Masturbation still seems to be of a taboo topic, with many people believing that pleasuring yourself is bad for your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Some myths assert that masturbating makes you crazy, turns you blind, and even worsens your sexual health, but is there any truth in these claims? Does masturbation pose a threat to your wellness, or could it actually be good for you?
Let’s start with the positives, shall we? According to award-winning wellness writer Hope Gillette, ‘Masturbation actually has health benefits and many experts believe not masturbating is a sign of issues. Masturbating is good and natural for both men and women. One of the best things about masturbation is that it is safe; there is no concern about sexually transmitted diseases. Masturbation is an ideal way for individuals to learn and explore their sexuality before they enter into sexual relationships. Masturbating can teach a person how they like to be touched, improving their confidence and increasing their chances of experiencing sexual pleasure with a partner.’
In fact, the State Government of Victoria’s Better Health Channel list several health benefits that come from masturbation, including:
- Increased sense of wellbeing.
- Enhanced physical and emotional bonding with your partner.
- Increased ability to have orgasms.
- Improved relationship satisfaction
- Better sleep.
- Improved body image.
- Sexual dysfunction treatment.
- Stress reduction.
- Sexual tension relief.
- Menstrual cramp relief.
- Reduced risk for incontinence.
- Prostate health.
- Male immunity.
- Resistance to yeast infections.
- Chronic back pain relief.
These benefits apply to both solo and mutual masturbation – just so you know – but what about the downside of self-pleasure? Is masturbating ever bad for you? ‘Historically, masturbation was seen as a sign of mental illness, and children were taught they would go blind, experience sexual dysfunction and become sexual deviants if they indulged in such an activity,’ Gillette details. ‘In some religions, people are taught that masturbation is a sin, and this can often lead to feelings of guilt or shame. Belief systems aside, there is no physical or mental reason why a person should not masturbate. Masturbation causes no physical harm to the body…aside from skin irritation if proper lubrication is overlooked.’
Here are a few masturbation myths that are absolutely not true:
1. Masturbation causes hair to grown on the palms of your hands.
2. Masturbation causes you to become gay.
3. Masturbation causes addiction.
4. Masturbation causes infertility.
5. Masturbation causes mental illness.
6. Masturbation causes stunted growth.
7. Masturbation causes sexual organs to turn color or change shape.
Gillette points out, ‘The only real dangers associated with masturbation are linked to mental health–but not in the way traditional thinking would have you believe. Most people who experience mental issues related to masturbation are feeling shame or guilt because of their behaviour.’ In fact, Planned Parenthood estimates that roughly half of all men and women experience feelings of guilt after masturbation, which, in turn, has a negative impact on your overall wellness.
Gillette admits, ‘For some people, masturbation can be the manifested symptom of a serious condition, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), where the same activity must be repeated over and over again. This does not mean these individuals are addicted to sex; it is no different than if the OCD symptom was something non-sexual, like repeatedly brushing your teeth.’ She adds, ‘The average person masturbates anywhere from several times a day to never at all–the range for “normal” is very broad. Keeping that in mind, if masturbation interrupts normal daily activity, replaces sexual intercourse as a choice, or causes reclusive habits, counselling should be sought from a professional.’