Madeeha Syed

The Link Between Masturbation And Sexual Wellness

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Overview

Masturbation is the act of stimulating one&rsquo;s own genitals usually to the point of orgasm. It is a natural and healthy part of sexual development and expression and is practiced by people of all genders and ages.

Despite the long-standing stigma attached to it, whether it be religious or cultural, there is growing evidence to suggest that masturbation is associated with a range of sexual health benefits. As early as 1972, the American Medical Association agreed that masturbation is a normal behavior. Masturbating doesn&rsquo;t make you lose energy or cause premature ejaculation and from a medical perspective, it&rsquo;s a healthy and normal habit. 
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However, if it starts to interfere with your ability to engage in partner-oriented behavior or if one engages in the act in public or if it becomes compulsive and causes distress, then it could be considered abnormal. While there&rsquo;s no solid proof of &ldquo;masturbation addiction&rdquo;, it&rsquo;s possible that some people may experience a compulsive urge to masturbate. Before we move forward, we must also establish that years of research has gone on to establish that there is absolutely no causal relationship between masturbation and physical or mental health disorders. 
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Effects Of Masturbation

Here are a few reasons why masturbation can improve sexual wellness:

<ul>
	<li>One of the major benefits of masturbation is improved sexual function. Regular masturbation has been linked to increased sexual desire, improved erectile function and enhanced sexual satisfaction. This may be due in part to the fact that masturbation can help individuals learn more about their bodies and sexual preferences and therefore be more confident and communicative in sexual relationships. 
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	<li>Mutual masturbation allows partners in a relationship to discover what touches give each other pleasure when they cannot have intercourse and it can be done as often as desired. 
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	<li>Masturbation can also balance sex drives in a relationship when one partner wants sex more often than the other. 
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	<li>Masturbation has also been shown to have positive effects on mental health. Many people in mental health communities believe that masturbation can improve self-esteem and alleviate depression. Research has suggested that masturbation can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and improve mood. This may be due to the release of endorphins, which are natural chemicals produced by the body and cause feelings of pleasure and well-being. This is why sexual climax can leave individuals in a relaxed and contented state, often leading to drowsiness and sleep. 
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	<li>Another benefit of masturbation is that it can help individuals develop a more positive body image. When we explore our bodies and learn what feels good, we may become more comfortable with our own physicality and less self-conscious during sexual activity. This can ultimately lead to increased sexual confidence and satisfaction. 
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	<li>Masturbating can be a part of an adolescent&#39;s sexual exploration and can help them feel like they have more control over their sexual desires. Many individuals have reported that it has helped them gain mastery over their sexual urges. This is why it also plays a positive role in the physical and emotional development of preteens and teenagers. 
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	<li>There&rsquo;s something to be said about the fact that Encyclopedia Britannica recommends using masturbation as a part of sex therapy. Sex therapy helps one improve sexual function and treat sexual issues. This can include dealing with problems like premature or delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, low sexual interest or arousal and painful sex. It can also address issues related to atypical sexual interests, gender dysphoria, a high sex drive, lack of sexual confidence, recovering from sexual abuse, and sexual problems related to aging, illness, or disability. 
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	<li>A study conducted in Australia in 2003 found that males who masturbated frequently had a lower chance of developing prostate cancer. A larger study in 2016 confirmed this and found that regular ejaculation reduces the risk of prostate cancer in all age groups. 
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	<li>A study from 1997 found that a higher frequency of orgasm was associated with a reduced risk of death from coronary heart disease. Some professionals also compare the physical exertion of masturbation to that of a cardiovascular workout. 
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	<li>Ejaculation can reduce nasal congestion by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, according to a study from Tabriz Medical University in 2008. 
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While masturbation is generally considered safe and healthy, it is important to practice good hygiene to avoid the risk of infection. Individuals should wash their hands before and after masturbation and use clean sex toys or other objects if they choose to use them. Masturbation should also not be used as a substitute for seeking medical attention for sexual health concerns. 
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Bottom Line

The link between masturbation and sexual wellness is a complex and nuanced one, but one that is increasingly recognized by sexual health experts and researchers. One thing is for sure however, we must break down the negative connotations attached to masturbation and recognize that it promotes healthy sexual behaviors. Any activity, if and when engaged in too frequently can obviously be detrimental to our overall well-being and same is true for masturbation.