Queensland Health Australia has caused a stir on Thursday after it encouraged its residents to “give yourself a hand” – and embrace masturbation.
The department issued the public health message in a new Facebook post. Queensland Health explained that “masturbation is a normal and healthy part of a person’s sexual experience and a great way to discover what you are comfortable with.
“The best part is, it’s for everyone and also offers a wealth of health and sexual health benefits!
“It’s important for us all to work towards normalizing sex-positive messages about masturbation to reduce associated feelings of shame and fear, and improve overall sexual health and literacy.”
The latest article published by Queensland Health outlines the physical and mental health benefits, while encouraging healthy conversation about masturbation.
The post also includes a link to a more detailed article, which includes information about “stigmas” as well as advice for parents to help them talk to their children about masturbation.
The article goes on to list all the benefits of masturbation, including that it releases endorphins that influence mental wellbeing, that orgasms may help reduce menstrual cramping and speed up childbirth, that it can help promote positive body image, that it may promote better sleep, that it is a form of safe sex and helps individuals to become familiar with sexual responses.
The post, expectedly, sparked an outpouring of interest, attracting thousands of comments, likes and shares, with many unable to resist cracking a joke or sharing double entendre.
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