Benefits of Masturbation
One of the biggest myths out there is that too much masturbation can cause health problems.
In part one of our session on masturbation with Bill Taverner, we uncovered some common misinformation about masturbation that’s culturally accepted and learned several definitions. In part two of this session, we’ll discuss the benefits masturbation can provide and where to find resources, as this is not something that gets taught during sexual education.
Historical Context & Sex Therapy
Historical context is important when addressing sexual shame.
It is not without intention that Bill Taverner began this Sex Plus Symposium session about masturbation with historical context — quoting biblical passages and referencing the impact that John Harvey Kellog had on social perception of sexuality and masturbation in the 18th and 19th centuries.
What is historical context? Historical context is the political, social, cultural and economic setting for a particular period of time, idea or event.
Historical context is what gives meaning to what is being portrayed. Without it, we leave ourselves open to misinterpretation and misunderstanding.
In therapy, individuals often realize that beliefs created out of context can lead to internal confusion, conflict and shame. This occurs when the intent of a literary text, idea or event was misinterpreted but “digested” as fact.
We all develop our own worldviews based on unique experiences that impact us consciously and unconsciously. This develops as we constantly take in information. Information that impacts our perception and beliefs of what is going on within and around us.
“When addressing shame it is important to identify internal beliefs that influence how we experience ourselves and behaviors.”
Sometimes we find internal beliefs that elicit shame developed out of context and are in need of intentional exploration of the historical context. This allows us to offer ourselves accurate digestion of information to increase understanding while decreasing shame.
More on Myths About Masturbation
Throughout history, there have been those who attributed many health problems to masturbation and even advised certain health regimens against it.
One myth commonly accepted is that masturbation significantly reduces sperm count in males. This simply isn’t true. There are other fluids that are expelled during ejaculation in addition to sperm, and the body is continually replenishing itself throughout the day, so none of these fluids are being lost.
Many medical and sexual health authorities report that masturbation can be beneficial to one’s physical, emotional and sexual health, as well as the health of one’s relationships.
Some common health benefits of arousal and orgasm from masturbation as told by Older, Wiser, Sexually Smarter are:
Reducing stress and tension
Providing the opportunity to learn or re-learn how one likes to be touched and stimulated
Increasing sexual desire
Helping preserve sexual functioning, especially vaginal lubrication and elasticity of vaginal tissues and reducing vaginal atrophy
Providing a sexual outlet for people without partners or with an ill partner
Providing a sexual outlet for individuals who are disabled or ill
Decreasing depression
Avoiding sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy
Relieving menstrual tension and cramps
Relieving pain, including pain from rheumatoid arthritis
Making blood and hormones pump through the body faster, which helps the body produce cells more effectively
Strengthening/maintaining muscle tone in pelvic and anal areas, reducing the chances of involuntary urine leakage and uterine prolapse
Helping prevent disease by increasing the flow of white blood cells and building up resistance to infections
Helping prevent breast cancer, prostate cancer and other prostate problems
Stimulating endorphin production, allowing better oxygen metabolism and more efficient cell functioning throughout the body
Inducing sleep
Where to Find Masturbation Resources
Typically, the conversation and education about masturbation begins much earlier with boys than with girls. Teaching moments arise at the most unexpected times for many parent-adolescent relationships.
It’s important to take the opportunity to discuss and educate rather than be dismissive to avoid a sense of shame that can be passed down.
Many resources are available for women, but there aren’t as many available for men. It’s assumed that males should inherently understand and know exactly how to pleasure themselves, while women need assistance.
However, there are many resources available for both men and women. These include sites such as:
Amaze.org — A youth resource with animated videos that gives answers about sex, your body and relationships.
OMGYes.com — This female-focused site provides resources and techniques for sexual pleasure.
Scarleteen.com — An inclusive, comprehensive resource for teens, college students and young adults.
SexAndPsychology.com — A site that provides a wide variety of sexual health information.
SexPositiveFamilies.com — A site focused on education and resources that help families raise sexually healthy children.
SexEtc.org — A site developed by teenagers for teenagers, with a number of educational resources.
Another helpful resource is The Guide to Getting it On by Paul Joannides, Psy. D. This covers many sexual topics and has an entire chapter dedicated to masturbation.
Above all, it’s most important to remember that self pleasure is both normal and okay. Masturbation is a special, private activity that people either enjoy or don’t enjoy. It’s all up to the individual experience.
Stay tuned for more sex-positive information and additional resources on sexual health from our Sex Plus Symposium. In case you missed it, read part one of Bill Taverner’s post on masturbation.