Masturbation. It’s a polarizing topic, if we’ve ever seen one. Some people shout about it from the rooftops, indulge without guilt or shame, and seem to be glowing all the time. Others - not so much.

And we get it. Society makes it out to be a thing that only guys do (this is not true, in case you were wondering). Some of our parents swatted our hands away when we were just toddlers learning about our bodies, putting the idea into our impressionable minds that touching ourselves was a big no-no.

Our friends might even express their shock and disgust if we ever decide to venture into the territory of bringing up our menage a moi at girls night. That’s to say, there are a lot of reasons why so many women either don’t self-pleasure at all or, if they do, don’t talk about it.

Despite all this discouragement from the world, masturbation is healthy, normal, and really, really fun. Without further ado, here are six sexy reasons why you should throw a party for one, like now.

When you invest some time in a little DIY action, you’re likely to orgasm. Reaching climax does a lot for your body - and your mind. That peak of pleasure triggers a release of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin in your brain. These chemicals lower cortisol levels, which are linked to high amounts of stress and make you feel happier overall.

Those higher levels of oxytocin do more than give your happiness a boost - they also help reduce your cravings for junk food. Cravings for “comfort foods” often come from feeling emotional. When you masturbate, you’re giving your brain a pick-me-up that’ll keep your need to nosh at bay.

When you take the time to really get to know your body, you’ll be more aware of the incredible things that you can do. Exploring and making yourself feel good is a great act of self-care that will leave you feeling confident, sure of yourself, and more connected to your body. Body confidence is a key benefit of masturbation - one whose effects will last far longer than your orgasm.

If you don’t know what you like in bed, how are you going to tell someone else how to make you feel good? Getting down with yourself will help you become more intimately familiar with your body - what feels good, what doesn’t, and what takes you right over the edge.

When you orgasm, your muscles contract. Not only are you releasing happy chemicals that boost your mood and help relieve physical pain, but the contractions can ease period cramps and provide the same health benefits that kegels do. Your pelvic floor thanks you.

Do you really need a list of reasons to convince you to indulge in some solo sex? Sure, the health benefits rival those of your daily multivitamin but, when it comes down to it, masturbation just feels great. And you deserve that!