Is Masturbation a Healthy Practice?
Perhaps you’ve heard some bizarre claims about masturbation being harmful to your health, such as that it causes you to grow hair in unusual places, that it causes infertility, that it shrinks your genitals, or that once you begin masturbating, you’ll become addicted to it. None of this is correct. Masturbation is not harmful or harmful to your health in any way. Masturbation has been shown to be beneficial to one’s health, both psychologically and physically. Furthermore, it is the safest form of sex available — there is no risk of becoming pregnant or contracting an STD.
When you have an orgasm, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that help you feel better by blocking pain and increasing your pleasure. No matter whether you’re masturbating or having sex, the good feelings that come with an orgasm are there to enjoy.
A large body of research has demonstrated that masturbation is beneficial to one’s health. Masturbation has the following effects:
- letting go of sexual tension
- lessen your stress
- enhance your sense of self-worth and body image
- assist in the treatment of sexual problems
- Menstrual cramps and muscle tension are alleviated.
- improve the tone of the muscles in your pelvic and anal areas
Masturbation can also assist you in determining your sexual preferences. What part of your body do you want to be touched? What level of pressure is comfortable? How fast or slow do you want it? Learning how to have orgasms on your own can make it easier to have one with a partner because you will be able to tell or demonstrate what you are experiencing. You’re also more likely to feel comfortable protecting yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancy if you’re comfortable with sex, your own body, and communicating with your partner.
What level of masturbation is considered excessive?
A lot of people masturbate frequently — every day, or even more than once a day, for example. Some people masturbate once a week, once every few weeks, or every now and then. Others masturbate more frequently. Some people do not masturbate at all, and that is perfectly acceptable. All of these are completely normal occurrences.
Masturbation only becomes “too much” when it interferes with your ability to perform your job, fulfil your responsibilities, or maintain a social life. If this is a problem for you, you may want to speak with a counsellor or a therapist about your options.
Occasionally, people learn when they are young that masturbation is wrong or harmful, and as a result, they feel guilty about it. If you find yourself in this situation, try to remember that the majority of people masturbate. Everything about it is perfectly normal, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. If you’re having trouble getting rid of your guilty feelings, talking to a counsellor or therapist may be beneficial.
