Is masturbation normal? Let’s consult science to debunk some of the biggest self-pleasure misconceptions.
Is masturbation normal? Yes, yes, and, oh, yes
Welcome to an episode of Male Masturbation Myth Busters. Join us as we use science to debunk some of the biggest masturbation misconceptions. In asking the question, is masturbation normal?, we’re opening a discussion on one of the most important sexual topics. And frankly, if there’s anything men should do more of, it’s talk about touching their bits.
The truth won’t just set you free, but your orgasm too. Is masturbation normal? From masturbation frequency to the ‘side effects’ of sperm release: let’s bust some masturbation myths.
Myth 1: Masturbation is bad for your health
The anti-masturbation campaigners of yore can be blamed for propagating this enduring myth. Because for centuries, the masturbation question on everyone’s minds was not is masturbation normal?, but will it put me in hospital?.
It was in the 19th century that medical theories about the detrimental effects of male masturbation, quite literally, spiked. Anti-masturbation devices were created, which to the modern eye, would look more at home in a BDSM dungeon than on a gentleman’s penis.
Studies have found that the health benefits of masturbation include pain relief, stress relief, and a boost to your immune system.
Times have changed, but surprisingly, masturbation health concerns persist—from hairy palms to insanity, penis shrinkage to infertility. Anti-mastabatory gum is also, apparently, a thing. The good news, though: science has proven that masturbation carries no risks.
In fact, masturbation is not just normal—it’s healthy! Studies have found that the health benefits of masturbation include pain relief, stress relief, and a boost to your immune system.
Myth 2: You can masturbate too much or too little
Is masturbation normal? Statistics show that pretty much everyone is masturbating—even if they don’t talk about it on their office tea break. One anonymous survey of 1,200 Americans found that 95% of men and 81% of women have masturbated at some point in their lifetime.
Is it normal to masturbate every day? Just as normal as it is to pleasure yourself once a week, once a month, or not at all.
How often is it normal to masturbate? According to the survey, 10 to 16 times per month is the average. Of the people who reported masturbating, 60% do it at least once a week, compared to 23% who masturbate once a month.
Is it normal to masturbate every day? Just as normal as it is to pleasure yourself once a week, once a month, or not at all. Even masturbating multiple times a day can be normal—as long as it isn’t disrupting your life in any way.
Don’t stress the numbers: what matters is finding your normal. Just under three-quarters of the survey respondents agreed that masturbation is a form of self-care.
Myth 3: People in relationships don’t masturbate
Is masturbation normal in a relationship? The aforementioned survey found that people in relationships masturbate around 10 times per month. On the other… hand, singles masturbate six more times a month on average.
Whether or not you share your habits with your partner, it’s totally healthy to engage in a regular self-love session. Masturbation is a normal part of emotionally and physically satisfying romantic relationships.
Is masturbation normal when done with a partner? Indeed, some people take sharing their masturbation habits very literally. Out of the survey participants who said they’d masturbated in front of their partner, 95% of them described the experience as “good,” “very good,” or “excellent.” Aside from being a turn on—and a fun way to mix things up in the bedroom—mutual masturbation is a great way to deepen intimacy.
Myth 4: Releasing sperm has negative side effects
We don’t need to tell you the positive side effects of orgasm. But is masturbation normal for a healthy reproductive system? Absolutely! Science has proven that releasing sperm has no negative health implications.
What happens if we release sperm daily? A 2015 study found that men’s sperm count slightly decreased when they ejaculated daily for 14 days. However, that number did not fall below normal thresholds. Is masturbation normal for sperm health? Totally—frequent ejaculation does not affect other measures of sperm health. That’s not to mention that your body makes millions of spermatozoa every day, so you won’t simply “run out” of sperm.
Don’t believe the anti-masturbation propaganda: you’re better off masturbating a lot than not at all.
What are the side effects of not releasing sperm? Don’t believe the anti-masturbation propaganda: you’re better off masturbating a lot than not at all. According to the Harvard ejaculation study—which followed men for two decades—ejaculating often may lower your risk of prostate cancer. In fact, men with the lowest risk masturbated 21 or more times per month.
Is masturbation normal? The takeaway
If you had any doubt that masturbation is normal, rest assured. Be it health implications, frequency concerns, relationship worries, or sperm-release side effects, you can consider these male masturbation myths well and truly busted.
DO try this at home: masturbation is a normal part of a healthy and satisfying life. In fact, considering today’s wealth of knowledge and resources on self-pleasure, to say masturbation is normal is a huge understatement. Moreover, masturbation is amazing!
The key to a great solo sex life is tuning into your own desires and finding out what’s normal for you. According to science—and the masturbation habits of almost the entire adult population—masturbation is not a sin, but a virtue. If self-pleasure pleases you, then you do you.
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