Ayurveda Answers for 7 Common Masturbation Myths

Masturbation, although a centuries-old consensual sexual behaviour, continues to be a topic that people address in private. The taboo attitude towards masturbation often leads to the development of misconceptions in people's minds. Individuals have innumerable questions about masturbation. 

Some are like if masturbation results in hair loss, is it immoral, or will it lower your sex drive? People even ask if this behaviour will change the size of their genitalia. Therefore, it is fundamental that people learn the truth behind these misconceptions without letting it impact one's sexual and mental health. 

Among these concerns, many men worry about the misconception that masturbating causes hair loss. "Do we have to choose between maintaining our looks or satisfying our sexual desires?" This is a common question. Some people even wonder if masturbation causes hair to grow on their hands. Yes, there are many myth-based questions like these that are baseless but continue to influence people's beliefs. 

So, this post aims to clarify the common myths surrounding masturbation and state the facts. However, before delving into the myths, read ahead to learn the major aspects of masturbation.  

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A Brief Overview of Masturbation 

Masturbation is a subject that people avoid bringing up in a conversation. Even though it is, in reality, completely healthy and natural. In fact, most individual indulges in the process even if they are not willing to disclose it. 

The process of masturbation involves touching one's body for sexual satisfaction using different methods. How you choose to do it depends on what feels good for your body.

Some may use their fingers to excite themselves, particularly around the clitoris. It is a sensitive region right above the vaginal opening. Some people may stroke or touch their penis. Orgasms may or may not occur as a result of masturbating occasionally.

Masturbation is an effective way to experience your body and sexual sensations. You don’t have to deal with the complications that might occur while having sex with another person. It's crucial to note that masturbating does not cause pregnancy or spread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Masturbation is acceptable at all ages. While some people opt not to, most believe it is a common and healthy habit. The choice of what you think and whether you wish to investigate self-touch in this manner ultimately rests with you. Make sure you have some privacy if you do so for your comfort.

List of 7 Common Masturbation Myths

People are starting to realize that masturbation is not just a surface-level way of pleasing oneself; it's an activity that can offer some health and fitness benefits.

Furthermore, masturbation aids both men and women in gaining a better understanding of their own sexual behaviours, likes, and desires. It helps them feel more at ease with their bodies and connect with their inner thoughts.

In reality, there are several longstanding myths related to masturbation. Let's dispel these misconceptions.

1. Masturbation Can Damage the Genitals

Fact: Touching your genitals is highly unlikely to harm them. Sexual organs can endure friction, making them quite resilient. The most harm you might experience from masturbation is minor chafing, which one can prevent by using lubricants.

Therefore, masturbation is entirely normal, regardless of your gender or age. Now that we've dispelled these myths, you can confidently engage in them and inform without lingering doubts.You can also learn about sex myths & facts.

2. Masturbation Causes Hairfall 

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Fact: Our hair is an important part of how we see ourselves and our appearance. If masturbation were truly a cause of hair loss, it would mean having to choose between pleasure and our sense of self. Let's put this dilemma to rest once and for all.

The truth is masturbation does not lead to hair loss. No scientific evidence supports the idea that masturbation affects hair growth.

One major misunderstanding that contributes to this myth is the belief that masturbating influences the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the male body. DHT is a male sex hormone that plays a key role in male pattern baldness. However, there is no direct connection between masturbation and changes in DHT levels in the male body.

3. Masturbation Causes Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence

Fact: Certain individuals think that masturbation can lead to erectile dysfunction and, over time, impotence because they believe it exhausts the genitals. However, it's important to understand that human genitals don't have a predetermined number of orgasms from birth, nor is there a limit to the amount of sperm a man can produce in his lifetime. 

Consequently, masturbation does not deplete a man's sexual desire, orgasms, or seminal fluid. Therefore, this myth is just as groundless as the question of whether masturbation causes hair loss. Here, you can also know if masturbation can cause erectile dysfunction.

4. Masturbation Ruins Sexual Experience

Fact: Masturbation and sexual activity are not the same. Although masturbation is a surefire way to experience climax, this has never stopped anybody from engaging in sex. Thus, this myth is false once more. varied forms of sexual stimulation elicit varied responses in men and women. 

