It is a natural and frequent activity; but the discussion on masturbation makes many uncomfortable. Masturbation has always been practiced by people of all ages, genders and cultures but still considered a taboo. But what does science has to say about masturbation and health? In this article, we discuss the Pros and possible Cons of masturbation as well as debunk a few myths relating to it.
The Benefits of Masturbation
While it as been painted by culture in a negative light, masturbation actually carries many health and wellness benefits that are backed with scientific research. Some of the main advantages are;
1. Stress Relief
Stress relief is probably one of the quickest advantages that you will obtain from masturbation. Your body releases endorphins when you orgasm — those are brain chemicals that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. These endorphins can help to reduce stress and promote an overall feeling of well-being.
2. Improved Sleep
A lot of people said that the easiest way to fall asleep is masturbating before going to bed. Masturbation can bring relaxation and endorphin release, resulting in a more stable state of mind which benefits from increased quality sleep. What makes things even better, is that the dip in blood pressure and oxytocin (another ‘feel good hormone’) released can result in a great night’s sleep.
3. Better Sexual Health
Masturbation is one of the ways you can ejaculate and it also teaches you what sexual activity that interests your body. It can increase the pleasure of sexual activity when you are with a partner, enhancing your satisfaction in sex as well. In men, masturbation regularly helps prevent prostate cancer (though this is still being debated).
4. Boosts Mood
We also tend to be in a better mood (although some days its just not enough, amirite?) An orgasm releases endorphins and dopamine which can help alleviate anxiety, depression. These mood changes are fleeting, but it is a tool to help you deal with mental health.
8 Masturbation Myths that Needs to Grow Up.
Although it has myriad obvious advantages, masturbation is a topic that abounds in myths and misconceptions. Here we shall delve into some of the most common ones –
1. Masturbation Causes Blindness
This myth is one of the oldest, and still persists in today’s “happy hands society”. Yet it lacks scientific substance Masturbation does not make you go blind, or other scary physical health stuff.
2. Masturbation Causes Reduced Sexual Performance
Few people might think that masturbating so often can make a difference in their performing sexual activities with partner or satisfaction. The fact of life is that masturbation helps in understanding the body better and bolstering sexual prowess due to reduced anxiety and build-up confidence sexually.
3. Masturbation Ruins Relationships
One of the biggest misunderstandings out there is that masturbating can be bad for romantic relationships. On the other hand, people in relationships can masturbate and this may further improve intimacy by reducing pressure from sexual drive for self-satisfaction and also having chance to explore own fantasy without really involving partner.
Cons Of Masturbation
Masturbation is great and all, but as with most things in life: moderation (unless it’s juice cleanses) is key.
1. Guilt and Shame
In some cultures or religions, people feel guilt and shame after masturbating. This can result in the degradation of mental health and well-being. Its important to remember that its normal and natural for both boys and girls to masturbate so you should not feel ashamed about masturbating.
2. Physical Discomfort
Too much masturbation can bring on physical things, such as sore skin or discomfort. When this happens it is necessary to rest the body injuries and avoid situations that fuel in greater aching.
3. Impact on Daily Life
It becomes a compulsive behavior, causing disrupted daily life for hopefully only a small percentage of people. If your masturbation is negatively impacting work, obligations or relationships it may be beneficial to consult a mental health professional.
When Is Masturbation A Concern?
It is mostly fine for the health if you do but there are times when it can be a concern.
Regularity: If you find that you have the urge to masturbate several times a day and it gets in the way of your daily life, this could indicate compulsivity.
Emotional Distress: Do you feel a significant amount of guilt, shame, or distress related to masturbation? This is where therapy could help.
If you feel pain or have some sort of discomfort when masturbating — that doesn’t go away after a little bit — it’s really important to speak with your doctor so they can see what might be going on down there.
How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship with Masturbation:
Exercise and meditation… it seems like a formula to living in moderation when practicing jerking off but nevertheless, maintaining balance is golden baby Here are some tips:
1. Understand Your Body
Spend some time figuring out which things in your life feel good and which do not Get to know your body, and it will be easier for you to embrace what makes you feel sexy wherever the journey takes.
2. Set Boundaries
If you feel masturbation is unnecessary and that owing to it does require a specific set of boundaries for yourself This might involve reducing how often you study, or for how long.
3. Talk About It
And if you are in a partnership, try opening up with your partner about exploring more facets of self-pleasure. This opens up communication and reduces misunderstandings or insecurity.
4. Seek Help if Needed
So, if you are dealing with guilt or shame after masturbating and the compulsion to do it over again has started creeping in, make an appointment with a counselor. Therapy can give you the tools and support to have an adaptive sexual relationship(runtime: 2 hrs.)
Conclusion
Masturbation is a completely normal and healthy part of life — touching yourself in the privacy of your body can have certain health benefits. These might include: Stress release Improved sleep Better sexual function Guilt, physical discomfort and compulsive behaviour may present some challenges but they can also be managed well with self-awareness or in combination with professional support if necessary.
Always keep in mind that it is completely okay to masturbate, and normal part of human sex. If you think masturbating is a problem for your life, let them know and maybe get in touch with an healthcare provider or therapist so they can guide.
Knowing these positive and negative aspects of masturbation can help you make better informed decisions about your sexual health.
