MASTURBATION
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Masturbation is the act of touching one's genitals for pleasure. The touch can be in the form of massages or strokes. This is generally done to achieve sexual pleasure by reaching orgasm.
Masturbation is a perfectly normal act and it doesn't harm your body at all if right practices are followed. Moreover, it is better to masturbate, rather than indulging in the sexual act with multiple partners, which may increase the chances of STIs.
About 90-95% men and 68-80% women masturbate.
Men masturbate by stroking their penis in up and down motion, while women achieve this by massaging their clitoris or vagina. Some people prefer to use their hands, while others prefer rubbing their genitals against a pillow or a mattress. A lot of people also use sex toys, for instance, women can use vibrators or dildos, while men may use male masturbators or cock rings, as per their preference.
Benefits of Masturbation
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Masturbation reduces and relieves stress of the mind and body as it releases hormones like Dopamine, Oxytocin and Endorphins. These hormones are called "happiness hormones"
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It helps you sleep better
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Masturbation can be a safe alternative for sexual intercourse because it carries no risk of HIV or any other STI/STD
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It eases cramps in women during menstruation
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It helps to relieve any muscle tension in the pelvic region
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It helps you to get to know your body better, to understand what you enjoy and what you don’t, which then eventually helps in your sexual life
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It helps you feel better about your body
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Masturbation is the safest way to have sexual pleasure without the risk of pregnancy
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During sexual dysfunction, masturbation is suggested by doctors to delay orgasm in men and to experience orgasm in women
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When to avoid Masturbation?
Avoid indulging in the activity, if you are facing any of the health concerns as mentioned below:
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Dyspareunia (pain during vagina penetration)
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if you’ve experienced sexual trauma in past
How to Stimulate Oneself during Masturbation?
Everybody has a different preference for stimulation. Some people need content like pornographic films or naked pictures for mental stimulation. Some people have vivid imaginations and fantasies that they think about. A lot of people also prefer reading erotic literature, while some listen to music while doing it.
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Women can explore movements around different erogenous zones like the clitoris and the vagina. They can try different type of movements like rubbing and massaging of clitoris and fingering of vagina at multiple speeds to stimulate the nerves and the g-spot. This stimulation leads to orgasm in women.
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Men can masturbate by pulling their foreskin to and fro using their fingers or fist or the hand. They could also try rubbing the penis against the bed by moving their hip to and fro. This stimulates the glans penis which can lead to ejaculation/orgasm.
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Many men fear that excessive masturbation can cause impotency by depleting the sperms from the body. This is not true. The fact is that the seminal fluid needs to be ejected as the body keeps producing sperms. Like any other organ, your sexual organs need to function regularly as well. This is why a majority of men experience wet dreams or ejaculation at night (nocturnal emission).
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Masturbation can be enjoyed as a solo activity as well as with your partner. There is no need to feel guilty. Some people think that if their partners masturbate, it's because they are not able to fulfil the sexual desire of their partner. It is not true. In reality, It's just about body needs and preferences of different people. However, if solo masturbation impacts your sex life with your partner, then it's best to discuss the issue with a therapist.
Facts about Masturbation
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Masturbation is not religiously wrong and gods won't get angry on you for doing it
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It is a natural and normal process
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It does not lead to cancer, blindness or other such diseases
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It doesn't change your sexuality
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Masturbating, while in a relationship, is not cheating
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It is not self abuse or derogatory
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It doesn't cause the sperms to finish in the body
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It doesn't impact fertility if done in the right way (especially for women - don't use any sharp/unclean objects during vaginal masturbation)
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It doesn't make you a pervert
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As long as the activity is carried out in a private space and not in a public area, it's totally normal and acceptable behaviour.