Is Masturbation Bad?

As much as many would disagree, masturbation remains a normal part of sexuality. It’s a fun activity through which people explore their sexual lives and derive self-pleasure. It only becomes a problem when it prevents you from performing daily tasks or interferes with your sex drive. If it ever gets to these, then you might want to review your relationship with the act.

Masturbation is more common than many think. People who are in satisfying sexual relationships with a partner masturbate, so do people who aren`t. But how do you know when you have crossed the line with masturbation? Here`s how:

• You can’t control the urge to masturbate.
• You miss social functions, work, or school, so you can masturbate.
• You plan your day around when you can masturbate.

If you fall into any of these categories, then you sure need help.

9 Ways to Break the Addiction of Masturbation

Getting to stop masturbating is a process, really. No one finds it easy to overcome urges they`ve indulged for months or years. It can take a while, however, it’s possible to quit. We`ll discuss the steps and strategies required in stopping masturbation when it becomes a self-destructive act.

Find a Therapist

Struggling with stopping masturbation? Speak with your doctor who might refer you to a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist who specializes in sexual health. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) might also be helpful in locating a therapist near you.

Masturbation carries a stigma, we know. Over the years, cultures, religions, and some spiritual traditions have associates masturbation with immorality, however, you need to be open to your therapist about your engagement in the act. Being open to your therapist will help you both get to the root of the challenge and enables them to offer you the best assistance possible.

Be Patient

You have made your first visit to the therapist`s; good job, however, don`t expect a miracle. You won`t kill the addiction after your first few visits. It may take a while, and that`s okay. Subsequent visits will help you feel more comfortable with your therapist. and gradually, you will overcome the act, especially if you adhere to your therapist’s advice.

Limit your Alone Time

People who keep to themselves are more likely to masturbate. If you love movies, you might want to spend time with friends at a cinema instead of watching it at home. You could also watch sports outdoors if you`re a sports lover. Or alternatively, host friends in your house. By all means, just work at spending less time alone.

Stay Busy

Shutting out idle times will help you reduce the rate at which you masturbate. Find healthier activities that are engaging and enjoyable to distract yourself. You could exercise, practice mindfulness, do yoga, or, it just may be time to discover a new hobby. Outdoor activities such as going out with friends or exploring new museums or exhibits may also be helpful.

Wear Extra Clothes at Night

A single piece of underwear gives only a slight barrier between your hands and your genitals, making it easier for you to masturbate. Try wearing an extra layer of clothing or two to limit access to your genitals.

Develop Addiction-Breaking Strategies

Track your masturbation times and fix healthy and more engaging activities during those times. Some people masturbate just before bedtime, while others do so while having their morning shower. With the help of your therapist, you can engage yourself better at these times, with the aim of overcoming your addiction.

Stop Watching Pornography

Watching pornography while struggling with masturbation is a step in the wrong direction. Dispose of every pornographic content around you and move your computer to a public room in the house so others can see you while using it. Installing porn-blocking software on your devices may also be a great idea.

Find a Support Group

Accountability is key in attaining behavior modification. Your therapist may help you find a support group in your area. This will help you relate with people facing the same or similar addictions, and draw strength from one another. It can also help you develop new behaviors.

Stay Committed

You play a major role in breaking this addiction. Your therapist and support group can only help. If you don`t commit to overcoming it, the challenge will persist or even worsen. Understand that it is a limitation, and give yourself reasons to stop it, with some strong determination.

Some Sexuality Facts

• Contrary to popular belief, masturbation does not cause cancer hairy palms, blindness, infidelity, and STIs.
• A high sex drive may cause frequent masturbation.
• The National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior garnered that 80% of males have masturbated by age 17, while only 58% of females do.
• A study from the University of Sydney found that masturbation leads to a lower chance of diabetes and insomnia.
• In a recent survey, 70% of married people admitted to masturbating habitually.
• A U.S. surgeon once suggested that masturbation should be taught to help prevent AIDS.
• Male kangaroos have oral sex, while female porcupines use wooden sticks as dildoes.
• A study found that 32% of women masturbated just because it helped them sleep better.
• Some women report that masturbation helps in easing menstrual cramps. This may be as a result of the feel-good hormones released during masturbation.
• A wide variety of animals in the wild masturbate; some of them are monkeys, squirrels, walruses, and deers.
• Some women can hit the high note just by doing crunches that include a leg raise — it causes the pelvic muscles to tighten and release, which can unleash a wave of blissful contractions down there.
• That old wive’s tale about masturbation causing acne? It’s kinda true.
• That’s because when you climax, your body experiences a spike in the hormone testosterone, which can cause zits. The increase in testosterone is (very) small, though, so it’s unlikely that you’ll have a breakout.
• Women who masturbate by first wetting their fingers with saliva have a higher risk of developing frequent yeast infections because saliva may disrupt the balance of bacteria in their vagina.
• Bottled lubricants are better for wetting the vagina that saliva or some random liquid substance.
• Some women experience orgasms through nipple stimulation: it`s called nipplegasm.
• The average male orgasm lasts six seconds, while the average female orgasm lasts 20 seconds.
• Men are more likely to discuss masturbation among themselves that women do.
• The earliest records of masturbation came from Sumer, the ancient civilization that encouraged it as a way to enhance potency.
• Using a vibrator can make a woman more comfortable with her body, and aware of her sexual responses, as well as intensify her response to more forms of erotic pleasure.
• The New Haven law of 1656 in Connecticut stipulated that people found guilty of masturbating should be sentenced to death.
• There`s an app that teaches women how to masturbate by using a cartoon vulva.
• For many people, the length of time it takes to reach orgasm varies and depends on a number of different factors, including arousal, stress levels, tiredness, and relationship dynamics.
• For men, penetration to ejaculation usually takes about seven minutes.
• Women can reach orgasm through clitoral or vaginal stimulation.
• The best way to stimulate the clitoris is by rubbing it gently with the fingers, palm, or tongue.