We’ve all been warned about the dangers of masturbation. Some cultures believe it brings significant health problems; others swear by its spiritual degradation. However, science says something else. According to research, self-love is not blasphemous or dangerous if you do it right.
There are countless bizarre claims about what happens when you masturbate. Many think it wastes sexual energy, decreases intimacy, and causes sex addiction. A few assume it feels worse than intercourse, but that’s sometimes because of the tools and techniques. Masturbating can be fun and satisfying. It also offers several health benefits you might not know about.
This article will explain what masturbation is and then review the pros and cons. It will clarify the myths and unravel the mysteries behind personal pleasure. You won’t go blind, your palms won’t turn hairy, and you won’t lose your lover. We promise.
What Is Masturbation?
Masturbation is a private experience that you can share with someone else. It’s part of balanced love life and provides multiple advantages for the human body. Masturbating is natural, healthy, and gratifying regardless of a person’s age, background, or relationship status.
Often referred to as “jerking off,” masturbation involves touching or stroking the genitals for sexual pleasure. It’s a safe and significant way to explore your body or your lover’s body while providing enjoyable stimulation. This practice is also suitable despite the person’s race, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnicity.
You don’t need much to masturbate correctly. Many people use their fingers or hands to reach orgasm or ejaculate. Some also integrate sex toys to experience intense sensations, prolong sexual stamina, or practice new moves. However, you must use the best male masturbator or female vibrator to avoid uncomfortable mishaps.
Masturbation Health Benefits
There are several benefits to safe and careful masturbation. Many medical professionals, relationship therapists, and sex coaches recommend it. In fact, some experts suggest masturbating at least twice per month to ensure optimal body functioning and mental health. It can help “clean out” various systems and clarify thoughts or feelings.
DID YOU KNOW: Some men reportedly experience “post-nut clarity,” where they finalize complex mental or emotional processes moments after ejaculation.
Unfortunately, the studies about masturbation health benefits are relatively limited. However, research shows a direct correlation between frequent self-pleasure and these exciting advantages:
- Cope with stress more efficiently.
- Relieve pent-up frustrations.
- Enjoy more restful sleep.
- Boost your mood without drugs.
- Prevent or treat depression and anxiety.
- Relax tired muscles and nerves.
- Release sexual tensions.
- Improve your self-esteem.
- Feel more intense physical pleasure.
- Relieve general body pains and cramps.
Masturbation also helps you learn more about yourself and your partner. Imagine living your entire life without knowing about a specific sweet spot. The genitals are filled with sensitive nerve endings just waiting for your touch.
A Closer Look at Loving Yourself
Self-love is an essential survival tool. It increases your confidence and resilience while helping you see situations more clearly. Being kind to yourself is also a surefire way to decrease the stress and anxiety in your life. Fortunately, masturbating is one of the most profound forms of self-love.
Masturbation demonstrates a good relationship with your core being. It shows you’re comfortable in your skin and aware of sexual boundaries. Healthy jerk-off habits can help you avoid people-pleasing, perfectionism, and pride. Studies show that those who pleasure themselves are less likely to tolerate abusive behaviors from others.
Further, couples who masturbate together can enjoy more intimacy and freedom in their relationships. Experiencing orgasms without intercourse can help prevent unwanted pregnancies. It also allows partners to reach climax while avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Learning more about masturbation and self-love makes talking about it easier. The more people realize how beneficial masturbating can be, the less stigma our society will put on it. Let’s celebrate personal pleasure by loving ourselves first and removing the shame.
Masturbation Myths: Debunked
People touch themselves for sexual pleasure all the time. They also do it for multiple reasons, not just to reach an orgasm. Some folks enjoy masturbating to relieve stress, relax before bed, prepare for dates, and work on endurance. People who jerk off are not sexual deviants, predators, or perverts. Despite the myths, masturbating doesn’t change who you are on the inside.
Playing pocket pool or double-clicking your mouse means you have a healthy sexual appetite and understand ordinary human body functions. Most of the masturbation myths have already been debunked by science. However, the following falsehoods seem to stick around regardless of what science says. Let’s have a closer look.
