Due to the lack of promotion when it comes to sexual education, coupled with stigma, there have been many inaccurate facts and common myths being spread about masturbation. In contrast to popular belief, masturbation does not cause infertility, sexual perversion, low sexual desire, blindness, hair fall, or mental health conditions.
Myths About Masturbation Debunked
Myth: Masturbation reduces libido/sex drive.
Fact: Masturbation does not cause reduced libido — if not done excessively. We say this because those that masturbate excessively, may not be stimulated by their partner during sex and may not orgasm. However, masturbation increases the chances of better and more satisfying sex. A study revealed that those with higher sex drives masturbated more often.
Myth: There is no limit to the number of times one can masturbate.
Fact: Experts suggest that while masturbation is normal and should be done, there should be a limit. Masturbation is considered excessive if it affects you physically and/or emotionally. This means it causes soreness, aggravates a porn addiction, relationship problems, and reduced stimulation leading to the inability to orgasm.
Myth: Only those that are single masturbate.
Fact: Couples in relationships also masturbate. Exploring one’s body can help one understand what one likes and doesn’t like. This helps couples communicate with each other, and can greatly help with increased intimacy and satisfaction.
Myth: Masturbation can cause health problems.
Fact: This myth is one of the many created to increase shame and embarrassment when it comes to masturbating. It’s quite the opposite. Self-pleasure has several health benefits due to the release of feel-good chemicals such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin in the brain. They help in relieving stress, satisfying sleep, and increasing self-esteem and confidence.
Myth: Masturbation can cause hair loss.
Fact: This is simply not true. There is no link between hair loss and masturbation — no evidence to prove any correlation.
Myth: Masturbation is unhealthy or dirty.
Fact: Masturbation is a completely normal and healthy part of human sexuality. It is a way for people to explore their own bodies and learn what feels good to them, and it can even have health benefits such as reducing stress and helping with sleep. There is nothing dirty or unhealthy about masturbation, and it is a perfectly natural way to experience pleasure and self-exploration.
Myth: Masturbation doesn’t lead to erectile dysfunction
Fact: No, it is not a myth that masturbation can cause erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, as well as psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Masturbation is not a direct cause of ED, but it can contribute to the problem if a person becomes accustomed to a certain style of stimulation that is not easily replicated with a partner, or if they rely on masturbation as a way to cope with anxiety or stress.
Myth: Masturbation is only for people who are not in relationships.
Fact: Masturbation is not just for people who are single or not in relationships. People of all relationship statuses, including those in committed relationships, can and do masturbate. Masturbation is a way for individuals to take care of their own sexual needs and desires, whether or not they are in a relationship. It is not a replacement for a healthy sex life with a partner, but rather a complementary aspect of a person’s sexual well-being.
Myth: Masturbation will lead to sexual dysfunction.
Fact: Masturbation will not cause sexual dysfunction or problems with sexual performance. In fact, masturbation can help improve sexual function by helping individuals learn more about their own bodies and what feels good to them. It can also help increase blood flow to the genital area, which can improve sensitivity and pleasure. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that masturbation leads to sexual dysfunction.
Myth: Masturbation is a sign of a psychological problem.
Fact: Masturbation is not a sign of a psychological problem or disorder. It is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality, and it is not uncommon for people to masturbate throughout their lives. Masturbation is not a substitute for healthy relationships or a healthy sex life, but it can be a healthy way to explore one’s own sexuality and learn more about what feels good.
Myth: Masturbation is only for people who are sexually inactive or unable to find a partner.
Fact: Masturbation is a common and normal part of human sexuality, and it is not limited to people who are single or sexually inactive. People of all ages, genders, and relationship statuses engage in masturbation.
Myth: Masturbation addiction is a real disorder.
Fact: Masturbation addiction is not recognized as a mental health disorder in the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual for mental disorders. However, if excessive masturbation is causing problems in your life, such as difficulty functioning at work or in social situations, it may be worth seeking help from a mental health professional.
Myth: Masturbation causes physical harm, such as blindness or hairy palms.
Fact: These myths about the physical consequences of masturbation have been debunked for decades. Masturbation does not cause any physical harm or abnormalities.
Myth: Masturbation is only for men.
Fact: Both men and women engage in masturbation. It is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality for people of all genders.
Myth: Masturbation leads to sexual dysfunction or low libido.
Fact: Masturbation is not linked to sexual dysfunction or low libido. In fact, it can be a healthy way to explore and understand your own sexuality and can even improve sexual function.
Myth: Masturbation is unnatural or immoral.
Fact: Masturbation is a natural and normal part of human sexuality. It is not immoral or wrong, and there is nothing wrong with exploring and understanding your own body and desires.
Myth: Masturbation is only for people who are sexually frustrated or unhappy in their relationships.
Fact: Masturbation is a common and normal part of human sexuality, and it is not limited to people who are sexually frustrated or unhappy in their relationships. People of all ages, genders, and relationship statuses engage in masturbation.
Myth: Masturbation addiction is easy to overcome.
Fact: Like any addiction, overcoming a masturbation addiction can be difficult and may require the help of a mental health professional. It may take time, effort, and a willingness to change unhealthy habits.
Myth: Masturbation doesn’t lead to sexual performance anxiety.
Fact: Masturbation can contribute to performance anxiety if a person feels guilty or ashamed about masturbating, or if they rely on masturbation as a way to cope with anxiety or stress. It can also create unrealistic expectations about sexual performance, which can lead to anxiety when trying to perform with a partner. However, it is important to note that masturbation is a normal and healthy activity, and it does not cause performance anxiety in everyone.
Myth: Masturbation is a substitute for real sex.
Fact: Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality, and it is not a substitute for real sex. It can be enjoyed in addition to sexual activity with a partner.
Myth: Masturbation is only for people who have no self-control.
Fact: Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality, and it does not reflect on a person’s self-control or willpower.
Myth: Masturbation doesn’t lead to premature ejaculation
Fact: No, it is not a myth that masturbation can cause premature ejaculation. Premature ejaculation is a common sexual dysfunction that can be caused by a variety of factors, including psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Masturbation can contribute to premature ejaculation if a person becomes accustomed to a certain style of stimulation that is not easily replicated with a partner, or if they rely on masturbation as a way to cope with anxiety or stress.
Myth: Mutual masturbation is not “real” sex.
Fact: Mutual masturbation is a legitimate and valid form of sexual activity. It can be just as intimate and enjoyable as other sexual activities.
Myth: Mutual masturbation is only for people who are not attracted to their partners.
Fact: Mutual masturbation can be a way for people to explore their own pleasure and that of their partners, regardless of their level of attraction.
Masturbation is not dirty or unhealthy, and it does not cause sexual dysfunction or psychological problems. It is a natural way for individuals to explore their own bodies and learn what feels good to them, and it can even have health benefits. It is important to have accurate information about masturbation in order to reduce feelings of shame or guilt and promote a healthy understanding of sexuality.
Masturbation is still shrouded in taboo and misconceptions. These misunderstandings can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, especially for those who may not understand the facts about masturbation. In this article, we will explore some of the common misconceptions about masturbation and set the record straight.
