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Is Masturbation Healthy?
Many of us do it, few admit to it. Although, masturbation is a natural, healthy habit, many see it as a subject of taboo. There are those who see it as appalling and would never do it, let alone speak of it, and get offended when they become aware that their partner masturbates.
Others are perhaps too open about their endeavors. Either way, everyone should know that masturbation is nothing to be ashamed of and is a perfectly normal and safe habit.
Sexualhealth.com explains that “even frequent masturbation cannot harm a person physically or psychologically, unless it affects normal, daily functioning (for example, if someone were to stop going to work just to stay home and masturbate).”
Masturbation is healthy for a number of reasons. It can help us to explore and learn more about our bodies and use that knowledge to enhance sexual activity with our partner.
Masturbation Myths
There are many myths accredited to masturbation. Some include:
Back pain
Hair loss
Penile pain or burning
Hair growth on the palms
Premature ejaculation
Birth defects
Reduced testosterone
Sexual perversion
Benefits of Masturbation
Masturbation is a healthy way to relieve stress and can even boost the immune system. For men, masturbation can help curb premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. For many women, it helps relieve menstrual cramps and some symptoms of PMS.
For both men and women, it is a safe way to achieve sexual satisfaction without risk of contracting a sexual transmitted disease or getting pregnant. It can also enhance self-esteem and muscle relaxation. In addition, masturbation acts as a natural sleep aid.
Scarleteen said it best in her blog on masturbation at scarleteen.com.
Sexual arousal and orgasm triggers the release of numerous hormones. A rise in oxytocin levels via sex, for instance, has been shown in studies to be a profound pain reliever, for headaches, menstrual cramps and muscle aches, and promotes feelings of affection and nurturing which help to reduce stress levels. Sex encourages the flow of testosterone, which strengthens bones and muscles and helps transport DHEA, a hormone that is important in the function of the body’s immune system, as well as for tissue repair and neurological balance. Keeping testosterone flowing freely also helps to reduce the risk of prostate problems and cancer in men. In women, estrogen levels increase during arousal, providing benefits to the reproductive organs as well as to skin and hair. Endorphins — releases in the same way they are after other exercise — reduce depression, and can improve cholesterol levels and help increase circulation.
Ongoing Controversy
There will always be controversy regarding masturbation. While it may not be appropriate to discuss openly in most situations, it is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.
Contrary to myths, it is not harmful or dangerous, rather it provides a wide range of benefits to one’s health. If you have questions or concerns regarding masturbation, always contact a health professional.
stormin1961 August 11th, 2008, 8:23 am
it sure becomes neccesary when one is single and un-attached for long periods of time
Brad K. August 11th, 2008, 8:40 am
The Victorian era not only invented the nudity taboo (they invented the notion that seeing someone naked was sinful and against the law. Where the King James Bible uses the word naked, the original language was most often ‘drunken, sexual misbehavior’. One of the modern translations of the bible point out 1400 such deliberate mistranslations in the King James version.), the Victorians also equated all thoughts of sex and masturbation as demon-inspired, unhealthy, and sinful.
In the 1800’s there was such antipathy against sex in society, that the wealthy send there aroused wives to the doctor for treatment - of ‘nerves’. The doctors then used some of the first modern dildoes to ‘treat’ these women for ‘female hysteria’. Thus, today we still refer to ‘hysterical’ women, and getting ‘on my nerves’. I hope that today we are returning to find something closer to the truth.
A few drops of sunflower oil, or other handy lubricant, goes a long ways toward avoiding ’sheet burn’ or friction burns.
Brad K.s last blog post..About her ex, “I was nothing but good to this man”
Loving Annie August 11th, 2008, 9:21 am
I think it is totally normal.
stormin 1961 said it well. I second that.
Sometimes I even do it while I am in a relationship, because he has me turned on all the time !
Loving Annies last blog post..Gratitude Meme from Gillette
The Diva's Thoughts August 11th, 2008, 2:18 pm
Very interesting post. Hmmmmm….
The Diva’s Thoughtss last blog post..What Was I Thinking?
craze August 11th, 2008, 2:27 pm
It isn’t anything to be ashamed of and shouldn’t be taboo IMO. And for the single gals like myself it can be a necessity!
crazes last blog post..Beginning of the week rambles
auntiegwen August 11th, 2008, 3:59 pm
The rabbit was invented for a reason.
kira August 11th, 2008, 10:06 pm
Wow! Thank you all so much for your input and insight! I’m glad to know this a topic of such interest!
Shawn August 12th, 2008, 3:17 am
Masturbation is very normal and healthy. The history of Christianity has caused a belief that the behavior is wrong for the western world.
lisaq August 12th, 2008, 6:21 am
Damn straight it does Stormin!
Wow Brad K! You are a wealth of information! I’m glad things have changed!
I hear that Loving Annie. Me too!
It can definitely be a necessity Craze.
Haha Gwen! That’s the truth girl!
Yep Shawn. Thank goodness times have changed.
Now, please excuse me while I run out for more batteries!
lisaqs last blog post..Rules for Breaking Up
saneandsingle August 15th, 2008, 7:02 pm
So is that why I’m still single?? Is it my ongoing babble about masturbation techniques all out in the open?
saneandsingles last blog post..Why?
lisaq August 16th, 2008, 9:33 am
Haha…not a chance girl! All you gotta do now is find a man that will join you! It’s one of those things that just that much more fun when shared!
lisaqs last blog post..Winning the Fallback Girl Fight
risque August 26th, 2008, 12:59 am
Researches revealed that masturbation is beneficial to both men as well as women. It is quite relaxing and helps put one to sleep without taking sleeping pills.
risques last blog post..YouTube
lisaq August 26th, 2008, 6:03 am
It’s true risque. That it definitely does!
lisaqs last blog post..Why I Don’t Owe You a Reply…
Lance August 26th, 2008, 7:58 pm
Dude, I jerk it all the time. Jerked it today, in fact. Nothing wrong with me. Want a little tip for the guys? Jerk it a couple of times before having sex with your partner and you’ll last MUCH longer. Yup.
Lances last blog post..Mansformation Weekend Testimonial
lisaq August 27th, 2008, 5:09 am
Haha Lance! Great tip!
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risque August 28th, 2008, 3:14 am
Interesting! I must say…
risques last blog post..YouTube
Tim November 26th, 2008, 12:26 am
Yep, Lance is totally right. If I slap the salami two or three times before having sex with my girl, I last much much much longer.