Experts talk about whether masturbation is safe, normal, or can lead to sexual dysfunction.
By David Freeman
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Charles E. Jennings, MD
Experts say that just about every man who can masturbate does -- and why not? You don't need an expert to tell you that solo sex feels good,
relieves stress, and is a terrific
sleep aid. But here are five things you may not know about
masturbation:
1. There's no such thing as "abnormal" masturbation.
Men often wonder if there's something abnormal about the way they masturbate.
But experts are loath to offer specific definitions of "normal" and "abnormal,"
pointing out that men show great variations in both frequency and technique. "We
humans are too diverse to establish a norm," says Betty Dodson, PhD, a New York
City-based sexologist and the author of Sex for One. Every man masturbates in
his own way, says Martha Cornog, the author of The Big Book of Masturbation,
whether he "uses his hands, rubs against something, uses a sex toy or household
object, wears special clothing, fantasizes, looks at a book or magazine, tries
different positions, or looks in a mirror."
2. Masturbation is very safe -- but not entirely safe.
Unlike sex with a partner, masturbation can't give you a sexually transmitted
disease. Nor will it subject you to the muscle strains, pokes in the eye, and
awkward moments that can come with partner sex. But masturbation safety isn't
guaranteed. "Masturbation is just about the safest sex there is," says Cornog.
Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual
arousal and pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm (sexual climax). It is
commonly done by touching, stroking, or massaging the penis or clitoris until an
orgasm is achieved. Some women also use stimulation of the vagina to masturbate
or use "sex toys," such as a vibrator.
Who Masturbates?
Just about everybody. Masturbation is a very common behavior, even among
people who have sexual relations with a partner. In one national study, 95% of
males and 89% of females reported that they have masturbated. Masturbation is
the first sexual act experienced by most males and females. In young children,
masturbation is a normal part of the growing child's exploration of his or her
body. Most people continue to masturbate in adulthood, and many do so throughout
their lives.
Why Do People Masturbate?
In addition to feeling good, masturbation is a good way
of relieving the sexual tension that can build up over time, especially for
people without partners or whose partners are not willing or available for sex.
Masturbation also is a safe sexual alternative for people who wish to avoid
pregnancy and the
dangers of sexually transmitted diseases. It also is necessary when a man must
give a semen sample for
infertility testing or for sperm donation. When
sexual dysfunction is present in an adult, masturbation may be prescribed by a sex
therapist to allow a person to experience an orgasm (often in women) or to delay
its arrival (often in men).
Is Masturbation Normal?
While it once was regarded as a perversion and a sign of a mental problem,
masturbation now is regarded as a normal, healthy sexual activity that is
pleasant, fulfilling, acceptable and safe. It is a good way to experience sexual
pleasure and can be done throughout life.
Masturbation is only considered a problem when it inhibits sexual activity
with a partner, is done in public, or causes significant distress to the person.
It may cause distress if it is done compulsively and/or interferes with daily
life and activities.
Is Masturbation Harmful?
In general, the medical
community considers masturbation to be a natural and harmless expression of
sexuality for both men and women. It does not cause any physical injury or harm to the body, and can be
performed in moderation throughout a person's lifetime as a part of normal
sexual behavior. Some cultures and religions oppose the use of masturbation or
even label it as sinful. This can lead to guilt or shame about the behavior.
Some experts suggest that masturbation can actually improve
sexual health and
relationships. By exploring your own body through masturbation, you can
determine what is erotically pleasing to you and can share this with your
partner. Some partners use mutual masturbation to discover techniques for a more
satisfying sexual relationship and to add to their mutual intimacy.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCE:
Reviewed by Raya Almufti Abraham, MD on March 04, 2010
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
The term sex addiction describes the behavior of someone who has an unusually strong sex drive or sexual obsession. Sex and thoughts of sex dominate a sex addict's thinking, making it difficult to work or engage in healthy personal relationships. Sex addicts may engage in exhibitionism, voyeurism, prostitution, compulsive masturbation, or cybersex. Treatment for sex addiction includes individual counseling, marital and/or family therapy, support groups, 12-step recovery programs, and in some cases, medications.
Male sexual dysfunction can be caused by physical or psychological problems. Common sexual problems in men include erectile dysfunction (impotence or ED), premature ejaculation and loss of libido. Treatment for sexual dysfunction in men may involve medication, hormone therapy, psychological therapy, and the use of mechanical aids.
The time when boys and girls begin the process of sexual maturation is called puberty. During this time, both sexes undergo a series of biological changes that include a rapid increase in height, bone growth, weight increase, the growth of pubic hair, breast development and the onset of menstruation in girls, and testicle, penis, and muscle enlargement in boys.
Enjoying a satisfying sex life as we age is important to both physical and mental health. As we age, diseases and conditions may pose challenges in our sexual health, and sexual experiences. Learn how to manage your conditions and still have a gratifying sex life as you age.
Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem that arises during any phase of the sexual response cycle, preventing an individual or couple from experiencing sexual satisfaction. Physical, medical, and psychological conditions may affect sexual functioning, resulting in inhibited sexual desire, inability to become aroused, lack of orgasm, and painful intercourse. Treating the underlying physical and psychological problems usually resolves most female sexual problems.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
Menopause is often associated with a change in sexual functioning. Loss of estrogen, bladder control issues, anxiety, stress, health concerns, medications, and sleep disturbances often result in a decrease in libido. Though there are currently no good drugs for treating sexual problems in women, there are ways to increase intimacy with a partner and treat vaginal dryness.
Men's health is an important component to a happy lifestyle and healthy relationships. Eating healthy, exercise, managing stress, and knowing when to have medical tests for a particular age is key to disease prevention in men.
Having diabetes can mean early onset and increased severity of bladder symptoms (urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections) and changes in sexual function. Men may have erectile dysfunction; and women may have problems with sexual response and vaginal lubrication. Keep your diabetes under control, and you can lower your risk of sexual and urologic problems.
When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
There are four phases to the sexual response for men and women. Couple do not usually reach each phase at the same time, and they are dependant from individual to individual. The four phases of the sexual response cycle include phase 1, excitement; phase 2, plateau; phase 3 orgasm; and phase 4 resolution.
Introduction to sexual and urological problems of diabetes
Troublesome bladder symptoms and changes in sexual function are common health problems as people age. Having diabetes can mean early onset and increased severity of these problems. Sexual and urologic complications of diabetes occur because of the damage diabetes can cause to blood vessels and nerves. Men may have difficulty with erections or ejaculation. Women may have problems with sexual response and vaginal lubrication. Urinary tract infections and bladder problems occur more often in people with diabetes. People who keep their diabetes under control can lower their risk of the early onset of these sexual and urologic problems.
Diabetes and sexual problems
Both men and women with diabetes can develop sexual problems because of damage to nerves and small blood vessels. When a person wants to lift an arm or take a step, the brain sends nerve signals to the appropriate muscles. Ne...
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