Can masturbation boost your immunity? Come, let’s find out

The very mention of the word ‘masturbation’ is sure to raise eyebrows, even today. That’s because there’s so much stigma attached to it — no wonder, it is shrouded in several myths and misconceptions. But did you know self-pleasure can work wonders for your health, and also boost your immunity? No kidding! 

But why does it happen? Let’s just say it is the consequence of a spike in the production of lymphocytes or white blood cells (WBCs). When there are a large number of WBCs in your body, the immune response is certainly going to be better. 

The link between masturbation and immunity

A study published in the journal NeuroImmunoModulation validates this claim. The researchers were amazed to see the level of these immunity boosting cells within five minutes of climax.

Although there aren’t too many studies that prove how masturbation and immunity are linked, what’s clear is that solo sex releases chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine that uplift your mood, and relieve stress. 

Ob-gyn Dr Aruna Kalra tells HealthShots. “When you orgasm, the blood rushes to the uterus. It also helps us get rid of stress and even releases endorphins in the body, thereby enhancing relaxation. It even helps you sleep better, and relieves period cramps too,” she adds. 

Also read: It’s time to go DIY because masturbation has a ton of health benefits for you

“Serotonin and dopamine are mood-enhancing hormones, which are released while having an orgasm. While having an orgasm, blood flow increases and pain tolerance goes up, so ultimately, it makes us feel happy, relaxed, warm, and sleepy. When you are stress-free, your immunity is likely to go up,” says Dr Kalra. 

Does it offer more benefits?

As per a study titled ‘Masturbation: The Natural Painkiller’, 90 percent of the participants (there were 341) said self-pleasure helped them to deal with period cramps. Furthermore, 70 percent also revealed that regular masturbation had an impact on the intensity of their period.

By now, we already know masturbation offers health benefits, but did you know it could also help your relationship? One study, published in the Journal of Sex Education and Therapy, found that women who masturbated had far more fulfilling marriages, as compared to those who didn’t believe in self-pleasure. 

The last word

That doesn’t mean masturbation will STOP you from falling sick, but it will help your immune system in several ways. To lead a healthy lifestyle, you must consume a nourishing diet, exercise regularly, and sleep well. And as they say, (self) pleasure hurts no one!