Masturbation – decoding common misconceptions

doctorsharmila — Wed, 31 May 2017 19:36:44 +0000

Masturbation is a normal part of human sexuality. Society frowns on it and young people are often taught to avoid it. Lack of knowledge and opportunities to talk about it have given rise to a number of myths on this subject.

Let’s take a look at a few of them:

1. Masturbation causes health problems:

Pleasuring yourself is the ultimate form of safe sex. There is no way for you to catch an STD – sexually transmitted disease, or for it to cause any sort of mental health problem. The only risks involved are allergic reactions to lubricants or toys and a feeling of guilt or shame due to societal pressure. It lowers the chances of you having an orgasm during sex.

2. Masturbation is akin to cheating:

Single people as well as people in committed relationships masturbate. While it can lead to problems in a relationship depending on your partner’s views about it, it does not amount to cheating on him or her.

3. Masturbation causes infertility:

Pleasuring yourself does not reduce your chances of getting pregnant or getting someone else pregnant. However, for men with a low sperm count, restricting ejaculations while trying to get their partner pregnant is a good idea. The only way it could be a problem is if partners who share sex toys do not keep them clean and pass on STDs through them.

4. It can cause erectile dysfunction:

Erectile dysfunction has a number of psychological and biological causes, such as heart disease, stress and obesity but masturbation is not one of them. Eating certain foods can help control the urge to masturbate.

5. Masturbation can damage the genitals:

Touching your genitals is very unlikely to damage them. The sex organs are designed to withstand friction and hence are very tough organs. The maximum damage that can be caused by masturbation is a little chafing. Using lubricant can prevent this from occurring.