week increased quality of life all around.
Incorporating sex toys didn't just help singles. In fact — yes, yes, yes! — partner connection climaxed during the week using the vibrator.
When participants went back to 'sex as usual' in Week 3, some benefits lingered, but many feelings began to fade.
The partner connection shockingly drooped — faster than a flaccid penis.
It's not that 'usual sex' was bad. It just couldn't match the consistency, intensity, or intentionality of daily sex with a toy.
The experts hope the research helps dispel the common misconception that these types of kinky products are 'bad' for relationships.
And, it turned out, participants didn't even have to orgasm to feel the benefits to their brain, their body, their sleep cycle and more.
Just making time for sexual activity, solo or partnered, was enough to bring the sexy back. Fortunately for them, most people did orgasm — one participant reported having five in a row with the Magic Wand.
'The difference in my emotional regulation and dissociation between [the abstinence week and the sex toy week] is huge! I'd only suspected a connection before this study, but the week without sexual activity was worse and worse for emotional regulation and dissociation and depression symptoms,' another gushed.
But after two big Os they felt 'back to their usual self' — describing themselves as focused, happy, emotionally regulated, excited about things, less anxious and rumination.
They also became more interested in school and homework — and wanted to spend more time with their friends.
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