We’re dead smack in the middle of “No Nut November”, and truly, we aren’t holding up. If you don’t know, “No Nut November” is an internet trend started to challenge people to avoid “nutting” or having an orgasm for an entire month. Crazy, right? Primarily this trend has been aimed at men and avoiding masturbation — but is it just another gimmick? 

We’re debunking 5 common masturbation myths, helping you (and your self pleasure) stay strong, sexy, and healthy!

“Masturbating reduces testosterone levels”

A common argument against masturbation, and used heavily when asking men to withhold from orgasm and masturbation, is the idea of reduced testosterone or lower sperm count. This myth about masturbation has been found to be untrue, with masturbation in males having no long lasting side effects on hormones. A study that took place at a sex club found that “In both men and women, testosterone levels were highest after intercourse. Levels were lower before sex and on days with no intercourse. These results suggest that sexual activity influences testosterone rather than testosterone influencing sexual activity.” 

In many ways, we can actually predict that no sexual activity perhaps keeps testosterone levels lower, which doesn’t sound like much of a benefit to us. Keep cumming, lovers!

“Masturbation lowers sex drive”

While masturbation can help curve our sexual appetite when we are craving it, it most definitely doesn’t wipe out sexual desire. Ironically, regular masturbation can actually help us stay sexually hungry for more with ourselves and our partners. We highly recommend masturbating regularly even when you’re in a relationship, as it’s a lovely time for self-care and heating things up for when your partner(s) isn’t around. If you feel your sex drive has been off, set aside 15-30 minutes each day to self pleasure for a sexy boost in your routine.

“Don’t masturbate in a relationship”

A common misconception is that masturbating in a relationship means you aren’t satisfied with your relationship — on the contrary! Masturbating regularly is some well deserved “you time”, and keeps your sex drive thriving. Make it fun by having some mutual masturbation, watching each other get off and seeing your partner’s reaction. We recommend bringing some sextoys to the mix, or ones that you can control from afar to see them squirm with excitement. 

“Masturbating desensitizes you”

Ahhhh, the age old idea that if you masturbate you may desensitize your genitals! Back in the day, this myth was used to scare off people from engaging in some good ol’ self pleasure. Technically, you can’t get desensitized but, you can get used to the same sensation and seek more. 

If you’re masturbating often and feel like it’s lost its spark, try these few tips:

• Take a few days off in between masturbating. While some of us can masturbate easily 2-3 times a day, perhaps it becomes routine or doesn’t feel as exciting. Allow a few days in between to build anticipation, and see how good it feels  “cumming” back to yourself.
• Slow down: As we said above, masturbation can become routine for some. Instead of quickly slamming out the big O before work or bed, slow down when you pleasure yourself. Taking your time while you masturbate can help you build more sensation and anticipation — try popping on a film you love, or reading some erotica to get your imagination going. 
• Shake up your touch! Do you masturbate the exact same way, every time? This can get repetitive, and lose its magical sensation. Experiment with different strokes, rhythms, and pressures. If you have a penis, try using a sextoy like a masturbation stroker or cock ring to enhance the experience. If you have a vagina, consider switching your sessions between using hands and vibrators to keep every experience new and varied with sensation.
• Try using a lubricant like GoLove CBD Lube, which can help calm anxiety, decrease inflammation, and add a kick ass glide to your masturbation routine. 

“Masturbation is addictive”

Just like anything in life, masturbation can become a problem for some. But, this isn’t to say that frequent masturbation is any cause for concern, in fact it’s pretty typical. It’s totally normal to masturbate frequently, and yes, multiple times a day. If you have time, why not? Remember to shake up your routine when you masturbate so it’s not repetitive. Try varying with how much time you take, and take a couple of days off to see if that varies your sensation. There is absolutely nothing wrong with touching yourself, and doing it often — we strongly encourage it. 

It’s best to listen to your own body, and needs

Bottomline — don’t worry so much about masturbation myths or fad internet challenges. Masturbation is completely normal, healthy, and in many ways an essential in keeping us sexually vibrant and satisfied. The key is finding the best ways to make masturbation work for you, and your lifestyle. You are your most important (and safest) sexual partner!

The post 5 Masturbation Myths Debunked first appeared on Tickle Kitty Blog.

The post 5 Masturbation Myths Debunked appeared first on Tickle Kitty Blog.

You are a creative genius! Yes, you. Self-pleasure through masturbation can be a key ingredient in opening yourself up to your inspired creativity. You will have greater access to the insights that make creative connections, and imaginative solutions to everyday problems, making your home and work life more successful and enjoyable.

Keep in mind, your creativity comes from habits such as being open-minded and observant, and having the confidence and energy to follow through by taking action. To develop these habits, you need the support of your mental and physical well-being.

Where does your creativity lie? Your first answer might be your physical brain, but let’s consider the ancient Vedic system of chakras, or the body’s energy centers. The second chakra, Svadhisthana, is known as the creativity and sexual chakra.  Many experts say you can open this chakra with creative expression and by honoring your body. The energy of this chakra is feminine, passive, and lunar.

The second chakra is situated between the pubic bone and the navel, encompassing the genitals and lower abdomen.  An important aspect of health for all parts of this area of the body is sexual function, which needs to be exercised to work well.  The sensual nature of this area requires you to personally spend time getting to know how your own arousal occurs, what it feels like and how to make it happen. By doing this, you will know what to expect and how to relax into the experience. You can focus on the whole act, rather than achieving orgasm for its own sake.

It is equally important to feel the entire area, getting to know yourself intimately, yes…even sliding your fingers into your vagina. Feel the muscles. Feel the lubrication. Feel the difference between aroused and non-aroused states. Accept yourself as you are, and give yourself permission to feel good. Explore new techniques to create new sensations. For 30 self-pleasure technique ideas, take a look at Dr. Sadie’s book Tickle Your Fancy.

Self-love helps you relax, and know yourself better. There is no part of your body that is off limits to you. It is your responsibility to care for and love your body, mind and spirit. Being comfortable with yourself will help you guide a partner in a shared experience. Hopefully they too will celebrate your wonderful, unique qualities and increase your confidence even more. With confidence comes your willingness to try new things and to share new ideas, and thus become more creative.

By balancing your second chakra, you can become more open to creativity in your daily life. And the best way to grow a good future is to be open to the most creative ideas for all the issues affecting our lives. We must be our most creative and loving selves, and masturbation is an important piece of the support system we can use.

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Where are you on your self-love journey to creativity? Manual play with a drizzle of female body-safe lube is always a pure delight. If you’re interested in vibrators and are just beginning your solo-satisfaction journey, try the Callie, Eva or Tickle Kitty Silver Bullet. Or, the Masturbation Jumpstart Kit has everything you’ll need for the perfect first date with yourself. If you’re an experienced self-lovers, the LUVIT, MOODY G-spot Vibe or the Waterproof Jack Rabbit can help you bring your personal pleasure practice to the next level!

The post How Does Masturbation Help Cultivate Your Creativity? first appeared on Tickle Kitty Blog.

The post How Does Masturbation Help Cultivate Your Creativity? appeared first on Tickle Kitty Blog.