While we’re always down to get off with the help of a friend (from OBC Dating, most likely), self-love is also essential to a healthy sex life. And according to a new study, most people aren’t doing it ENOUGH!

Via DM:

Dr Peter Kanaris, a sex therapist on Long Island, recommends women aim to masturbate or have sex at least once a week. 

‘I would say that if a person is inclined and able to be active weekly that is beneficial, whether that is via masturbation or via involvement with a partner,’ he said.

Ok, but are there actual BENEFITS for women who masturbate? Oh, hell yes:

A 2020 study from University College London suggested that masturbating once a week in your 40s can help to delay menopause.

Researchers tracked 2,936 women aged 45 years for a decade and found that those who engaged in sexual activity at least once a week were 28 percent less likely to have entered the menopause by the end of the study compared to women who masturbated less than once a month.  

What about men?

According to Dr Kanaris the ‘sweet spot’ for men is about 21 times a month — or five times a week.

He said the lower limit should be around seven times a month.

Dr Kanaris cited a 2016 study on 32,000 men that showed frequent masturbating lowered the risk of prostate cancer.

You heard it here first, guys – 5 days a week is the “sweet spot”.