Taboo subjects like masturbation are often shrouded in mystery, but masturbation isn’t the boogy-man. Myths about self-pleasure come from simple and even dangerous misunderstandings of this basic human act.
These masturbation myths range from the hilarious to the ‘almost’ believable. In this article, we’ll pull back the curtain and explain the truth behind the most famous and infamous pleasure myths. Let the truth-telling begin!
Why It’s Important to Demystify Masturbation Myths
Everyone deserves to have a fulfilling and pleasurable sex life, which includes non-partnered sex. Myths about masturbation perpetuate harmful and alarming falsities about this act, leading people to stop participating in normal sexual activity. Alternatively, individuals continue to masturbate but experience intense feelings of guilt, shame, and even health concerns.
Around 90% of American men and 75% of American women masturbate. Every single one of these individuals should achieve the highest pleasure, worry-free.
At Fleshlight, we’re determined to support regular sexual behavior like masturbation. This encouragement means providing insights into the reality of sexual pleasure and promoting quality self-sex education.
7 Masturbation Myths, Debunked
Let’s dive into the common myths about jacking off, the potential origins, and the reality behind the myth.
Masturbation isn’t healthy.
What a load of bull. Masturbation actually has many health benefits. However, the strong physical effects that people experience during masturbation lead to the belief that jacking off has a severe, permanent impact on the human body.
Here are some of the common health myths surrounding masturbation:
- Masturbation can affect immunity.
- Masturbation causes infertility.
- Masturbation leads to erectile dysfunction.
- Masturbation hurts normal sexual development.
- Masturbation can permanently lower sperm count.
- Masturbation can affect your sex drive.
None of these health problems come from jacking off. In fact, this type of misinformation is inherently dangerous as it can stop people from getting the help they need.
If you’re experiencing infertility issues, you don’t need to see a sex therapist or a sexologist; you need a doctor.
You can masturbate too much.
So, this one is complicated. It’s true that excessive masturbation is a thing. Some people are simply more prone to addiction. (Sad but true.)
Have you ever known someone who seemed addicted to a regular life activity? Maybe they couldn’t tear themselves away from Netflix to shower or go to work. Maybe going out on the weekends turned into an every-night activity. Jacking off can become an addiction for some people, too.
If any usual sexual habit starts to impact your general well-being or day-to-day life, then it may be an addiction. However, masturbation is a normal aspect of sexual health, and as long as your habits aren’t impacting the rest of your life, you’re not masturbating too much. Just stay aware of your habits and practice moderation with everything in life.
Only single people masturbate.
A common myth is that if you have sexual partners, then you won’t masturbate. Some people say you won’t want to or it’s unnatural to do when partnered.
However, your partner won’t always be around when the mood strikes, or they may not be in the mood themselves. Perhaps your partner may even enjoy watching you get down and dirty with some sex toys on your own.
The truth is that solo pleasure is a normal human activity, so it doesn’t just disappear when you get into a relationship. Single and partnered people can and do masturbate.
Masturbation negatively affects your relationship.
Theoretically, your romantic partner and you always want to have better sex. (At least, we hope that’s the goal for your sake.) But there is a nasty rumor floating around that masturbating while in a relationship can hurt your sex life.
In reality, understanding your own body sexually through jacking off allows you to create a better sex life with your partner. Pleasure is pleasure, no matter where it comes from. Solo-pleasure isn’t cheating, and you can even explore it with a partner. It’s called mutual masturbation, and it can deepen your relationship further than ever before.
Masturbation can ruin your sexual experience.
This myth is a pretty old one, and it comes from ancient understandings of sex, life, and purity. In many old cultures, sex wasn’t truly understood like it is today.
On one hand, there were ideas about saving oneself sexually for marriage (which included masturbation). On the other hand, pleasure wasn’t commonly discussed because it was seen as a fickle, fleeting thing. Masturbation was considered a risk. It was an action that could destroy pleasure in the marriage bed.
Don’t let this misconception of masturbation fool you. The reality is that a side effect of masturbation is a deeper understanding of your own pleasure and needs. When you masturbate, you naturally explore your body in new and exciting ways.
Self-ejaculation allows you the freedom of getting freaky without being judged. This grand finish results in better partnered sex, and you’re able to explain to your partner what you enjoy.
Women do not masturbate.
People of all genders, sexualities, and experiences enjoy a little self-love. The myth that women do not masturbate comes from societal rules about what women can do and enjoy.
Traditionally, women were forced out of conversations about pleasure to protect their “purity” and delicate sensibilities. In fact, sex toys for women were even illegal in many countries. These types of anti-pleasure regulations were called ‘love laws,’ and they primarily targeted women.
However, when it comes to sexual desire and pleasure, women are just like men. Primates, like humans, biologically seek out pleasure, whether that’s partnered or solo. It’s incredibly natural for women and men to masturbate. As we mentioned earlier in the article, around 75% of American women masturbate, and the rest of the world boasts similar numbers.
Masturbation is dirty.
So, unless you’re a fan of jacking off in the mud (which we guess could be fun in a sticky way), this is completely false. This myth refers to the belief that self-pleasure is gross or somehow improper.
The reality is that masturbation has become a taboo subject, leading to these beliefs. It’s true that there are some situations and locations that are not ideal for discussing masturbation. There’s a time and a place for everything, and a funeral probably isn’t the best place to bring up your favorite anal toy.
However, just because pleasure isn’t a normal topic for every situation doesn’t mean it’s inappropriate or ‘dirty’ in general. As we’ve mentioned, masturbation is a healthy human activity. It’s a vital aspect of many people’s sex lives and, just like your sex life, can and should be discussed with partners and close friends. It doesn’t need to be hidden or ashamed of.
Gain Sexual Liberation with Fleshlight
At Fleshlight, we do everything we can to support a normal, happy, sexy self-pleasure lifestyle. While the trusty hand is good for a quickie, a proper regimen of sex toys can take your masturbation habits from basic to mind-blowing.
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