10 Common Myths About Masturbation - Not Time to Bust It

Although a very normal physical function, masturbation (the touching of your genitals and other erogenous zones to induce sexual pleasure) has certain taboos attached to it. This natural sexual practice has given birth to all kinds of myths that stop people from indulging in this form of self-pleasure. Here we discuss some myths about masturbation that have been busted.

6 Common Myths on Masturbation Busted

Here are some of the most common misconceptions about masturbation and here we try to find out some truth behind it:

1. Myth: Masturbation makes you go blind

Fact: Masturbation cannot make you blind, one of the common myth about masturbation, studies conducted on this point of contention haven’t been able to find a link between masturbation and blindness. On the contrary, these researches have gone on to reveal that individuals who masturbate 4 times daily or more for years haven’t been found to suffer from any diseases attributed to masturbation, including blindness. 

2. Myth: It can cause you to suffer from erectile dysfunction 

Fact: Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to maintain or get an erection during intercourse. The causes of this sexual dysfunction are varied, but masturbation doesn’t figure in the list of causes. What really happens is that when you masturbate repeatedly, you become used to your own touch or to a certain kind of sensation. As a result, you may find it difficult to have orgasms with your partner. 

3. Myth: Masturbation doesn’t provide any long-term health benefits

Fact: Many experts believe that masturbation can be good for your health. Some of the health benefits that it provides include improved concentration levels and better sleep. It also helps in relieving stress and headaches as your body releases endorphins (brain chemicals), which give you a sense of well-being. Apart from that, masturbating regularly ensures better fitness levels and a youthful appearance in men.  

For women, it offers certain sexual health benefits such as less pain during sexual intercourse. This happens due to the interaction between brain receptors and the endorphins, which help in reducing your perception of pain. Furthermore, it can even reduce vaginal dryness. 

4. Myth: Children do not masturbate

Fact: Masturbation is a normal childhood habit, wherein young children discover the private parts of their bodies and the feelings of pleasure that arise from this activity. Most children begin to play with their private parts by about 5-6 years of age. A child can masturbate once a week or several times a day. 

5. Myth: There’s no limit to how much you can masturbate

Fact: To find out the truth about this myth, you can read out report of American Psychological Association, you should stop masturbating if it affects your daily life; causes emotional problems or physical soreness; disrupts your relationship with your partner, or makes you unable to have orgasms from the stimulation that you experience with your partner. Otherwise, the frequency of masturbating can vary from individual to individual. If you masturbate a number of times in a day and still lead a healthy and satisfying life, you have nothing to worry about. 

6. Myth: People in relationships do not masturbate

Fact: Whether you’re single or in a relationship, masturbation is a healthy sexual activity that you can engage in to fulfill your sexual desires. Studies show that masturbation is a very common behavior; about 92% of men and 62% of women masturbate. Sometimes, couples also engage in masturbation together as part of their sexual activity. 

7. Myth: Women do not masturbate.

Fact: Studies reveal that women masturbate almost as much as men. The difference is that women are not as vocal about it as men are. Indian society has great stigmas attached to women exploring their sexuality. Due to these stigmas, even though most women do indulge in masturbation regularly, they choose to lie when confronted with this topic.

8. Myth: Masturbating at an early age can lead to deviant sexual behavior.

Fact: It is perfectly fine for teens to masturbate. Studies reveal that teens who masturbate have positive sexual experiences later in their life. They learn about sex without coming into contact with STD’s and the risk of pregnancy.

9. Myth: Masturbation causes infertility

Fact: 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 masturbation can lead to infertility is if partners who share sex toys do not keep them clean and pass on STDs through them. 

10. Myth: Masturbation can damage the genitals

Fact: 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 lubricants can prevent this from occurring. 

Thus, masturbation is quite normal irrespective of gender and age. And with these myths busted, you can indulge in it in an informed manner without any doubts in your mind.

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