Here's why you should masturbate more

Masturbation has many mental and physical health benefits for women, as The Independent reported last month.

It can help prevent cervical infections and urinary tract infections, lower the risk of type-2 diabetes (though this association may also be explained by greater overall health), reduce insomnia through hormonal and tension release, and increase pelvic floor strength through the contractions that happen during orgasm.

But according to Indiana University's National Survey Of Sexual Health And Behaviour only 7.9 per cent of women aged between 25-29 masturbate two or three times a week, compared to 23.4 per cent of men.

Fighting the stigma, Refinery29, the heroes who asked women for their most awkward masturbation stories, have released a video in which women talk about the reasons they self-pleasure.

They're pretty persuasive, and as one woman in the footage points out: “It puts girls at a disadvantage to not talk about masturbation.”

So without further ado, we bring you the best reasons to get to it - and to talk about it too - according to their contributors.

1) There should be more conversation and education about masturbation

For females there’s so much talk out there about guys masturbating, it would be nice for there to be more discussion about what ladies do. And in a way, that's ladies in charge of the conversation.

2) It helps you become more comfortable with your body

It’s just figuring out your body and figuring out yourself and what you like. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of with that.

You know that expression ‘You can’t actually love others if you can’t love yourself.’ I think sexuality is the same way.

3) It doesn’t have to be a big event.

Just do it, just masturbate like a human being. You don’t have to take yourself out to dinner -- just get on it!

4) It's a reminder that you're in charge of your body.

When you’re younger you sort of have this idea that if you think about sex too much or have too much sex then you’re a slut, and if you don’t understand or if you feel uncomfortable about it then you’re a prude.

What’s great about masturbation is that no one else has to know what you’re doing, there’s a lot of power in that because you don’t have to tell anyone if you don’t want to.

I think masturbation is a wonderful opportunity for people to take that power back.

5) It allows you to explore your sexuality.

It does help you to become a more sexually empowered person which is an important thing for living your life!

Watch the full video below:

More:This is possibly the world's most awkward masturbation story