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It’s often seen as a taboo subject, but masturbation could soon be prescribed by doctors if one sex toy company has any say.

LELO UK has penned an open letter to the Department of Health , urging the NHS to prescribe masturbation to patients as part of a wider wellness programme.

While this might seem strange, it wouldn’t actually be the first time that masturbation has been prescribed.

Back in the 1970s, masturbation was prescribed to treat ‘hysteria’ - a collective diagnosis for women experiencing anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, loss of appetite for food or sex, and shortness of breath.

Since then, several studies have shown the positive side-effects of masturbation, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting endorphins.

(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Kate Moyle, a sex therapist at LELO UK, said: “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, including the release of the hormone oxytocin which can lower cortisol levels, getting to know our bodies better, and building sexual self-confidence.

“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.”

The letter comes shortly after a LELO UK survey revealed that 78% of Brits say orgasms make them happier, whether they have them alone or with a partner.

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The survey, of 2,000 Brits, also found that 66% said they feel more productive after having an orgasm, with 40% believe they benefit from the happiness and productivity-boosting effects of an orgasm for up to five days afterwards.

Marcella Zanchi LELO UK Marketing Specialist commented: “We call on the Department of Health 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.”