Debunking 10 Common Myths about Masturbation
At a Glance: The age-old dance with the one-eyed snake, the five-knuckle shuffle, the solo salsa – whatever you call it, masturbation is a natural and healthy part of human sexuality. Yet, surrounded by a cloud of myths and misconceptions, self-love often gets a bad rap. Do not worry, dear readers. In this article, we're about to debunk 10 masturbation myths that have been lurking in the shadows for far too long.
Reviewed by Internal Psychologist and General Physician
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Debunking 10 common myths about masturbation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
It's important to remember that masturbation can be good for your mental and physical health as well as giving you sexual pleasure. Beginning with solo play can be a great way to relieve stress!
Yes, when you hit the big O, your body releases a flood of endorphins that make you feel great. It is a great way to relax and clear your mind after a busy day. The chemicals that make you feel good may even help you sleep better after masturbating.
Dopamine and oxytocin are chemicals that are released during an orgasm that can make a person feel better, which is good for their mental health.
Self-love also helps you learn more about your body and makes you feel more connected and secure. So, having some time to explore your sexuality by yourself can be good for your body and mind.
Debunking 10 Common Myths about Masturbation
Masturbation Will Result In Infertility
A misconception among males is the notion that excessive masturbation diminishes the sperm count. This is, in truth, not the case. The act of masturbation does not affect one's fertility.
However, excessive masturbation could affect sperm count.
Engaging in excessive masturbation can lead to a potential reduction in sperm count in the future and may cause temporary fatigue. Therefore, it is preferable to refrain from doing so daily and instead focus on other tasks or responsibilities.
This effect, however, is temporary. Additionally, sperm regeneration occurs within 12 to 24 hours of a previous ejaculation in the majority of males.
Erectile Dysfunction May Result From Excessive Masturbation
Erectile dysfunction is not caused by masturbation. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a complex disorder affected by a range of factors, such as physical, psychological, and lifestyle elements.
Masturbation, when performed healthily and moderately, does not lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Engaging in frequent and moderate sexual activity, including masturbation, is typically linked to beneficial sexual health results.
Masturbation can offer advantages like stress relief, enhanced sleep, and a deeper comprehension of one's body and sexual response.
Masturbation Reduces Testosterone Levels
It appears that all forms of sexual activity influence testosterone levels in individuals of both sexes.
There is no evidence that masturbation or sexual activity has a lasting effect on testosterone levels.
Hormones vary daily hourly, and even monthly for those who have a menstrual cycle. It is normal for testosterone levels to go up and down when you are sexually active.
But since masturbating doesn't have a long-term effect, it's not lowering your testosterone levels or making them rise enough to make you lose your hair (male pattern baldness is caused by testosterone in people who are genetically more likely to get it).
The answer is no, masturbating won't lower your testosterone or make you lose your hair.
Masturbation Is Bad For Your Mental Health
Masturbation does affect our mental health, but it's not bad for you. Masturbation is a great way to relieve anxiety and stress.
Masturbation may be bad for your mental health because it makes you feel guilty because of the negative stereotypes surrounding it and the belief that it is harmful. This is not true.
You can enjoy masturbation every day without any problems. One of the best ways to calm down and relieve stress is to masturbate.
If you are seeing someone, masturbating is not cool.
You don't have to stop having sex by yourself just because you're in a relationship. People in sexual relationships often masturbate alone, which can be a good way to deal with having different sex needs.
It was even found that married women who can finish while masturbating have better sex lives than married women who can't.
There are different ways to interpret these results, so it's not clear if this means that masturbating leads to a good sex life. However, the two can live together happily.
Masturbating Turns You Into A Pervert
One of the most common things to do is masturbation, and it doesn't make you a pervert. Masturbation is good for you and is also very personal.
That being said, masturbating is perfectly fine as long as it doesn't bother other people.
Masturbation Is Not Good For Your Health
Masturbation is good for you in many ways. Some of them are better fitness, better sleep, less stress and tension, fewer headaches, better concentration, higher self-esteem, and looking younger. Not only that, but it's also good for women's sexual health. Especially for older women, it can help with vaginal dryness and pain during sex.
Masturbation Will Make You Lose Your Vision
This and other masturbation myths come from the time when people thought sex was only for reproduction. Since masturbating isn't for reproduction, it was seen as inappropriate.
People also thought that masturbation could cause death, tuberculosis, going crazy, and hairy palms. None of these are true.
There Is No Correct Method To Masturbate
There is no one right way to masturbate, just like there is no right way to eat a pizza.
When it comes down to it, everything is fair game, whether you use your own hands or your favorite sex toy. You shouldn't have to follow any rules other than making sure you have good cleanliness.
As many others have said, masturbation is a way to get to know your body and find out what makes you happy.
Masturbation can be a way to calm down our minds, get in touch with our bodies, and focus on ourselves instead of worrying about what other people think."
Each person has a unique way of getting to orgasm, and the different ways you masturbate can help you find or improve that way.
Masturbation Makes Acne Worse
Many people think that masturbation causes acne, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Breakouts, pimples, and acne are not caused by masturbation; they are mostly caused by hormones.
A lot of the time, these two things go together because acne is worse during puberty and teens are also exploring their bodies during this time.
FAQs
Is it true that masturbating causes hairy palms?
No, this is simply folklore. Masturbation does not affect palm hair growth.
Will masturbating cause visual problems?
No, it does not. Masturbation will not cause your vision to blur. If you notice yourself squinting, it's time for an eye exam, not a celibacy challenge.
Can masturbating deplete my intelligence?
No, absolutely not! Your IQ is secure. Masturbation is not a drain on the brain; rather, it is a reset for your stress levels. So, unwind and enjoy yourself without fear of losing brain cells.
Is there a recommended frequency for masturbation?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution here. Masturbation frequency is a personal choice. You're fine as long as it doesn't interfere with your regular life or relationships. The key word is moderation.
Will my partner feel replaced if I indulge in self-love?
Communication is essential. Most partners recognize that self-love is a necessary component of life. It does not take their place or signal displeasure. If you talk about it, you might discover mutual hobbies that spice up your relationship.
Conclusion
As we say goodbye to these myths, let us accept the truth: masturbation is a normal and healthy element of human sexuality. It will not wreck your life, deplete your intellect, or make you lonely.
Remember, it's time to leave these myths to the past and usher in an era of self-love enlightenment.