Taking the mystery out of the "M" word
MYTH #1
The activity is related to males and males alone.
Fact: Nope! Masturbation is the deliberate stimulation of one's own genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure. It is done at least occasionally by a majority of both sexes. It is a natural and normal sexual practice. However, more women engage in sexual intercourse before they ever masturbate. Also, most men who masturbate tend to do so more often than women.
MYTH #2
The act changes the size and shape of the penis.
Fact: No, it does not. This is one of the thousands of myths about masturbation and one of the more popular ones. Some say when the right technique is used, it enlarges the penis, and if done "incorrectly:, it shrinks the organ. The truth is, masturbation will not affect the size, shape or any other physical features of a man's penis.
MYTH #3
Masturbation is unhealthy.
Fact: Too much of anything isn't good; the same can be said of masturbation. The act becomes unhealthy if you go beyond the limits. Don't go to the extent of ignoring your social life, studies, eating and your surroundings. Other than that, the only real danger is friction burns, which can be largely prevented with the use of a good lubricant.
MYTH #4
Masturbation is remedial.
Fact: It can be because it relieves sexual tension. In your early teen years, your body changes. Hormones make you feel tension in your penis or vagina. This tension builds and you can feel really uncomfortable until you can find a way to release it. From a medical point of view, masturbation helps prevents congestion of the prostate in men.
MYTH #5
Those who have sex need not masturbate.
Fact: Not true. Some married couples masturbate when separated by distance, illness or pregnancy. It is the second most common sexual behaviour, even for those who have a spouse.
MYTH #6
Masturbation causes insanity, blindness, hair growth, disease or spots.
Fact: If those were true, the vast majority of the population would suffer from all these problems. If you masturbate, you will not go blind. The act of masturbation alone is in no way related to eyesight. These are all false.
MYTH #7
Masturbation is a good indulgence since sex in not involved.
Fact: Because masturbation doesn't involve a partner and sex, people who masturbate rely on this reasoning to reassure themselves. However, you need not rely solely on sexual
satisfaction for pleasure in life.
Labels: deliberate stimulation, friction burns, masturbation, reassuring, relieves sexual tension
