Go touch yourself!
It's Masturbation May 😈
Self-care note: This newsletter includes mentions of masturbation, intercourse, and genitals. If you find this distressing or triggering, remember to take it at your own pace. You may prefer to read small sections, wait until you feel ready to read it all, or choose not to read it at all.
Did you know that May is known as International Masturbation Month?
The celebration originated in the US during the 90s. It all began on 7th May 1995, when sex positive retailer Good Vibrations declared the day in honour of Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders.
Elders had been dismissed by President Bill Clinton in 1994 for suggesting that masturbation be included in the sex education curriculum for students.
Since then, this annual celebration has evolved into International Masturbation Day, an event dedicated to championing the right to explore and enjoy one’s own sexuality without shame or stigma.
Now, International Masturbation Day has been extended to encompass the entirety of May, recognised as International Masturbation Month. So, to celebrate, we've collected the top five most googled questions about the topic, and we're sharing the answers with you.
1. Is masturbation normal?
Absolutely. Masturbation is a natural and common behavior practiced by individuals of all genders and sexual orientations. It is a safe way to explore one’s body, relieve sexual tension, and experience pleasure. However, it’s important to note that not everyone enjoys masturbating, and that's perfectly okay. Just as with any other sexual activity, personal preferences vary widely. If you don’t enjoy masturbating, there’s no need to force it or feel abnormal — it’s just not your cup of tea, and that’s perfectly fine.
Read more: Masturbation: the bizarre history of everyone's favorite pastime
2. What are the effects of masturbation?
Solo play has a plethora of benefits. Physically, it can help relieve stress and promote relaxation. It also provides an opportunity for individuals to learn about their own bodies and sexual responses, which can enhance sexual experiences with partners. Moreover, masturbation can release feel-good hormones like endorphins and oxytocin, promoting a sense of well-being and pleasure.
3. How often should you masturbate?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The frequency of masturbation varies greatly from person to person and can depend on factors such as age, libido, and personal preference. As a general rule, masturbating as often as you feel comfortable and without it interfering with daily life or responsibilities is perfectly healthy.
Read more: What to Know About 'Masturbation Addiction'
4. What happens if you masturbate ‘too much’?
The notion of masturbating "too much" is subjective and largely depends on individual circumstances and preferences. For most people, masturbation is a harmless activity. However, excessive masturbation that interferes with daily life, relationships, or responsibilities could be a sign of compulsive behavior and may warrant professional help. Otherwise, occasional soreness or discomfort may occur with vigorous or frequent masturbation, but these are usually temporary and resolve on their own.
Read more: What Happens If... You Masturbate Too Much?
5. Is it appropriate to masturbate when you're in a relationship?
Yes, it can be. Masturbation in a relationship is a personal choice and varies from couple to couple. Some partners may feel comfortable masturbating together or discussing their solo sexual activities, while others may prefer to keep such matters private. As long as both partners are respectful of each other's boundaries and needs, masturbation can coexist harmoniously within a relationship and even enhance sexual intimacy.
Read more: Is Masturbating Cheating? 7 Tips for Addressing Conflict
📌Glasgow Zine Library 📆 28 May 💸 Free! ⏰7-8.30pm
The Sex Positive Reading Group is for anyone interested in learning more about sex education, sexual health, how we relate to the people around us, and how society impacts that. We welcome people of all genders, sexualities and ages in a non-pressured, non-academic setting.
This reading group is a mixed space, i.e. it welcomes both straight and queer people, just so you know what (and whom) to expect when joining us.
If you have accessibility requests or other queries, send us an email at pillowtalkscotland@gmail.com.
Other spicy events happening soon🌶️
The Psychology of Fetish and Kink with Dr Lori Beth Bisbey. May 16, Glasgow.
BAND IT LIKE BECKHAM! Porty Queer Footie Fundraiser. May 31, Leith.
Exploring Imagined Futures of Sexual Health in Scotland. May 31, Glasgow.
Book launch of 'Gender Theory' by Madeline Docherty. 6 June, Edinburgh.
First Date, Romance Festival. 14-15 June, Edinburgh.