Everything You Should Know About Masturbation

Masturbation — a topic everybody knows about, but not many openly discuss. Is masturbation good for you? Does masturbation affect energy? Indeed, much stigma and mystery surrounds masturbation. But what you may not know is that masturbation is normal for most people.

Understanding masturbation

Masturbation refers to self-stimulation of one's genitals, which usually leads to orgasm and sexual pleasure. People of all genders and ages engage in masturbation — it is a natural human sexual activity. Some cultures believe that masturbation is a sin and regard it as a bad thing, but science agrees that masturbation is healthy when done in moderation.

A 2020 study investigating sexual habits in India found that nine out of 10 participants indicated they engage in self-pleasure at least monthly.

Understanding male and female masturbation and pleasure

Though often still surrounded by taboo, masturbation plays an important role in self-exploration, sexual health, and overall well-being. While the basic goal, sexual pleasure, remains the same, the experience can differ between men and women due to physical, hormonal, and psychological differences.

• Male masturbation

Male masturbation typically involves stimulation of the penis to achieve orgasm. It’s often quicker, more goal-oriented, and tied closely to ejaculation and physical release.

• Female masturbation

Female masturbation involves stimulation of the clitoris, vulva, vagina, or other erogenous zones. It can be more elaborate and varied, often focusing on a broader range of sensations.

Is masturbation healthy?

Yes, masturbation is healthy! But as with everything else in life, moderation is key. Masturbation is a natural way for people to explore their bodies, release tension, and enjoy themselves without risk.

Benefits of masturbation

Let’s explore some of the surprising health benefits masturbation can provide to you and your body:

1. Relieves stress

Masturbation releases hormones, which act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. These hormones can bring extreme levels of happiness and relaxation. These can also be beneficial in decreasing blood pressure and increasing heart health.

2. Improves sleep

After an orgasm, the body releases hormones, which promote relaxation and calmness. It will bring sleepiness, which will help one get better sleep. This post-masturbation feeling will work for deeper and fuller restorative sleep cycles, and therefore, better sleep.

3. Boosts mood

Masturbation may help in managing one’s mood because it can be a natural mood booster. The feelings of anxiety and depression would be lessened through the release of feel-good hormones post an orgasm.

4. Relieving tension

Since many stresses can build up one's physical and emotional tension, masturbation serves as an overall healthy release that can ease not only the mind but also the body. It will bring a feeling of lightness and relaxation to the body, thus enhancing a person's overall well-being.

5. Better sexual health

Masturbation provides a way of self-discovery to know what satisfies them sexually. This self-knowledge may be helpful during sexual experiences with others, where they can explain themselves better to their sex partners for a healthy and fulfilling sexual life.

6. Sharper concentration and focus

Masturbation also helps in increasing concentration and focus. This is due to the release of endorphin hormones that develop during masturbation and allow you to focus on whatever you are doing. Enhancing concentration may help increase productivity at work and on personal projects.

7. Improved immune system

Orgasms have been shown to temporarily boost immunity by increasing the number of specific types of antibodies and immune cells. Greater immunity fights infections better.

8. Enhances body awareness

Masturbation increases one's self-exploration of their body, which would eventually help one understand their pleasurable zones. This increased body awareness can lead to a positive body image.

9. Helps prevent prostate problems in males

Studies have shown that frequent ejaculation, either through masturbation or sexual intercourse, might help reduce the chances of developing prostate cancer among males.

10. Enhances body image

By taking the time to explore their bodies, people can grow a sense of appreciation for themselves. Masturbation helps build a more positive relationship with one’s body.

11. Deeper experience with your partner

Understanding one's own body and desire can lead to improved communication and intimacy in relationships. When individuals know what they enjoy, they can express this to their partners, enhancing sexual experiences together.

12. Relieves menstrual cramps

In women, masturbation may help get rid of menstrual cramping. The endorphins released, in the case of an orgasm, act as natural painkillers that help alleviate discomfort.

