Become a Patron!What do medical professionals and sexual health authorities have to say about masturbation?
The general consensus is that solo sex can have a positive impact on one’s emotional, physical and sexual health.
Five Masturbation Myths
What do medical professionals and sexual health authorities have to say about masturbation?
The general consensus is that solo sex can have a positive impact on one’s emotional, physical and sexual health.
1. Masturbation causes physical illnesses
UNTRUE
FACTS:
There are people who still believe they’ll go blind if they masturbate.
Others believe hair will grow on the palms of their hands or they’ll never be able to reproduce.
Other conditions associated with self-pleasuring are acne and hair loss.
None of these statements are scientifically true.
2. Masturbation causes mental illnesses
UNTRUE
FACTS:
Medical science has debunked many myths formally associated with masturbation, such as insanity, or that masturbation drains excessive energy from the body.
Misunderstanding masturbation can cause guilt and shame, but sexual energy is part of our divine nature.
3. One can become addicted to vibrators
UNTRUE
FACTS:
They can stimulate and satisfy someone when masturbating and also while having sex with a partner/partners.
Professionals agree there are no physical or mental implications for frequent masturbation, unless it’s symptomatic of an obsessive/compulsive disorder (OCD).
Vibrators are not drugs.
4. It’s wrong to masturbate if you’re in a relationship
UNTRUE
FACTS:
Masturbation and partner sex are two different activities and they produce different, yet similar kinds of pleasure.
In reality, the more we know about our bodies, the easier and more satisfactory partnered sex can be.
Masturbation does not “ruin” a person for partner sex.
5. Masturbation limits our frequency of orgasm
UNTRUE
FACTS:
There is no limit to the number of orgasms we can reach in a lifetime.
We can decide how many we want or enjoy comfortably.
For men, the quality of sperm is actually healthier if a guy ejaculates regularly.
There are many ways to cultivate and stimulate sexual energy. Enjoying sexual pleasure is a key part of our human experience and masturbation can be the first step we make to accept and feel comfortable in our bodies.
Wait… before you go. Do sign up for our Masturbation Month emailers here.
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.
She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice since 2009, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore.
Often cited in the media, Dr. Lee is the appointed Clinical Sexologist for Singapore Cancer Society. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga, From Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.
Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
