Masturbation Myths and Facts

Most people don’t have the best idea of masturbation. This intimate solo activity usually causes people to feel shame and most often, it’s something that’s not discussed. Therefore there are a lot of misconceptions about masturbation.

One of the biggest masturbation myths is that it means that you are not good at pleasing a partner. This couldn’t be more untrue because great sex actually starts with how well you know your body! 

We’ve rounded up some of the most unbelievable masturbation myths to be wary of, as well as masturbation facts that you can be rest assured believing in. We hope that if you’ve always felt negative about masturbation, that we are able to introduce to you a new way of looking at solo pleasure. 

Masturbation Fact: It’s Good for You

Besides the physical pleasure of being sexually stimulated, our favorite masturbation fact is it can have several positive health effects. Masturbation can help reduce stress and release tension. After a solo masturbation session, you’ll be in a state of relaxation that can help you to enjoy better sleep. Solo masturbation can also boost your mood and concentration, alleviate pain, and more.

In addition to being the safest form of sex, masturbation offers other physical benefits, including helping men to manage premature ejaculation. It is also believed that masturbation promotes men’s prostate health. Additionally, as you become familiar with your body, masturbation can help you better understand what you like.

Masturbation Myth: It Means There’s Something Wrong With Your Relationship

One of the biggest masturbation myth and misconception is that it means a person is having problems with finding and/or pleasing a sex partner. However, masturbation could actually help improve your sex life with a partner. When you know how you like to be touched and can communicate that to your partner, then you’ll soon be enjoying better sexual experiences together.

Masturbation can even be done in the presence of your partner — include your partner as you show him how you satisfy yourself and explore mutual masturbation together to take your sex life to new heights.

Masturbation Fact: It’ll Help You Orgasm Quickly

According to Psychology Today, women report that they experience orgasms in as little as two minutes from masturbating, compared with 45 minutes with a partner. When you know exactly how you like to be stimulated, then the orgasms happen a lot quicker. This masturbation fact is one of our favorites too, because who doesn’t like to be efficient? And being able to instantly satisfy your erotic cravings is almost like having a superpower.

Masturbation Myth: You Can Become Addicted to It

Unlike that “Sex and the City” episode where Charlotte becomes addicted to her rabbit vibrator, masturbation isn’t going to replace your lover and you’re not going to start giving up all of your plans for masturbation. This masturbation myth is just intended to scare you and is completely false. 

However, setting aside an evening of self-love is perfectly normal and we encourage you to try it! Enjoy a bubble bath, some wine, soft music, and your favorite glass dildo as you unwind after a stressful day. It will be blissful.

Masturbation Fact: You Don’t Need to Be Ashamed of Doing It

For some people, masturbation can start at an early age. Ideally, a parent would have an open discussion about it with their child in order to establish self-stimulation as a normal thing and to provide age-appropriate education to ensure that they receive a thorough and non-judgmental introduction to sex. 

Unfortunately, because of the taboos surrounding sex and masturbation, a lot of people grow up with shame. As you take the time to read this article, also give yourself a pat on the back for letting go of that unwarranted shame and enjoy the gift of masturbation. 

Masturbation Myth: It Can Cause Physical Problems

One of the most long-running masturbation myths is the long list of physical problems that are supposedly its side effects. Masturbation cannot cause any harmful physical side effects like growing hair on your palms or blindness. One masturbation myth also claims that it can cause impotence or cause a penis to curve - this is of course not true.

According to a 2010 study by the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, 67 to 94 percent of men have masturbated at least once in their life, and 43-67 percent indicated they had masturbated within the last month. Women reported that they masturbated less — between 43 and 85 percent indicated they had masturbated at least once in their life, while 21 and 43 percent had done so within the last month. Based on these statistics, the pleasure gap doesn’t only exist during partnered sex. With more self-pleasure, we can all enjoy the vast benefits of this intimate activity.