Masturbation isn’t exactly the top conversation starter at dinner parties, and most of us are probably still haunted by the memories of our teachers trying to talk about it in sex ed. So it comes as no surprise that there is a lot of confusion and misinformation about the topic.
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To set the record straight, we’ve cleared up some of the most common myths and collected some of the best facts (with the help of Lelo) about masturbation. Have fun…
MYTH: Masturbation can sexually ‘use you up’
Fortunately, you’re not allocated a certain amount of orgasms per lifetime, so no, you cannot ‘run out’ or use them up.
For men trying to conceive with their partners, masturbation won’t ‘waste’ sperm either. If you’re a healthy, normal man with no fertility issues, your testicles will always make sperm and your prostate will always make seminal fluid. There’s plenty to go around.
FACT: Masturbation began in ancient times
The earliest records of masturbation came from the ancient civilisation, Sumer, and encouraged it as a way to enhance potency. They may have been onto something, as masturbation has since been proven to increase immunity and boost mood.
MYTH: Vibrators ruin sex for women
You know the saying, ‘practice makes perfect’? That applies to masturbation, too! Sure, vibrators might make a woman orgasm faster (they are designed specifically to hit the right spots, after all), but it doesn’t mean she won’t find pleasure in other types of sexual stimulation – no matter how many times she uses it!
In fact, using a vibrator can make a woman more comfortable with (and aware of) her body and its sexual responses, heightening her response to all forms of erotic pleasure. #winning
The Andracova G-spot parcel is perfect for beginners.
FACT: There was a law against masturbation
In the US, there was once a law (The New Haven law of 1656) in Conneticut that meant those found guilty of masturbating could be given the death penalty.
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MYTH: Women can become addicted to vibrators
Love vibrators? That’s fabulous – and it doesn’t mean you have an addiction! There’s nothing wrong with thoroughly enjoying the stimulation it provides and if you can only orgasm by using one, that’s fine. You’re not the only one.
bh’s top solo session picks:
FACT: Kellogg’s wasn’t a fan of masturbation
Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (yes, as in Kellogg’s, the brand of cereal) is quoted as saying, “If illicit commerce of the sexes is a heinous sin, self-pollution is a crime doubly abominable.” And in modern-day. English: if sex is bad, masturbation is way worse. He also believed eating meats and spices excited the libido, so he stuck to a strict vegetarian diet – which is actually how Corn Flakes came to be invented. Is your mind blown?!
MYTH: Only people who aren’t having sex masturbate
Masturbation is not a sign of loneliness or desperation by any means. Even those who are in loving, sexually fulfilling relationships masturbate. Sometimes it’s just easier (and quicker) to have a solo session and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Your partner could even be in the room – how else would the student become the master?
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FACT: Kama Sutra also teaches about masturbation
While the Kama Sutra is known to many as the ultimate guide to acrobatic sex positions, the text (from around 400BC) also offers masturbation instructions: “Churn your instrument with a lion’s pounce: sit with legs stretched out at right angles to one another, propping yourself up with two hands planted on the ground between in them, and it between your arms.”
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MYTH: Maturbation causes erectile disfunction
There could be many reasons why he’s not to the occasion, but masturbation is not one of them. It doesn’t matter how often he plays tug-of-war – there’s no link.
FACT: Men masturbate more than women
According to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, 92% of men will have masturbated by adulthood, as opposed to only 62% of women.
MYTH: Masturbation kills your sex drive
False! It has the opposite effect, actually. Masturbation allows you to explore your body and discover what you do and don’t like, in turn making you more excited to take part in sexual activity. Feeling a little bit dry down there? A hydrating gel such as Vagisil ProHydrate Internal Hydrating Gel will help provide long-lasting relief, for more comfortable maturbation and intimacy.
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FACT: There is a masturbation app
It’s called “Happy Fun Time” and teaches women how to masturbate with the use of a cartoon vulva. Go on, then…
MYTH: If you don’t masturbate, there’s something wrong with you
Some people go their whole lives without masturbating and that’s a-okay. You should only do what you feel comfortable with and never feel pressured to try it. Just like there is nothing wrong with doing it, there’s nothing wrong with NOT doing it either.
FACT: Masturbating can ease menstrual cramps
Before you say “gross”, did you know you can masturbate with a tampon in? Most orgasms are a result of clitoral stimulation, and according to Judith Golden, a registered sex therapist, “The strength and intensity of an orgasm can relieve cramps, and the hormones released during sexual excitement can also help.” To avoid making a mess, beautyheaven recommends using a tampon that has been specially designed to provide better protection against leaks, such as CAREFREE ® Tampons Regular.
Did any of the above facts surprise you? Do you have any other questions about masturbation?
I was very interested to learn all of this. Clears a lot up actually
Fun article, a lot of it new to me tbh very interesting about the invention of Kellogs
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