with rumours that it's unhealthy, can cause blindness, and even infertility, can masturbation

be good for you? Feeling yourself isn't just for single people. 70% of men and 40% of women

in relationships reported masturbating within the 4 weeks leading up to a recent survey.

After all, it feels good. Not only is dopamine released, which helps control the brain's

reward and pleasure centres, reducing feelings of stress, but other endorphins released during

orgasm can decrease your perception of pain. For women polishing the pearl can reduce menstrual

cramping. And of course with the help of the hormone prolactin, which is linked to sleep,

you're likely to feel exhausted and catch some much needed Zs. Feel like you're coming

down with a cold? One study found that in males, components of the immune system are

activated during masturbation, increasing the number of white blood cells in the bloodstream.

Solo sessions might also help men reduce cancer, with high ejaculation frequency correlating

with a decreased risk of total prostate cancer. Though it's unclear why, researchers hypothesize

that increased ejaculation means potential carcinogenic secretions in the prostate are

excreted more regularly, decreasing their negative impact on the body. But why have

humans and animals evolved to masturbate if it's seemingly a waste of energy or semen

in men? Well, it turns out that self-love can actually improve the quality of sperm.

A study showed that recent, male masturbation reduced the number of sperm inseminated at

the next copulation, but not the number retained by the female. From this, it was concluded

that masturbation is a male strategy to improve the fitness of their sperm, as younger sperm

have a higher likelihood of insemination. Not only that but masturbation can improve

your sexual performance. Both women and men have pelvic floor muscles that stretch from

your pubic bone to your tailbone. As we age, these muscles weaken, causing sexual dysfunction

in women and erectile dysfunction in men. But stroking the penis or clitoris can activate

the bulbocavernosis reflex, resulting in pelvic floor muscles contracting. It's essentially

a workout for your sex muscles. Nitric oxide levels also diminish with age and can contribute

to a decreased sex drive but masturbation can help maintain it in your blood throughout

your life. But while masturbating does have physiological benefits, it's important to

mix up your technique. Using the same way to get off every time can make you sexually

unresponsive to other types of stimulation. This could lead to decreased sexual arousal,

or performance when it comes time to do the deed with a real life partner--so make sure

you mix it up! At the end of the day, masturbation is a safe and healthy activity, so put on

some music, light those candles, and have yourself a good night. And if you truly love

science, we have a new tshirt on sale for one more week, but unlike most trends, science

is logical and never ends, and these science tshirts will never go out of style. Seriously.

Science never goes out of style. Click on the screen, or use the link in the description

to get one. Don't forget to share this video on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe for

more weekly science videos!