MYTH: Masturbating Can Make You Impotent
Some men believe orgasm without intercourse can cause erectile dysfunction. However, that’s not the case. If having sex frequently doesn’t lead to ED, doing it to yourself won’t either.
FACT: Ejaculation Helps Improve Reproductive Function
Studies show that men who ejaculate often enjoy a lowered risk of prostate and other cancers. Spilling your load not only feels good but can also help you live longer and feel stronger.
MYTH: Touching Yourself Means You Don’t Want Your Partner
Many think personal gratification signifies a lack of interest in your significant other. Yet, many happily married couples report masturbating while also enjoying frequent sex in the relationship.
FACT: Personal Pleasure Doesn’t Indicate Attraction
You can masturbate and still be sexually attracted to your partner. Often, men and women use masturbation to manage uncontrollable urges, fight temptation, and alleviate stress.
MYTH: Masturbation Can Lead to Penis Shrinkage
Some fear stroking the penis or vagina with fingers and sex toys can damage the skin or cause tissue shrinkage. However, there is no evidence to support the myth.
FACT: Self-Touching Can Help Relax Muscles and Nerve Endings
Masturbation with high-quality personal lubricants can be nourishing to your genital skin. Frequent applications of moisturizers can also prevent irritation and help revive desensitized nerves.
MYTH: Masturbating Makes You a Sex Addict
Liking to pleasure yourself instead of relying solely on a sex partner doesn’t make you an addict. Many people think it does, but masturbation is a healthy way to cope with untimely urges.
FACT: Enjoying Personalized Ejaculation Doesn’t Make You a Weirdo
Customized sex experiences are a sign of a healthy mind and body. They demonstrate self-awareness and respect for your significant other, not forcing them to provide pleasure whenever you desire it.
Don’t believe the hype. Jerking off can be good for your health. Play in moderation to prevent accidents, injuries, and dependency. Then reach out to a medical or psychological professional if you need help with sex addiction.
Other Dispelled Myths About Masturbation
Let’s clear the air right now. Some of the masturbation myths are downright ridiculous. There is also little to no significant scientific evidence to support most of them. Jerking off, whether a man or a woman, does not cause tremendous risk to your health or love life.
Here are some common myths you can go ahead and erase from your mind:
- It causes blindness. No, it doesn’t.
- Your palms will get hairy. This doesn’t even make sense.
- It leads to infertility. Research suggests the opposite effect.
- Your penis will curve. Genitals are not made from Play-Doh, folks.
- It makes you mentally ill. Being crazy about sex doesn’t make you a mental patient.
- You’ll feel weaker. Maybe at first, but intense orgasms can increase your physical strength.
- Your lover doesn’t want you. They actually want you so much they can’t wait.
Masturbation doesn’t indicate a problem in your relationship or psyche. Some studies even suggest masturbating leads to a happier bond. Research the latest news about jerking off before forming an opinion.
DID YOU KNOW: Many current beliefs and standards about masturbation were developed over a century ago.
10 Fun Facts About Masturbation
Mention touching yourself for sexual stimulation, and everyone goes nuts. They start spouting out facts and figures without ensuring they’re correct. Some even go so far as to ridicule you or assume negative things about your lifestyle and personality. Use these fun facts to help prove them wrong, steer the conversation, or just look interesting at parties:
- There are multiple alternative terms for masturbating, including “solitary sex,” “sex for one,” and “sex with someone you love.”
- Scientists have discovered several species of animals enjoying autoerotic bliss in the wild.
- You can look up a website that lists all the slang terms for masturbation, including “playing the organ” and “being your own best friend.”
- Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal was initially invented to help men stop masturbating. It didn’t work.
- The first dildos of the world were made from carved chalk, stone, and animal bone. The first male masturbators featured animal skins and hollowed-out internal organs.
- Artists have depicted personal pleasure in countless paintings and sculptures worldwide.
- Some doctors in the United States once believed circumcision could curtail the urge to touch yourself.
- According to Sigmund Freud, masturbating is a primary addiction. All other habits are secondary shadows of your desire for self-stimulation.
- Early medical professionals used to treat hysteria in women with assisted masturbating in the doctor’s office.
