Sexuality, and with it masturbation, has been a taboo subject for many centuries and unfortunately today there are still embers burning from that fire. Thus, although it is assumed that we have already gathered enough knowledge to replicate with evidence the basis of these censorial fallacies, there are still certain resistances to tear down walls.
Walls that we currently know without meaning and that is to end with lies that have survived years and years and have subjected to the ethics of a society, because very wrong they are, it is not easy.
The subject of masturbation lacks public symptomatology, since it is something that is usually done without witnesses. It is still considered that it is something completely intimate and that it is not good to comment on it.
Also, many people still believe that it is a prohibited practice, mainly because it is intended for the exploration of individual pleasure and not directly to satisfaction as a couple.
There are currents of thought that proclaim, even today, some supposed damages derived from masturbation. They are inaccurate statements, when not frankly lying, ranging from saying that masturbating leads to madness, to point out that it is a practice of selfish and lonely people.
"I have a small task for you. Go home and touch yourself. Live a little "
-From the movie "The Black Swan" -
According to the Hite Report and other subsequent studies, about 82% of men and 66.6% of women masturbate intentionally. And I say "intentionally" because a group of people caresses without intending or have sexual fantasies during sleep, even reaching orgasm.
However, in the face of misinformation and myths, knowledge can only be contrasted. These are some of the claims about masturbation that have become obsolete.
Masturbation is only typical of adolescents
It's false. The first autoerotic explorations take place during childhood, at an early age. In the process of recognizing the body itself, the child explores their genitals and is often stimulated and excited. Of course, these kinds of practices are not conscious because the child lacks a sexual conscience, as such.
In the same way, a good number of young adults and older adults practice masturbation regularly. According to the study "Sex behavior," published by McCary in 1983, 59% of men and women over 60 admit to masturbation relatively often.
Masturbation is for single or single people
This myth is also very widespread. From this point of view, masturbation is only a substitute for sexual intercourse with a partner. This is not like this. Autoerotism follows a different logic, insofar as it constitutes an individual practice that has much more to do with self-knowledge than with compensation for lack of intimate relationships.
In fact, a lot of married people masturbate. And masturbation has a therapeutic use in case of sexual dysfunction; it is used as a device to overcome blockages that prevent experiencing pleasure as a couple.
Masturbation does not lead to real orgasms
This statement is also false. Although there is not much information about it, the Hite Report, a true pioneer in these issues, revealed that masturbation is the most pleasurable sexual practice for women. According to the data of this research, women reach orgasm during masturbation 95% of the time and take less time to achieve it.
In the book "The researchers of sex", Brecher, it is stated that men between 35 and 60 years old, masturbate 70 times a year, on average. Although most prefer sexual intercourse with a partner, they also state that they consider masturbation as an indispensable complement and that it leads to equally intense orgasms.
Masturbation often causes mental problems
False. In the world of the human, it is always wrong to point out fixed rules. "A lot" or "little" are relative terms, which depend on the characteristics and circumstances of each person. A person who masturbates daily is neither perverted, nor sick, nor is he on the verge of madness. The same goes for whoever carries out this practice only very occasionally, or never does.
As always, if it is a behavior that disrupts the normal development of activities or disrupts other aspects of life, there may be a problem. But, as long as it is integrated with the rest of our obligations and pleasures, there is no problem.
Masturbation generates physical problems
Actually, the opposite happens. People who live their sexuality freely are healthier physically and mentally. However, there are myths in which it is ensured that masturbating leads to hair loss, acne, reduced fertility or even to blindness.
All this is false. Masturbation is a normal and healthy act, which does not cause any physical harm. This practice invites self-recognition, strengthens the pelvic muscles and increases the intensity of the libido. In the face of stress, relax. Faced with inhibition, it helps break down barriers.
Source Information
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shere_Hite
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/31762366_Sexualidad_humana_de_McCary_JL_McCary_tr_por_Rafael_Nunez
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_M._Brecher
