Masturbation has been falsely tied to sexual
and other health problems. Find out the truth about the most common
masturbation myths.
Masturbation is a natural physical function - "as
natural as going to the bathroom or breathing air," says Susan Kellogg
Spadt, PhD, RN, director of sexual medicine at the Pelvic & Sexual Health
Institute in Philadelphia. However, there's a social stigma surrounding
masturbation that has led to numerous masturbation myths. Here's an overview of
those masturbation myths, as well as reliable sexual health information to
debunk them.
Masturbation myth:
Excessive masturbation can lead to erectile dysfunction. Reality: "Erectile dysfunction does not result from
masturbation," Spadt says. "What can happen with either sex is they
masturbate frequently and become used to a certain touch, be it vibration or
one's own hand." Because of this, she says, "they may become
habituated to that sensation and find it more difficult to have an orgasm with
their partner."
Masturbation myth:
People in relationships don't masturbate. Reality:
According to the Kinsey Institute, 92 percent of men and 62 percent of women
masturbate. "People masturbate whether they are in relationships or
single," says Justine Marie Shuey, PhD, sexuality educator and a
board-certified sexologist in Camden, N.J. "People often get jealous when
their partners masturbate because they feel it's cheating or their partner is
masturbating because they aren't good enough. What you need to realize is that
people have different levels of sexual desire - all are totally healthy and
normal, and some involve masturbation."
Masturbation myth: Masturbation will
make you go blind.
Reality: "Many
myths about masturbation, such as this one, come from beliefs back when people
believed sex was only meant for procreation," Shuey says. Because
masturbation isn't for procreation, it was considered problematic. "People
also believed sex could lead to insanity, tuberculosis, hairy palms,
and death," she says. "Obviously, none of these things are
true," she says.
Masturbation myth: Masturbation is not a normal part of sexual
development.Reality: "Individuals are sexual
beings from birth to death," Shuey says. An analysis of data on sexual
behavior involving more than 800 teenagers ages 14 to 17 who responded to the
National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior showed that nearly three-quarters
of boys and almost half of girls reported having masturbated.
Masturbation myth: Masturbation is not a
normal part of sexual development.Reality:
"Individuals are sexual beings from birth to death," Shuey says. An
analysis of data on sexual behavior involving more than 800 teenagers ages 14
to 17 who responded to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior showed
that nearly three-quarters of boys and almost half of girls reported having
masturbated.
Masturbation myth: There are no health benefits to masturbation. Reality:
"Masturbation has a number of health benefits," Shuey says.
"They include better sleep, reduced stress and tension, fewer headaches,
improved concentration, increased self-esteem, a more youthful appearance, and
better fitness." There are also a number of specific sexual health
benefits for women, particularly in older women, including less vaginal dryness
and pain during sex.
Masturbation myth: Children don't engage in masturbation. Reality:
Masturbation is perfectly healthy at any age. "It may not be masturbation
as we know it, but even little kids touch and explore their genitals because it
feels good," Shuey says. "There are even ultrasound images where we
can see masturbation occurring in utero." According to Planned Parenthood,
experts recommend that parents teach young children that touching their sex
organs for pleasure is a normal part of sexual health, but that it should be
done in private.
Masturbation myth: You can masturbate
too much. Reality: According to the American
Psychological Association, masturbation is only considered "too much"
if it gets in the way of daily activities, such as going to school or work or
meeting friends. Also, if masturbation causes physical soreness, emotional
issues (you can't think about anything else), problems with your relationship,
or habituation issues (when only the type of stimulation you engage in during
masturbation will lead to an orgasm), it may be a signal to cut back, Spadt
says. But she says that a masturbation habit gets to this point for only a very
few people.
Masturbation Myth: People only engage in masturbation when they
are alone.Reality: "Some people masturbate
together, and they incorporate masturbation into their sexual repertoires,"
Spadt says. Some couples enjoy watching each other masturbate, and some like to
masturbate themselves to orgasm after other forms of sexual contact.
"Mutual masturbation" is also a great way to have safe sex and
prevent unwanted pregnancy.
(Everyday Health Media)
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