Masturbation is a form of selfcare were genitals and other erogenous spots on the body are touched to reach sexual arousal and/or orgasm. For centuries people believed that masturbation led to an array of negative physical and mental consequences “You could go blind, your brain got affected, you would be infertile, or your genitals would rot off!” Research however showed that masturbation had no physical or mental consequences at all. Masturbation is actually a healthy form of stress relief and a great way for one to get to know their body and their likes and dislikes.
Around 40% of women and up to 65% of men answered to have masturbated within the last month when asked.
Positive effects of Masturbation
Masturbation has shown to:
- Relief stress
- Elevate mood
- Improve sexual pleasure with partner and induces better communication about likes and dislikes
- Reduces insomnia
- Reduces depression
- Boosts confidence
Masturbation and pregnancy
Research has also shown a correlation of milder lower back and abdominal pain during pregnancy due to masturbation. Pregnant women that masturbate also experience less mood swings, stress and anxiety. Orgasms in the last trimester however can in a very low percentage of pregnant women lead to Braxton Hicks contractions if these hold on for more than half an hour always contact your OBGYN specialist.
Masturbation and Prostate cancer
Some research has shown that men who masturbate have a lower percentage of prostate cancer than those who do not however the exact reason as to why is not yet known.
Negative effects of masturbation
Masturbation does not have any harmful side-effects physically or mentally. However, it can lead to negative consequences when it leads to extreme feelings of guilt due to religious or cultural beliefs that condemn masturbation. If you suffer from such feeling speak to your sexologist, He or she can help you rationalize such feelings and make you feel better about it.
When someone finds it so relaxing and pleasurable that it becomes a” sex” addiction. If think you are experiencing a “sex” or masturbation addiction which means you start missing school or work or shut yourself off from social activities in order to have sex or masturbate and you can’t distract yourself with hobbies or activities seek help from a professional sex healthcare provider.
