Masturbation, or the self-stimulation of the genitals for sexual pleasure, has been a controversial matter for centuries, with much of the moral commentary denouncing it as sinful and perverse. Today, however, it is widely recognized that masturbation is an acceptable and healthy activity that is practiced by adults and adolescents alike.
Though masturbation may not be discussed openly in public or even amongst friends, it is an incredibly common and natural form of sexual expression that has many benefits. First and foremost, masturbation is believed to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. Additionally, it can even lead to enhanced self-confidence. Conversely, risks of masturbation can include guilt, low self-esteem, and physical or emotional injury. Understanding the health benefits, risks, and potential benefits of masturbation can help to promote healthy sexual behavior and reduce potential harm.
Benefits of Masturbation
Masturbation carries a variety of potential physical and psychological benefits, including those related to stress reduction, relationship dynamics, and sexual satisfaction.
Physical Benefits – Masturbation is thought to help reduce stress, improve mood, decrease muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and enhance personal hygiene. Perhaps most importantly, masturbation is an effective way for individuals to experience sexual pleasure without facing the risks associated with intercourse, such as sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy. Regular masturbation can also improve urinary health and can even increase vaginal tightness and lubrication.
Psychological Benefits – Masturbation can provide psychological benefits, such as improved body image, comfortable exploration of one’s own sexuality, and self-esteem. In addition, it can decrease performance anxiety and help to improve communication, especially when individuals are not yet comfortable discussing intimate or sexual matters with their partner. Masturbation can also provide an individual with much needed emotional release and stress relief, and can be both an enjoyable and self-affirming activity.
Risks of Masturbation
Though masturbation is generally a safe activity, it can carry certain risks depending on how it is practiced. For example, overly vigorous stimulation, such as when using a vibrator, can cause physical discomfort or even injury. In addition, masturbating excessively in public or in private can lead to feelings of guilt or shame. Those who practice marathon masturbation, or the practice of masturbating for extended periods of time without taking breaks, are also putting themselves at risk of physical or emotional injury due to overstimulation and exhaustion.
Compulsive or uncontrolled masturbation can also be a sign of mental health issues, such as depression, loneliness, paranoia, compulsive behaviors, or the presence of pornographic addiction. Masturbation is not inherently bad or unhealthy, but when it begins to interfere with an individual’s ability to form healthy relationships or to be productive, it may become an issue that needs to be addressed.
Potential Benefits of Masturbation
Though masturbation can pose certain risks, when practiced responsibly, it also has the potential to provide a variety of physical, psychological and even relational benefits.
Physical Benefits – In addition to the previously discussed physical benefits of masturbation, some researchers have even suggested that regular masturbation may be beneficial in terms of decreasing the risks associated with prostate cancer. Moreover, regardless of its potential to reduce the risks of prostate cancer, regular masturbation can also simply serve as an enjoyable way to self-satisfy.
Psychological Benefits – Masturbation can also provide mental health benefits, including increased self-esteem and enhanced feelings of relaxation and satisfaction. Through masturbation, individuals often establish a stronger understanding of their body and its sexual responses, which can lead to increased sexual competence and confidence.
Relational Benefits – For individuals who are in relationships with partners of either sex, masturbation can be an incredible tool for enhancing sexual communication and overall sexual satisfaction. For example, people often use masturbation as a way to explore their own sexuality and to discover new forms of pleasure before introducing those new forms to their partner. By creating this kind of open dialogue and experimentation, couples can open new doors in their relationship and can actively work together to increase levels of sexual satisfaction.
Overall, though masturbation may carry certain risks (especially if practiced recklessly or compulsively), it can be an incredibly consensual and safe way for individuals to explore their own sexuality and to reap the potential benefits offered up by this self-pleasuring activity. Ultimately, engaging in an open dialogue about masturbation and its associated benefits and risks can help to establish a healthy sexual foundation.