Masturbation, is the act of self-pleasuring. It is done by touching and rubbing parts of your body for sexual pleasure, such as the penis, scrotum and anus. Masturbation can involve a person exploring their own body, but can also happen between two people (mutual masturbation).
Masturbation is a common behaviour that is seen at all ages from childhood, through the teen years and throughout adulthood by people of any gender. It is considered a healthy way for people to explore their bodies, and learn how to achieve an orgasm.
How frequently people masturbate is varied for each person. It might range from several times a day, a week or a month to not masturbating at all.
Typically, the frequency of masturbation is not a problem, unless, the time spent masturbating is replacing other aspects of a healthy and balanced life, such as work and social responsibilities.
Health Benefits Of Masturbation
Research has shown that masturbation has benefits for the mental, social, and physical health of a person. These benefits include:
- Healthy sexual outlet for people unable to have sex with their partner (for any reason).
- A route to safer sex, a way to prevent pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections.
- Helps induce sleep and relaxation.
- A way to get familiar and comfortable with your own body.
- Helps alleviate stress.
- Cause feelings of physical and mental wellbeing through the release of the brain’s endorphins.
- Helps to enhance an individual’s self-esteem and body image.
Frequent Masturbation And Male Fertility
There is no evidence that frequent masturbation affects your fertility. Some studies imply that semen quality is optimal after two to three days of no ejaculation. However, other researchers suggest that men who have normal sperm quality maintain optimal concentrations of good sperm even if they ejaculate daily.
At the end of the day, if you have unprotected sexual intercourse with ejaculation several times a week, you will maximize your chances of getting your partner pregnant, irrespective of whether you masturbate or not.
Myths About Masturbation
Masturbation is a common part of human sexuality, however, some people feel ashamed or embarrassed about masturbation- this is due to many myths and urban legends.
Masturbation has been blamed for many problems such as blindness, mental health issues, sexual perversion, reduced sexual function, stunted growth, etc.
From a strictly medical and scientific standpoint, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a person masturbating.
For some people, masturbation goes against their religious beliefs and cultural notions, and that’s okay. But, it is important to remember that masturbation cannot affect a person’s physical health in any way. If you have any questions about masturbation, consider asking your doctor.