- Many people use jerking off to practice edging or increase sexual stamina before sex with a partner.
The history of masturbation is fascinating. It began as a primary human activity for personal pleasure. Then, it was relegated to sin or disease by the nineteenth century. The acceptance has finally come full circle, and now only a few niche groups think masturbating is unhealthy or abnormal.
Other Facts You Should Know
You might be viewing masturbating from an outdated lens. Before the mid-20th century, many experts blamed sexual perversion and homosexuality on touching yourself. However, recent data shows that masturbation is one of the most commonly practiced human sexual activities on the planet. Studies suggest that even children do it as they begin to enter puberty and explore their changing bodies.
The trend isn’t new or niche, either. There are temples in Asia, India, and other countries depicting male masturbation and female ejaculation. Some also host a plethora of erotic activities, including masturbation, group sex, and tailored orgies. A few cultures also use orgasm as a part of ritual magic.
Science has proven many things and debunked several others. For example, those who masturbate often are the ones who enjoy the healthiest sex lives with their partners. People who experience chronically low libidos generally masturbate less. Contrary to popular belief, self-love is not linked to relationship or performance problems unless one of the partners is against it.
Masturbation is generally safe and provides an effective solution to multiple issues. However, it’s not an entirely risk-free experience. Some of the potential dangers can include:
- Not being able to ejaculate during sex following a masturbation session.
- Causing significant distress in a partner unwilling to accept it.
- Leading to sex addiction when it’s not done in moderation.
- Developing skin irritation at the contact point.
You can also injure yourself while masturbating if you’re too rough on your stuff. Some men have reported penile fractures and other issues from being overly enthusiastic during masturbation sessions. Please play carefully to prevent painful mishaps, and stop if you experience discomfort. Then contact a physician if the pain doesn’t go away after 1-2 hours.
Masturbation Pros and Cons
Despite the many myths about masturbation, there aren’t any significant adverse side effects associated with self-stimulation. Some people could experience sexual health or performance issues if they masturbate excessively or develop an addiction. However, safe and moderate personal pleasure presents multiple pros.
Understanding the pros and cons of masturbation is crucial to making the most of your experience. It can inspire new ideas, motivate more meaningful interactions with your lover, and support sexual experimentation without injury. Here is what you need to know.
PROS
- Customized Sensations
- On-Demand Pleasure
- Targeted Stimulation
- Easier Ejaculation
- Improved Stamina
- Better Orgasms
- Increased Control
CONS
- Promotes Solitude
- Requires Skills and Tools
- Potentially Habit-Forming
- Can Cause Relationship Problems
Masturbating is generally harmless and beneficial to your well-being. You can tailor the experience and enjoy focused orgasms whenever you desire them. Masturbation also encourages creativity, leading to more intense sexual pleasure and increased endurance over time. Obviously, the pros outweigh the cons on this one.
Side Effects of Masturbation
Jerking off won’t get you hurt if you do it right. And most people who play with themselves report a sense of relief when they get done. So, are there any side effects to masturbation, or are you always in the clear when you do it? Can you get hurt or experience anything negative from touching yourself? Let’s get to the bottom of it now.
Self-stimulation is a harmless act. However, you can experience slight skin tenderness, redness, or irritation if you do it too often. Not using enough personal lubricant may also cause an issue. Always apply plenty of lube when masturbating, and ensure it features a formula compatible with your skin.
Rough sex and masturbation can cause chafing, which usually heals within a few days. Chafing and skin irritation can lead to swelling or other issues, so proceed with caution. Most side effects from masturbating occur during the session. Still, you should also monitor your condition for a few hours afterwards.
Other masturbation side effects could include the following:
#1. Feeling Guilty or Ashamed
These emotions likely stem from outdated stigmas about sex and self-pleasure. There is no need to feel guilty or ashamed about enjoying sexual stimulation. Despite your religious or spiritual beliefs, sexual impulses are not immoral.
TIP: Discuss negative feelings and apprehensions with a medical professional or licensed therapist.
