Masturbation is a process where a person derives sexual pleasure by manually stroking his genitals by his hands. It is usually performed by singletons but those in a relationship may also perform it to get an orgasm. It is a normal activity that has no harmful physical or emotional effects. On the contrary, it can be beneficial in some ways. Excessive masturbation can have some harmful effects, which are discussed here.

 

Contrary to popular belief, masturbation does not cause physical injury or harm to the body.

Common myths about masturbation:

• Masturbation reduces sexual performance and/ or libido later in life
• Masturbation causes a reduction in the quantity of semen
• Masturbation adversely affects the quality of semen
• Masturbations makes semen watery
• Masturbation causes mental illness
• Masturbation causes blindness
• Masturbation causes growth of hair on palms
• Masturbation causes impotence

Masturbation does not cause any of the above. It is a normal and extremely common activity that has no harmful physical or emotional effects. On the contrary, it can be beneficial in some ways.

Benefits of masturbation

• Provides sexual pleasure without the risk of sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy
• Relieves stress and sexual tension
• Makes a person more aware of his/ her own sexuality
• Prepares you better for sexual activity with a partner in future

Excessive masturbation can have some harmful effects, which are discussed below. 

Possible harms of masturbation

• Can cause abrasions or bruises if done too vigorously
• Inserting external objects during masturbation may cause injury and infections
• Spending too much time indulging in masturbation may start hampering a person’s daily activities. If someone misses important tasks or starts spending less time socializing because of it, he is probably getting obsessed with it. He or she may start wasting valuable time and money on procuring pornographic material. One should consciously guard against getting too engrossed in such activities.