Five Myths About Masturbation

Masturbation myths

Myth #1 – Everyone masturbates, even if they deny it.

If you don’t masturbate you don’t need to think you’re the only one not doing it because not everyone does. It is thought that many people will deny self-pleasuring but that still doesn’t mean that the whole world is at it. Research carried out by the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University took a sample of 5,855 Americans aged between 14 to 94.

They discovered that up to 94% of men had masturbated at least once and 67% had masturbated in the month prior to the survey, depending on their age. Up to 85% of women had masturbated and 43% stated they had masturbated in the month prior to the survey. However, it is believed that many anonymous surveys don’t show the complete truth as masturbation is still stigmatised. The important thing to remember is that it’s fine if you do and it’s fine if you don’t.

Myth #2 – Sexual activity is used up with masturbation.

There are no limits to the amount of orgasms you can have in your lifetime so there’s no need to worry about using them all by self-pleasuring. Masturbation will not use up all the men’s semen or sperm either.

Myth #3 – Masturbation results in mental health issues.

Sexual experts all agree that masturbation doesn’t cause any mental health issues and is a healthy and normal activity. Some people experience guilt after acts of self-pleasure, often a result of being told it was wrong. However, obsessive masturbation that interferes with work, school or life in general is a problem that can be addressed by speaking to a GP or sex therapist.

Myth #4 – Sex toys such as vibrators stop women enjoying sex without them.

Sex toys don’t stop women getting sexual pleasure from other forms of stimulation. What they can do is make women orgasm quicker, but not in all cases. In fact, vibrators and other sex toys can help women to enjoy sex more and become increasingly stimulated during other sexual encounters by giving them more confidence and self-awareness as to their personal preferences.

Myth #5 – Masturbation is wrong when you’re in a relationship.

There is nothing wrong with masturbation, whether you’re single or in a committed relationship. Masturbation is different to having sex with your partner and isn’t a form of infidelity.

There are no expectations or demands; it’s all about being at one with your own body. Self-pleasuring helps reduce stress levels, can increase sexual drive and has multiple health benefits for men and women. The two different acts can be worked into your lives as a couple, there’s no need for either of you to stop self-pleasuring.