Even with so much social stigma existing in our society around sex, there might be even more negativity out there about masturbation. The problem with such a heavy social shame being hung on something natural that almost everyone does is that it leaves so many of us ashamed or scared to talk about it, and this leads to the spread of misinformation and myths.
Well, guess what? Masturbation is a totally normal thing for you to do! And no, your aunt’s neighbor’s son didn’t grow hair on his palms from masturbating too much, no matter what your mom told you. So, let’s talk openly here about some other masturbation myths and clear the air.
Myth#1: Masturbation is Addictive
Masturbating can be really fun for any gender (no boys, it’s not just us, girls do it too). We have parts of our bodies that usually feel good under the right touch, there’s nothing wrong with that, and there is certainly nothing wrong with you for enjoying yourself in your own body. As with any type of endorphin rush, it could be possible to become addicted to those feelings, but it’s very important in this case to separate the reasons and effects of your self-enjoyment.
“How do I know if I’m addicted to masturbating?” Are you using masturbating to avoid problems in your relationship somehow? Are you masturbating as a substitute for having real life experiences (i.e., not trying to date anyone because you’d just rather wank one off yourself)? Are you experiencing a situation where you can’t achieve orgasm with a partner? Can you literally think of nothing else except masturbating?
Masturbation is only a problem if it is negatively impacting your life in some way. If it is noticeably affecting your health in a negative way, you should speak to your healthcare provider.
Myth #2: Masturbation Is Not Healthy
If masturbation is a natural thing for us to do, is masturbation healthy?
Masturbation can have health benefits! After ejaculation, most people feel much more relaxed with reduced tension and stress, both in their bodies and mentally. Regular self-helpers often experience fewer headaches and improved concentration. Sometimes rubbing one out just feels good and can be a great way to center yourself to start your day or drift off to sleep at the end of your day.
And, of course, when we talk about health benefits, all guys want to know the answer to: “can I increase my penis size by masturbation?” There is no current scientific proof that more frequent jerk sessions increase your penis size. Obviously when you get an erection more blood is present in your penis, but masturbation itself does not increase your member’s size.
Myth #3: Masturbation Causes Erectile Dysfunction
This is absolutely false and there’s no evidence to suggest this. If this was in any way true, many of us would have needed erectile dysfunction medication prescriptions in our late teens. Review the causes of Erectile Dysfunction.
While it might be true that if you masturbate to ejaculation, you might not be ready to go with your partner two minutes later. This is not erectile dysfunction, your body just needs to rest a little longer, maybe even for the rest of the night. This is all normal.
Also Read: How to Stop Masturbating – Tips, Techniques and Supporting Devices
Myth #4: Masturbation Causes Infertility and Low Sperm Counts
No. Masturbation does not cause infertility in any gender. But in particular, for those of us with penises, regular masturbation may actually help keep us more fertile. Sperm cells are produced in our testes, they are not a finite resource. Each individual sperm has a limited lifespan, so more frequent ejaculations can actually help to clear out older and less-fertile sperm. Take a few minutes and Google the science behind it, but seriously, don’t worry, your penis won’t run out of ammo and leave you shooting blanks just because you masturbated.
Myth #5: Masturbation is Only for Lonely People
“But I’m in a relationship! Should I stop masturbation?” As stated above, masturbation is a totally natural and fun way to enjoy your body. Why should you being in a relationship affect that?
The idea that masturbation is only for sad and depressed men is totally false. It’s rooted in the societal shame and insinuates that “you can’t get anyone to be with you, so you have to do it yourself.” People of all ages and relationship statuses masturbate. Some couples actually enjoy masturbating together, and others just do it on their own to get in some quality “me” time.
Myth #6: Masturbation Will Ruin Other Sex for You
This one may overlap a little with the above “how do I know if I am addicted to masturbating?” question.
Generally, no, masturbation will not ruin sex with others for you. That’s like suggesting that having sex with one partner will make all other sex you might have in your life bad. There’s no reason to the thought, and it again is generally rooted in the traditional “sex is for procreation” idea where you should always wait for marriage and only have sex with one partner in your life.
If you’re not enjoying sex with your partner but really enjoy masturbating, communicate with them and tell them what you like. Everybody is different, and every body is different.
The Takeaway
So again, is masturbation healthy? Generally, yes, very much so. Physically and mentally.
While exceptional cases may come up that say otherwise, it is statistically unlikely that masturbation is anything close to a negative influence on your life. Sex and masturbation are a natural and healthy part of human life. It’s not dirty, and it’s definitely not shameful.
Still if you want to stop masturbation, visit the blog and this will surely help you to achieve your goals.
Seriously, you’re not going to go blind, and it’s not going to fall off. Enjoy responsibly.