#2. Depleted Sexual Sensitivity
Those who masturbate too often can experience genital desensitization. That means they won’t feel sexual sensations as intensely as before they started jerking off. Monitor your frequency and seek help if you think you’re touching yourself too much.
TIP: The average person masturbates a few times per month, whether in a relationship or not.
#3. Decreased Prostate Cancer Risk
You can reduce your chances of developing prostate cancer and other health problems by masturbating regularly. Although ejaculate from masturbation differs from sexual ejaculate, the body responds similarly to both situations. Play like a champion today.
TIP: Research suggests men who masturbate five times per week are about 1/3 less likely to develop prostate problems.
#4. Disrupting Your Lifestyle or Love Life
Some people can become dependent on masturbation to reach an orgasm or prepare for sex with a partner. Those addicted to jerking off may experience scheduling problems, daily activities interruptions, and personal relationship issues.
TIP: Seek help from a sex coach or medical professional if you feel addicted to masturbation.
Remember, masturbation should be a fun and eye-opening experience. It should never become a permanent escape from reality or a substitute for genuine connections with people. Also, most people who touch themselves do it in private. So, don’t do anything out of the ordinary when stimulating your genitals alone. You don’t have to divulge details about your intentions, but developing a safety plan is essential.
How to Masturbate Safely
Safe and effective self-pleasure requires knowledge, skill, and sometimes equipment. You shouldn’t begin masturbating too rigorously or regularly without those three components. Many people touch themselves for pleasure, but genuine masturbation involves technique. Otherwise, someone could get hurt or embarrassed.
Learn how to masturbate correctly to avoid uncomfortable situations. The best way to do this is to follow specific steps developed by the experts. Also, prevent further mishaps by refusing to ignore practical guidance from pros and partners. Here is where to start:
Step One: Keep Your Body Clean
Playing with yourself feels so much better when your body is prepared. Meanwhile, dirty genitals can decrease your pleasure sensations, cause odors, or lead to skin irritation and infection. Unclean bodies can also react differently to stimulation because the debris on your skin can shield surface-level nerve endings.
Prepare your body with a bath or shower before masturbation. Wash your hands, and clean any sex toys or male masturbators you intend to use. These products can harbor airborne bacteria and gather debris from the environment in your home. Always wash them, even if you already did before storing them.
TIP: Use a non-abrasive, hypoallergenic device cleaner to avoid damaging your devices.
Step Two: Use More Lube Than You Need
Personal lubricant is essential when masturbating. It helps protect your skin from friction and pressure while enhancing the sensations. The best lube for masturbating is also easy to get out of the container and compatible with all skin types.
Choose something water-based to help moisturize your genitals. This will help reduce skin irritation and create a barrier around your pores to prevent infection. You can also use oil-based and silicone-based lubricants. However, those types might not be compatible with your sex toys and accessories.
TIP: Read the ingredients on each lube option to find a versatile formula.
Step Three: Integrate Sex Toys
Although a self-directed hand job is terrific, sex toys can make masturbation even better. Many devices feature unique canal textures to help stimulate stubborn nerve endings. Others have settings for solo play, couple’s kink, and fun with strangers. Fulfill fantasies while satisfying your urges and exploring new possibilities.
Using sex toys can be intense, and you must carefully follow the instructions to avoid injuries or accidents. However, correctly used pleasure devices can intensify your sensations. This leads to better sexual performance with partners, less frequent desires to masturbate, and increased stamina over time.
TIP: Check out the latest SexTech innovations to discover interactive sex toys for men, women, and couples.
Step Four: Maintain Your Equipment
Play responsibly if you bring sex toys into the mix. Many masturbators for men have intricate textures with multiple nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide. You must keep your devices as clean as your body, with regular washing and preparation before each session.
Maintaining your sex equipment can be tricky, however. Most products require a unique process, and you can void the manufacturer’s warranty if you’re not careful. Never tinker or tamper with sex toys unless stated …
Causes for such behavior!? Inhibitions and probable prejudice from a childhood when masturbation was considered a “bad” thing and/or thinking of masturbating as an intimate gesture thus making it hard to talk about. But the clear fact is that both married and single people masturbate, and one’s level of masturbation does not necessarily depend on how often one has intercourse.