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Check your symptomsMasturbation – Harms and Benefits
October 15, 2018
Updated May 2023
Talking about masturbation is not a popular conversation topic, even in most sexual health clinics.
But – it’s important to cover this subject as many theories or opinions that may not be strictly correct abound.
Here’s a great definition of Masturbation from the NHS Choices website:
Masturbation is when you get sexual pleasure from touching your genitals, usually with your hand.
You can masturbate yourself or a partner. Masturbation usually leads to an orgasm.
Generally, men and boys masturbate by rubbing or moving their hands up and down their erect penis.
Women and girls may use their fingers or hand to rub the area around their clitoris or vagina.
In some cultures, Masturbation is a taboo word.
This is particularly because of the cultural and spiritual/religious beliefs behind masturbation – and many of the former are based on the latter.
It’s probably accurate to say that for a very long time, two of the major religions have considered the practice of masturbation as ungodly.
For more details, here are links for followers of the Christian and Islamic faiths to consider.
In this article, let us address the very real concerns some people have about masturbation and its impact on physical or mental health.
Masturbation does not cause the penis to bend or result in blindness.
Well, it could provide a release of sexual tension.
For some, it also helps with sleep and relaxation.
Some therapists recommend masturbation for men who suffer from premature ejaculation.
Some could argue that it has less risk of getting a sexual infection from an infected partner.
Research published in JAMA Paediatrics indicates it is a normal part of sexual development.
It is a frequent occurrence in teens.
Health care practitioners should be able to discuss masturbation and related issues with people in a bid to provide them with quality health care advice.
So what do you think? Have you any thoughts for or against Masturbation?
Please share, or ask away………..
More Reading:
Editing by AskAwayHealth Team
Disclaimer
All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising Medical Practitioners on various healthcare conditions to provide evidence-based guidance and help promote quality healthcare. The advice in our material is not meant to replace the management of your specific condition by a qualified healthcare practitioner. To discuss your condition, please contact a health practitioner or reach us directly
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