“Masturbation is a natural and healthy expression of sexuality that can enhance self-awareness, relieve stress, and promote overall well-being,” says Dr SK Sharma MCH, MS, Urology, Panchkula.

Side effects of masturbation

While masturbation has its advantages, too much of something, whether good or bad, can be labelled a problem. Some of masturbation's possible side effects are:

• Guilt or shame

Most people end up feeling guilty or ashamed due to the stigma of masturbation within their societies. This is usually due to cultural or religious influences, yet it has nothing to do with scientific facts.

• Addiction or excessive masturbation

Again, like everything else in life, moderation is necessary. If it becomes compulsive to the extent that it affects your daily functioning in life, then it can be harmful.

• Effect on relationships

Masturbation may affect sexual intimacy with your spouse because of misunderstandings or dissatisfaction in the relationship.

• Physiological discomfort

Over-masturbation may cause some moments of temporary pain or irritation if it is done very frequently.

Common myths about masturbation

Some of the popular myths about masturbation include ‘it will make you go blind’ and ‘it harms your reproductive system’. But nobody has yet been scientifically proven to have gone blind or sterile due to masturbation. Most of the myths surrounding masturbation come from old views and a lack of knowledge on sexual health.

10 common myths about masturbation

Masturbation is a natural part of human sexuality, but it's long been clouded by misinformation. Let’s clear the air by debunking some of the most common myths.

• Myth 1: Only people who aren't having sex masturbate
  Truth: People in relationships masturbate too — it’s a form of self-care, not a sign of dissatisfaction.

• Myth 2: Masturbation makes you infertile
  Truth: Masturbation doesn’t affect fertility in men or women. It has no negative impact on reproductive health.

• Myth 3: Women don’t masturbate
  Truth: Many women masturbate, but it's less openly discussed due to social stigma.

• Myth 4: Masturbation is physically harmful
  Truth: When done in moderation, masturbation is safe. Only excessive or aggressive behaviour can cause temporary discomfort or injury.

• Myth 5: Masturbation is only for teenagers
  Truth: People of all ages masturbate. It’s a lifelong aspect of sexual health and well-being.

• Myth 6: Masturbation is addictive
  Truth: While anything can become compulsive, masturbation itself isn’t inherently addictive for most people.

• Myth 7: Masturbating too much lowers testosterone
  Truth: Normal levels of masturbation have no lasting impact on hormone levels or masculinity.

• Myth 8: Masturbation leads to erectile dysfunction
  Truth: There’s no evidence to support this. In fact, masturbation can help men understand their sexual response better.

• Myth 9: It’s something to be ashamed of
  Truth: Masturbation is a normal and healthy expression of sexuality. There's nothing shameful about understanding your own body.

• Myth 10: It causes acne or skin problems
  Truth: There’s no proven link between masturbation and acne. Skin changes are typically hormonal and not connected to sexual activity.

Masturbation frequency: How often is too often? 

Masturbation is perfectly normal, but what is the ‘right’ frequency? There is no one ‘magic number’. Still, if it gets in the way of daily life, relationships, or responsibilities, it might be time to take a step back to reassess one's habits.

Masturbation is not a mistake

Masturbation is a natural, normal, healthy activity that provides many benefits, from reducing stress to increasing sexual function. Of course, there are some side effects, which start when over-masturbation occurs. Ultimately, masturbation is just a choice. If you have any questions about your sexual health or need advice, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are the effects of masturbation?

Masturbation is generally a normal sexual activity that has physical and mental health benefits, such as reducing tension and lifting the mood.

2. Are there any good reasons for abstaining from masturbation?

Some will abstain because of cultural, religious, or personal concerns if it interferes with their daily life and relationships.

3. Can masturbation affect fertility?

Regular masturbation does not adversely affect fertility levels. It even helps in maintaining reproductive health.

4. Is there a link between masturbation and prostate health?

Some studies reveal that regular ejaculation, through masturbation or intercourse, reduces the chances of developing prostate cancer.