9 Reasons You're Not Masturbating Nearly Enough

While you've likely read about the gender gap in the news as of late, today we're not talking about women being paid less for the same job as men — today, we're talking about a different gender gap.

Did you know while most women over the age of 18 have masturbated at least once, only 7.9 percent of women between the ages of 25 and 29 masturbate two to three times per week? Compare that to 23.4 percent of men and the gender gap is clear; women just aren't masturbating.

In order to close this gender gap (because why should men have all the fun?) it seems that more women need to familiarize themselves with the benefits of masturbation. Read on for nine reasons why you should masturbate more often.

Two words: Multiple orgasms.

Everyone knows that masturbating feels good, but we females are gifted with the special ability to have multiple orgasms. In fact, the clitoris, which is usually less than a centimeter in length, has double the nerve endings of a penis. No wonder it's the control room of your orgasm — so why not double (or triple!) the fun?

It's natural.

Did you know that most animals masturbate? Primates, elephants, walruses, lizards and penguins are on that list — so why shouldn't we? Nature calls, people.

MORE: How Do Your Masturbation Habits Stack up to Everyone Else's?

There's no pressure.

Unlike partner sex, with masturbation it's all about you. You get to be selfish for a while and focus on what you want. There's no pressure to please your partner (or fake an orgasm, which a surprising amount of millennial women are doing these days), and once you get to that magic O moment, you're relaxed and content as can be.

It makes you happier.

Aside from being super relaxing, an orgasm can stimulate your good mood. Thanks to the endorphins that rush to your brain after an orgasm, you'll be feeling good until you drift off to sleep... or decide to go for round two.

It's good for your health.

Not only is a good ol' heart-pumping orgasm great cardio, it's also good for your heart health, blood pressure and brain chemistry. Plus, it's great for fighting off yeast infections and reducing the risk of cervical cancer. (And honestly, we were hooked as soon as we read it counts as cardio.)

It's risk-free.

Quite possibly the safest form of sex, there's no risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like herpes or catching a sexually transmitted disease (STD) like HPV. There's also absolutely no way you can get pregnant, obviously. And the best part of all? You can have the time of your life without having to worry about condoms or birth control!

You'll learn what feels good for you.

Masturbation can become an awesome way to familiarize yourself with your body and your vagina. You're the boss down there, so don't you think you should know how to direct sexual partners? Talk about the discoveries you make with your sexual partner — including any "hot spots" that are now on your radar.

Treat yo'self!

Your relationship with yourself and your body is real; and masturbation can go a long way in boosting self esteem. "It is extremely important that women have an appreciation of their own anatomy and how to self-pleasure," Dr. Lauren Streicher, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University and author of Sex Rx: Hormones Health And Your Best Sex Ever, told Huffington Post.

It releases sexual tension.

Currently in between sexual partners? Or maybe you've decided to abstain from sex. Either way, masturbating is the best way to satisfy your libido — and from the comfort of your own bed!

Will you start having a little more solo fun under the sheets?

Related:

8 Creative Ways to Use a Pillow During Sex for a More Powerful Orgasm
Women Are Losing Their Minds Over This Sex Toy That Was Probably-Definitely Invented by a Dude
This Eggplant Emoji Vibrator Is About to Turn Sexting up a Notch