What it is Who does it

Masturbation is the self-manipulation of sex organs for pleasure. Both sexes can masturbate, but studies reflect that males generally masturbate more often then females. Males masturbate by stroking the penis and/or testicles until they ejaculate. Females masturbate by manipulating the clitoris until they reach orgasm.

Statistics vary, but it is thought that more than 85 % of males and nearly 60% of females masturbate. The practice is one that is often performed for life. Most medical professionals today see masturbation as a natural and healthy practice. In fact, sex therapists have recommended mutual masturbation as a harmless and invigorating sexual activity for couples, with partners watching each other masturbate or helping each other to masturbate.

Return to Top

Taboo

This solo sexual stimulation is taboo in some religions and it is discouraged. And because self-stimulation is considered by some to be inappropriate behavior, erroneous information has been circulating about the practice in order to discourage people from masturbating.

Return to Top

Falsehoods

Some of these FALSE "old wives' tales" include:

• It will make hair grow on the palms of your hands.
• It causes blindness.
• It causes deafness.
• It decreases the size of the penis.
• It can cause acne.
• It will make you stutter.
• It can be fatal.

All of the statements above are FALSE. In fact, masturbation is said to have only positive effects on the mind and body. Health professionals consider masturbation a natural act that can be used to satisfy adolescent and adult sexual desire without the negative consequences associated with partner sexual encounters … such as contracting sexually transmitted diseases or becoming pregnant.

Return to Top

Safe Sex

During a 1994 conference on AIDS, former surgeon general Dr. Joycelyn Elders recommended that masturbation be included in sex education curriculum of the nation's schools.

The suggestion was met with outrage in some circles and she resigned shortly thereafter, but the logic of statement was not lost on the medical community. She later reiterated that safe-sex education could be the only ammunition available to fight the spread of AIDS.

Masturbating is among the most common of sexual activities, second only to intercourse.

Return to Top

Sexual performance

Whether or not you masturbate has no negative impact on your performance with a sex partner. Some believe that it can enhance sexual activities with a partner because those who masturbate learn what excites them and can share that knowledge with their lover.

Health professionals also recommend masturbation to men who struggle with premature ejaculation. Masturbating is used as a method to enable them to learn to delay ejaculation.

Return to Top

Masturbation Aids

Lubricants are often used to make masturbation more pleasurable. Sex tools are also not uncommon as people strive to enhance the masturbation experience. Vibrators are commonly used for female masturbation (although men can also be brought to orgasm by a vibrator massage) and a variety of devices are available to assist men during masturbation including nubbed, silicon sleeves that fit over the penis.

Return to Top