Masturbation is the sexual stimulation of your own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm.
Most men and women have masturbated. Men tend to begin at a younger age, and also practice it more often than women. The explanation to this could be that fact that men have more sex drive than females.
Another reason could be that the sex apparatus in men is on the outside, and because they see it always it would be easier to initiate the exercise. However, female sexual apparatus are kind of hidden. And because most women have been taught at very young age to be secretive about their genitals, this could play an inhibitory role in masturbation.
Masturbation is common among humans as shown by many studies. However, frequency varies from one individual to another. Factors that determine the frequency of masturbation include:
· Personal resistance to sexual tension
· Hormone levels influencing sexual arousal
· Sexual habits
· Peer influences
· Health status
· Personal attitude to masturbation formed by culture
In the US about 92% of men and 62% of women have masturbated during their lifespan in a study.
In a national survey carried out in Britain in 2007, it was found that between individuals aged 16 to 44, 95% of men and 71% of women masturbated at some point in their lives.
Large studies have not been done in Nigeria, but small sample size studies carried out in Lagos shows about 93% of men and 70% of women masturbate.
This question could be approached from two different points of view. One is from scientific standpoint, and the other from a religious or cultural inclination.
Scientific standpoint
Scientifically, it was assumed before that masturbation was an immature activity and that it one should not get addicted to it as this negatively would affect the sex life of that individual.
However, more recently scientists and sexual experts have advocated the need of masturbation in individuals. They believe that people, especially women would be able to explore their bodies through masturbation and that they could gain more understanding about their own sexual response. This is believed to make the sex more fun and enjoyable.
Furthermore, the government of the United Kingdom in 2009 joined the Netherlands and other European nations in encouraging teens to masturbate at least daily. This was done in response to data and experience from the other EU member states to reduce teen pregnancy and STIs (STDs), and to promote healthy habits.
Therefore, from these standpoint, masturbation is not regarded as something shameful, but usually encouraged for every to practice because of the perceived benefits. Aside from the health benefits of masturbation that have been suggested, some women masturbate in order to ease abdominal cramps during their periods. Other individuals do it to relieve frustration, anxiety and tension.
Religious standpoint
Religious organizations have a totally different view and many of them are opposed to the act of masturbation. The Christians believe that the deliberate use of the sexual faculty outside of marriage is, contrary to its primary purpose of procreation and unification of the husband and wife in marriage.
However, the bible seems to be a little bit silent on this subject, neither denouncing nor encouraging the practice. But there is a portion in Leviticus chapter 15 which clearly states that if any man's sperm or fluid gets released outside of intercourse, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the evening.
Also Romans chapter 1 makes mention of the fact that people knew God but did not glorify Him, He now gave them over to their reprobate minds to do things that are not convenient. Because of this some men and women would use their bodies unnaturally, and masturbation is considered an unnatural use of the body.
Islam as well does not approve masturbation. In Islam, sexual engagement outside of marriage is a major sin, which causes the doer to be punished in this life and in the afterlife.
There are different ways to masturbate. The one technique that is common to both male and female is rubbing of the genital area either with the fingers or against an object such as a pillow.
In females:
· One of the techniques in females includes stroking or rubbing the vulva, especially the clitoris, with the fingers.
· Another technique is the use of masturbation aids such as a vibrator to stimulate the vagina and clitoris.
· Women can also sexually stimulate themselves by crossing their legs tightly and clenching the muscles in their legs, creating pressure on the genitals.
In males:
· The most common male masturbation technique is simply to hold the penis with a loose fist and then to move the hand up and down the shaft.
· A man could also rub or massage the rim of the glans penis.
· Other men may also use vibrators and other sexual devices more commonly associated with female masturbation.
Mutual masturbation is a sexual act where two or more people stimulate themselves or one another sexually, usually with hands. It can be part of a full repertoire of sexual intercourse. It may be used as an interlude, foreplay, or as an alternative to penetration.
Mutual masturbation can be practiced by males or females in pairs or groups.
Excessive masturbation as the name implies means masturbation practices which gains totally control the individual. There is no scientific evidence to show it is caused by any form of mental disorder, but it could be associated with extreme or compulsive sexual behavior.
Masturbation among adolescents is said to play a significant role in their physical and emotional development and also contributes to them developing a sense of control over sexual impulses. However, it could be abnormal when it becomes uncontrollable.
The practice of excessive masturbation could be a sign of an underlying emotional problem.
For example, avoidant personality disorder is sometimes associated with a preference for excessive masturbation over sexual relationships. The people who suffer this condition experience better orgasm with masturbation than sexual intercourse. In this situation masturbation is not the disorder, but only a symptom of the underlying problem.
Therefore, it is better to seek the help of a health specialist who would uncover and treat any underlying cause rather than just try to suppress masturbation, as excessive urge may signify something more serious.
The health benefits of masturbation may include the following.
· Masturbation is found in research to lower likelihood of developing prostate cancer some studies. This may not be related to masturbation per say, but the frequency of ejaculation.
· Ejaculation (through masturbation or sex) is found to reduce swollen nasal blood vessels, freeing the airway for normal breathing. The mechanism is through stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and is long lasting.
· Masturbation is also seen as a sexual technique that protects individuals from the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
· Masturbation is shown to be associated with improved cardiovascular health and lower risk of type-2 diabetes. This is so because masturbation is considered to function as a cardiovascular workout.
· Both sex and masturbation is said to lower blood pressure. A small study demonstrated lower blood pressure in persons who had recently masturbated compared to those who had not.
· Masturbation helps prevent cervical infections and helps relieve urinary tract infections. This is thought to happen because when women masturbate, the orgasm opens the cervix.
· Masturbation can help relieve insomnia.After ejaculation, the hormones oxytocin and endorphins are released and this makes us feel good and also helps us sleep better.
· Orgasm increases pelvic floor strength.
Psychological and emotional benefits of masturbation
The emotional and psychological benefits of masturbation are discussed here. It should be noted that studies to prove these claims still remains scanty:
· Masturbation is said to relieve depression and lead to a higher sense of self-esteem. This is thought to be related to increase levels of the hormones adrenalin and dopamine.
· Sexual climax, from masturbation or otherwise, leaves one in a relaxed and contented state. This is frequently followed closely by drowsiness and sleep – particularly when one masturbates in bed.
· Masturbation is thought to bring relieve to emotional stress.
Benefits of masturbation in relationship
Here are some supposed benefits of masturbation in relationship:
· Masturbation brings more sexual satisfaction in relationship. This is particularly useful in relationships where one partner wants more sex than the other – in which case masturbation provides a balancing effect and thus a more harmonious relationship.
· Mutual masturbation allows a couple to reveal the "map to their pleasure centers". Witnessing a partner masturbate can teach us what methods our partners use so we can learn what they enjoy.
· Mutual masturbation allows couples to enjoy each other and obtain sexual release as often as they need but without the inconveniences and risks associated with sex.
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