Sex toy company [LELO UK](http://LELO™ - Official Website ) has published an open letter today urging the Department of Health to include prescriptions for masturbation as part of a wider wellness programme. It comes after their survey revealed 66% of Brits are more productive post-orgasm.
The letter calls on the NHS to ‘act now and review and refresh the current practices when treating wellness issues, and to include the prescription of “masturbation” and self-pleasure to patients as and where needed as part of a wider wellness programme.’
According to LELO’s survey, 78% of people feel happier because of orgasms – both partnered and alone – with 40% of people believing the mood-boosting effects last for up to five days afterwards. Essentially, a good wank on Monday morning will keep a smile on your face until the weekend.
‘The function of pleasure is to make us feel good and self-pleasure and masturbation can have positive benefits for our health in a variety of ways,’ Kate Moyle, a sex therapist at LELO UK, told The Mirror. ‘Including the release of the hormone oxytocin which can lower cortisol levels, getting to know our bodies better, and building sexual self-confidence.
Studies have shown that oxytocin lowers the levels of other hormones associated with stress, with others confirming oxytocin and prolactin – another hormone released because of masturbation – naturally help aid sleep.
‘Potentially recommended as a part of an integrated wellness programme, masturbation could be of benefit to some patients, when put forward with confidence and educative information,’ Moyle concluded.
And while some might squirm at the thought of their doctor telling them to go off for a little fiddle, it’s not actually that radical at all. In fact, masturbation was prescribed to women way back in the 1970’s as a treatment for ‘hysteria’ – which was essentially the general diagnosis when a woman suffered from anxiety, insomnia, irritability and fainting (the list goes on, and also includes shortness of breath – because nothing says hysterical like a woman who literally can’t breathe).
So it's not such a mad idea, but we'd like to take a moment to remind you that you do not need a prescription to enjoy a nice wank.
Read More: The best solo sex toys for women...
The Best Solo Sex Toys For Women
1 of 15Womanizer Premium 2, WAS £169, NOW £139
Dubbed the 'Prada of sex toys', the Womanizer Premium 2 has more intensity levels than their other - already incredible - product line and an improved Autopilot function to take you on new, unpredictable adventures...
2 of 15We Vibe Melt, £119
A connected and contactless clitoral stimulator, this sex toy features patented Pleasure Air technology which stimulates the sensitive nerve endings of the clitoris with pulsating air waves and gentle suction. The slim and ergonomic design makes it easy to slip between two partners during sex, or to use by yourself - whatever makes you happiest!
3 of 15Liberty by Lily Allen, £89
The upgraded Womanizer vibrator, Lily Allen's 'Liberty' has received rave reviews. It's no surprise coming from the mother of all sex toy companies, and at just £89 it's one of their cheaper options. Don't be deterred by the price though, the orgasms you'll be having with this are more than worth it.
4 of 15Womanizer Duo, £179
The holy grail of vibrators, the Womanizer Duo has been remastered twice to create the ultimate solo sex toy. Combining the Pleasure Air technology of the Pro 40 - that stimulates your clitoris by mimicking oral sex (but better) - with a G-Spot massager intended to make you feel 'full', it's the definition of perfection. At £179 though, you're paying for it. But make no mistake, this is the best investment in yourself you'll ever make - you deserve it.
5 of 15Doxy Extra Powerful Massage Wand Vibrator, £89.99
With 4.5 star reviews across the board and tons of Google search around the Doxy wand, this vibrator is proving popular. It has incredibly strong vibrations operated via large buttons for easy operation during play and an ergonomic body for complete control over pressure levels and angles.
6 of 15LELO ORA 3 Oral Pleasure Massager Aqua, £130
On the even steeper side, the Lelo Ora 2 is the worlds only oral sex stimulator. For £130, you can only hope it fulfils expectations, but as the winner of the Cannes Lions award, we don't doubt it will.
7 of 15Lovehoney Magic Wand Vibrator, £49.99
With 4.5 stars and over 1300 reviews, you know this one has to be good. The mains powered wand means even stronger vibrations, which you can tailor yourself by increasing speed with the wheel function. For £49.99, it's a sex toy draw necessity (if you don't have a sex toy draw are you even human?)
8 of 15Womanizer Pro 40, WAS £119, NOW £59
When this product launched, it caused quite the stir in the sex toy community. Taking away fears of over-stimulation and sensitivity loss, this toy doesn't actually touch your clitoris. Don't be fooled though, the suction and pressure waves do enough to give you your best orgasm yet. At £89, we'd bloody hope so.
9 of 15Lovehoney Love Egg, £12.99
A personal favourite, this Love Egg is the cheapest vibrator of the bunch but by far the most recommended. It's speed wheel means you can go from mild to intense in seconds. While it may not be the prettiest vibrator in the world, it's one I will forever stand by. The reviews speak for themselves, and the power will be the best surprise of all. Currently out of stock
10 of 15Womanizer Classic 2, £119
A must-have in any sex toy draw, the Womanizer Classic 2 is discreet, simple and powerful. The new version comes with a unique and brand-new Afterglow feature which provides a relaxing end to an orgasm when the clitoris is the most sensitive. By short pressing the power button, the Afterglow feature allows the toy to quickly switch back to the lowest intensity level to finish your climax in a more comfortable way. Honestly, they think of EVERYTHING. Currently sold out
11 of 15Bondara Jessica Rabbit, £12.99
Luckily for you, Bondara's best-selling toy is also our cheapest rabbit on offer. At £12.99, you can't really go wrong with this one. Targeted towards beginners, it will ease you into vibrators if you're inexperienced. There's no time like the present to give it a try...
12 of 15Thanks For Cumming, Wally, £70
Wally is a clitoral vacuum stimulator who will keep you cumming back for more. With eight settings there is something for everyone, but don't be fooled by its size, this toy packs a punch. This innovative waterproof vibrator replicates the sensation of oral sex. It does this by using suction to stimulate the whole clitoris leading to enhanced pleasure. Wally recharges fast so it can go all night, which makes it the perfect toy for every situation.
13 of 15Aura Vibe, £67.99
This vibrating 'personal massager' is perfect if you're looking for a more discreet option. The noise out of it is kept to an absolute minimum, even on the highest intensity setting (for which there are three, and seven vibration patterns).
14 of 15Womanizer Scarlet 3, £69
The Scarlet 3 packs the same clitoral stimulating punch as other Womanzier products, but in a smaller package. It fits in your palm nicely for easy placement, a perfect addition to solo or partner play for beginners... but make no mistake, the orgasm is expert level.Currently sold out
15 of 1512 Nights of Pleasure Advent Calendar, £171 (worth £310)
Ann Summers are ahead of the curve this Christmas, releasing their sex toy advent calendar 12 Days Of Self Love with over £300 worth of products. From accessories to spice up your sex life to their most-beloved vibrators (we can confirm the mini rampant rabbit is just as effective as the large version, oh yes), this is a gift your friends will be thanking you for for years...