Masturbation Facts & Misconceptions
- Masturbation is a normal sexual behavior.
- Every person learns about masturbation as part of exploration of their own sexuality.
- 45 to 65% of females and 85 to 99% males experience and indulge in masturbation.
- Masturbation does not harm the body or mind.
- Some people create anxiety, tension, guilty feelings, depression due to misconceptions.
- Genital organs like penis do not become weak or small because of masturbation.
- Masturbation is a sexual outlet in both males and females.
- It does not cause erectile dysfunction or sexual inadequacy.
- It does not lead to sexual problems after marriage.
- It prevents unwanted pregnancy, STDs, prostate cancer.
- Parents should not punish, scold, or make the child anxious.
- If repetitive or compulsive, counseling and treatment are advised.
- Ignore quacks and layman comments about masturbation.
- It does not lead to emptying or exhausting of semen.
- Semen is a normal excreted body fluid, produced daily.
- Do not consult unqualified persons; they may have more misconceptions.
- Be alert, develop sexual curiosity, and be an adequate sexuality person.
— Yours sex therapist, B.Rama Murthy, MS (Sexuality), PGDEMC (Medical Care) (Osmania)