THE MEDICAL VIEWPOINT
Despite what many of us may have been told by our parents, teachers, or religious leaders, masturbation does not cause physical injury or harm to the body.  We’ve all heard the many myths about masturbation.  Here are some of the leading myths:

·         Masturbation leads to blindness

·         Masturbation causes you to grow hair on the palms of your hands

·         Masturbation causes you to become impotent later in life

·         Masturbation leads to mental illness

·         Masturbation permanently reduces libido, desire, and/or sexual performance

·         Masturbation permanently reduces the quantity or quality of semen

We are happy to report that all of these myths and misconceptions have been proven to be false by the medical community.  Masters and Johnson who are a team of physicians who pioneered the field of human sexuality, and other researchers have demonstrate no negative short-term or long-term medical health effects from masturbation.

Despite the fact that there are no physical health consequences that may result from the practice of masturbation, there are emotional aspects that should be taken into consideration. 

For example, if masturbation occurs within a marriage or relationship between two individuals where self-pleasure takes the place of having sex with a partner, this act could potentially damage the self-esteem of the latter.  However, according to Louanne Cole Weston, PhD, a board-certified sex therapist “One lesson of long-term relationships is that both people need not be interested in doing the exact same things at the exact same time – and that includes sex.”[1]  If the partners within a relationship are capable of communicating their needs, desires, and expectations with one another, masturbation can then be part of a healthy component of a relationship.

Furthermore, masturbation may have negative social consequences if one becomes preoccupied with self-pleasure to the point that it interferes with one’s job and one’s social relationships.  This includes spending excessive time masturbating while failing at attempts to reduce or control these activities resulting in interference with one’s day-to-day life activities.

According to the Mayo Clinic.com, 3-6% of Americans suffer from sexual obsession, a disorder found more commonly in men.[2] Sexual obsession or sexual addiction may result in socially and financially detrimental consequences including using sexually explicit phone lines, visiting x-rated web sites and sex-related chat rooms, or exposing oneself in public.  Most individuals who suffer from such illnesses may seek treatment with a counselor, clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for counseling, therapy, and medication.

Most of concerns associated with the act of masturbation stems from the inherent negative connotations and discomfort associated with discussions of sexuality and sexual expression.  Thus, a variety of views have emerged over the centuries regarding masturbation and its consequences both physiologically and psychologically – even if they are not scientifically based.

Masturbation is a considered a natural and safe (both physically and emotionally) way for men and women to express sexuality and may help promote self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-confidence.  By exploring one’s own body visually and by touch, this knowledge can be carried over to provide for a stronger and satisfying sexual relationship with one’s partner by opening lines of communication regarding what their body responds to best.

Positives

·         May help to reduce stress and release sexual tension

·         May help a person become more comfortable with his or her own sexuality

·         Masturbation eliminates the potential for pregnancy or transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

·         Being self-aware of one’s body and sexuality may better prepare him/her for sexual activity with a partner.

Negatives

·         Frequent and vigorous masturbation may produce skin abrasions or superficial bruising/temporary discoloration.

·         Masturbation may become an obsession or addiction.

Masturbation may become an obsession or addiction which is generally felt to be the case if it reduces time available to participate in other activities (i.e. social relationships, job, work). This may lead to diversion of income toward sex merchandises (i.e. videotapes, chat rooms, online pornography, phone chat lines).