I mean, May is National Masturbation Month after all, right?
Okay then…First, the basics.
Masturbation is when an individual stimulates their genitals for sexual pleasure, which may or may not lead to orgasm. Masturbation is common among men and women of all ages and plays a role in one’s healthy sexual development.
People masturbate for many reasons, which includes pleasure, enjoyment, fun, and tension release. Some individuals masturbate alone, while others masturbate with a partner or partners.
Of course, you can find many myths about the “dangers” regarding masturbation. Even though many of these myths have been debunked several times, they seem to keep resurfacing time and time again.
Thing is that these falsehoods about masturbation are not backed up by science in any way, shape or form. There is often no scientific evidence to show that masturbation causes any of the adverse effects suggested.
So, seeing that this is an educational format…Masturbation will not cause:
• blindness
• hairy palms
• impotence later in life
• erectile dysfunction
• penis shrinkage
• penis curvature
• low sperm count
• infertility
• mental illness
• physical weakness
• damages kidneys and causes kidney failure or kidney pain.
Some couples also worry that their relationship must be unsatisfying if either one of them masturbates…This is also a myth as chances are that they were masturbating long before they first met anyhow.
In fact, most men and women continue to masturbate either alone or together when they are in a relationship or married, and many find it an enjoyable part of their relationship.
Masturbating increases blood flow throughout your body and releases those feel good brain chemicals called endorphins and while the male species are more likely to talk about blowing off steam by masturbating, research suggests it is a stress reliever for all sexes.
“So Matthias, now that I know I’m not going to go blind, I can crank it or rub one out with willful abandon, right?”
Whoa…Slow down there One-Eyed Willy…
As I mentioned earlier, masturbation is harmless…However, some may experience chafing or tender skin if they are too rough, but this will usually heal in a few days.
Furthermore, if men frequently masturbate within a short space of time, they may experience a slight swelling of the penis called an edema…Swelling that occurs when too much fluid becomes trapped in the tissues of the body, particularly the skin but also usually disappears within a couple of days.
Before we continue, a disclaimer…
Although I may have worked in the mental health field, let me just point out that I am not a licensed therapist, nor am I a medical researcher.
The following information was gleamed from professional therapists, the Kinsey Institute, the American Medical Association and Biju International (Formally the British Journal of Urology).
Other potential side effects include:
Guilt
Some people who worry that masturbation conflicts with their religious, spiritual, or cultural beliefs may indeed experience feelings of guilt. However, masturbation is not immoral or wrong, and self-pleasure is not shameful.
Discussing your feelings of guilt with a friend, healthcare professional, or therapist that specializes in sexual health might help a person to move past feelings of guilt or shame that they connect with masturbation.
Decreased Sexual Sensitivity
In line with the thought that having too much is not necessarily a good thing, aggressive or excessive masturbation techniques may lead to reduced sexual sensitivity.
If men have an aggressive masturbation method that involves too tight a grip on their penis, they can experience decreased sensation. A man can resolve this over time with a change of technique.
Enhanced stimulation, such as using a vibrator, fleshlight or the like, may increase arousal and overall sexual function in both men and women.
Women who use a vibrator have reported improved sexual function and lubrication, while men experienced an improvement in erectile function.
Be advised that the jury is still out on the following…
Prostate Cancer
Does masturbation increase or decrease the risk for prostate cancer?
My non-professional opinion?
*shrug* “I dunno.”
Researchers need to conduct more studies before they can reach a conclusion.
A study back in 2003 demonstrated that men who ejaculated more than five times each week during their 20s were one third less likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer than those who ejaculated less often.
Researchers speculate that the reduced risk was because frequent ejaculation may prevent the build-up of cancer-causing agents in the prostate gland.
Another study regarding frequent ejaculation lowering the risk of prostate cancer was discovered in 2016 where researchers found that men who ejaculated 21 times per month or more had a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.
Why such a specific number? Again, my answer is “shrug”.
However, in contrast, a study in 2008 found that frequent sexual activity during a man’s 20s and 30s increased his risk of prostate cancer, especially if he masturbated regularly.
Like I said earlier, more research is needed.
Moving forward…
There have been cases where individuals masturbate more than they desire (No, really. It’s true!) which may actually…
• cause them to miss work, school, or important social events
• interrupt a person’s daily functioning
• affect their responsibilities and relationships
• serve as an escape from relationship issues or substitute for real-life experiences
Someone who thinks they might be adversely impacted by their masturbation practice should speak with a healthcare professional.
A doctor or counselor may suggest talk therapy to determine ways that they could manage their sexual behavior.
Consulting a sex therapist may also help with coping strategies for excessive masturbation.
What Else Do We Know?
Dr. Judi Chervenak, a gynecologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, has stated that masturbation can relieve postmenopausal sexual issues. According to Dr. Chervenak, the vagina can actually narrow, which can make intercourse and vaginal exams more painful. But masturbation, especially with a water-based lubricant, can help prevent narrowing, boost the blood flow, relieve some tissue and moisture problems, and increase sexual desire.
Masturbation also helps you figure out what you like sexually…Where do you want to be touched? How much pressure feels good? How fast or how slow? Learning how to have orgasms on your own can make it easier to have one with a partner, because you can tell or show them what feels good.
And when you are comfortable with sex, your body, and talking to your partner, you are more likely to feel comfortable protecting yourself against STDs and unintended pregnancy.
So in conclusion…
Masturbation in itself is not unhealthy or bad for you at all. Masturbation can actually be good for your health, both mentally and physically. And it is pretty much the safest sex out there.
So, break out the vibrators, warm up that lube, poach that egg, take that self guided tour, shuck the corn, orbit Venus, scratch Yoda behind the ear (Yep, that is also a term) grab the cucumber, DYI, pet the cat, celebrate palm Sunday and be sure to do your part in celebrating National Masturbation Month!
Happy endings to all and to all a damned good time!
