Masturbation remains taboo – but studies show how good it can be for you

Despite the fact that he is a natural act, many people still feel awkward and embarrassed by masturbation. So why does this topic make so many of us feel uncomfortable? The past can offer tips.

Throughout the storyViews for complacency are different. The Egyptians perceived masturbation as holy. The Greeks perceived it as natural, but not something to celebrate. And the Romans thought it was worse than sex with a partner.

In medieval Europe, masturbation has been recognized as sinful and harmful. But the 20th century scholars, including sexologists Alfred Kinsey AND Shere hiteHe questioned negative perception and helped normalize masturbation.

However, the mark attached to masturbation is stubborn and negative attitudes persist. Attitudes that it is filthy, shameful and even harmful to touch yourself sexually, are often shaped by contradictory messages rooted in Social normsIN religious doctrines AND Inadequate sex education.

Masturbation remains taboo – some think that Unnatural act Because there is no reproductive purpose. This negative belief can Be bad for health If it contributes to mental stress, including guilt and shame caused by rooted condemnation.

However, thanks to my experience as a sexual researcher and psychology researcher, I understand how openly discussing masturbation with clients was extremely beneficial due to their mental health. The more we talk about it, the easier it is to unravel these thoughts filled with shame. The key is to create a protected and without judgment of space, which encourages self -acceptance and understanding of what makes us tick us.

First of all, masturbation can be surprisingly educational when it comes to appreciating your body. It’s not just about pleasure; It is about discovering yourself and understanding your sexual reaction and anatomy, while accepting vulva and penises All shapes and sizes.

Masturbation offers a protected, judgment -free way of discovering and Understand your body Without the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. It allows you to try what is good and what is not – basically getting to know your own map of pleasure. It is also a great way to experiment with erotic toys.

Connecting with the body, including in the genitality, can also assist you feel more free in your own skin and raise your confidence. Understanding what works for you may feel free.

It also makes it easier Discover your needs And he wants others. By strengthening yourself, you can take over your sexual experience and fully accept your body’s ownership.

In sexual therapy, masturbation is often included as a therapeutic tool. For example, customers may be asked to get involved in masturbation exercises.

This may include the utilize of techniques such as mindfulness Focus on feelings This helps them to connect again, paying attention to their body and understanding what feelings they lead to pleasure. So sex solo helps to promote body awareness, which can be particularly beneficial for anyone who has difficulty orgasm.

Stop-Start technique This is another method used in sexual therapy to assist in matters such as premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. It has been designed to assist people get more control, especially in orgasm management and erection. Also here, emphasis is placed on the feeling of touch and that the client builds the awareness of his sexual reactions.

And thanks to masturbation, you don’t have to worry about the expectations of others or feel pressure on sexual results. So sexual suicide is a positive, protected way to discover the body without a sense of rush or self -awareness.

Masturbation is also associated with other health benefits. For some, it can reduce stress and Promote sleep. During masturbation and orgasm, hormones such as oxytocin (Sometimes called “love hormone”) and endorphins are released. Both play a role in improvement mood And a sense of relaxation.

They even found research This men who ejaculate 21 or more times a month, have a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer.

Read more: Does ejaculation often reduce the risk of prostate cancer?

How much is too much?

As a sex and relationship therapist, I often ask: “How much masturbation is too much?” There is no proper answer to this.

Masturbation can be a hearty way to look for pleasure and for some people can handle emotions such as stress. However, if it becomes the basic or only means of emotional regulation, it may begin to feel compulsively.

When it leads to loss of control, emotional stress or a negative impact on everyday life, this can be a problem. In such cases sexual Compulsiveness Attempts to solve unmet needs, regardless of whether they are sexual, emotional or relational.

Psychosexual therapy is an effective, positive and integration approach that helps clients develop a wider range of emotional management strategy, not just masturbation.

When we are approaching a more integration and open understanding of sexuality, self -proclaimed may be one day not to be considered something that feels guilty or embarrassed, but as a natural form of self -expression. Until then, he remains a powerful act of self -love.