This is yet another unfounded misconception, aside from the fact that masturbation and partnered sex are not mutually incompatible. Masturbation may teach you what you want, which will make you more self-assured and a better communicator in bed.

Also read:

• List of Excessive Masturbation side-effects
• Masturbation addiction - We've answered your questions

5. People in a Committed Relationship do not Masturbate

Fact: Many people link religion with their mental well-being and may think that masturbating in a committed relationship is morally wrong. However, it's important to know that self-pleasure is not a wrongdoing or a form of betrayal.

That is to say, masturbating around three to four times a week can be healthy and usual. Couples who grasp this concept won't view it as cheating on their partner.

6. Masturbation Decreases Your Testosterone

Fact: Sexual activity of any kind does have some impact on testosterone levels in people of all genders, but it's a bit complex. There's no reason to think that masturbation or sex has a lasting effect on your testosterone levels.

Hormone levels go up and down throughout the day and month (especially for those with menstrual cycles). Here's how masturbation can affect your hormones: It's normal for testosterone levels to increase and then decrease after sexual activity.

However, the lack of a long-term effect means that regular masturbation doesn't cause a drop in testosterone. It also doesn't raise your testosterone enough to cause hair loss.

Remember, hair loss in men is due to testosterone, but it's mostly related to genetics. So, to put it simply, masturbation doesn't reduce your testosterone or lead to baldness.

7. People Who Masturbate Suffer Mental Health Issues

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Fact: The scientific data that supports the claim that masturbation may truly assist in relieving stress and sexual tension refutes this misconception. The only suffering that may come from masturbating is "guilt." Some people think that it might lead to mental health issues because of this guilt.

Simply said, some people mistakenly believe that masturbation is bad for their mental health because they feel bad about it. This is despite the fact that it is a healthy technique to release stress and sexual urges.

These myths exist because of societal taboos, a lack of accurate sex education, and cultural misunderstandings. It's important to provide correct information to break these myths. It will help to encourage a healthier and clearer concept of masturbation and human sexuality.

Must-Know Benefits of Masturbation

There are a few advantages to masturbating:

• Masturbation reduces sexual stress and helps one grow comfortable with one's own sexuality and body. 
• Masturbation provides the person with sexual enjoyment without engaging in sexual activities with others.
• There is no danger of pregnancy or STD transmission through masturbation.
• One might discover how they prefer to get aroused by masturbating. It's crucial to educate oneself on one's own body. The person might divulge this knowledge to his partner after they are in a sexual relationship in order to increase pleasure.
• The stop-start approach, which involves stopping stimulation shortly before an orgasm and starting it up again after it passes, can help men improve their control over their ejaculatory function. 

Masturbation can be abnormal or harmful in specific situations:

1. When you do it in the presence of others.
2. If one does not maintain proper hygiene during or after the act.
3. Someone performs it in a way that could potentially harm the genital organ.
4. After, it becomes an obsession and begins to negatively impact other aspects of a person's life, such as their career, education, or relationships.
5. If one prefers it over sexual intercourse in married couples, even when the spouse is willing and available for intimacy.

Importance of Debunking the Myths Associated with Masturbation 

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It is crucial to clarify the misconceptions around masturbation for a number of compelling reasons. In the first place, these beliefs frequently cause misunderstandings and stigmatization of a normal and healthy element of human sexuality. Such false information, especially for those who are discovering their own bodies and desires, can lead to unwarranted guilt and shame.

Furthermore, dispelling these stereotypes is crucial for promoting sexual wellness. By supplying correct information, we enable people to make responsible decisions regarding their sexual behaviour. For instance, eliminating the myth that masturbation affects fertility or creates health concerns might inspire people to embrace this secure and pleasurable act of self-exploration without hesitation.

In addition, dispelling these stereotypes encourages inclusion and variety in sexuality discourse. Myths that support gender stereotypes or assert that members of specific groups shouldn't masturbate may be damaging and exclusionary. By dispelling these misconceptions, we foster a more accepting atmosphere where individuals from all backgrounds and genders may openly share and appreciate their own distinctive sexual experiences.

Therefore, dispelling masturbation misconceptions is essential for the spread of factual knowledge, de-stigmatization, and people's general wellbeing. It facilitates decision-making, lessens shame and guilt, and promotes a more welcoming and inclusive attitude towards a range of sexual experiences.

What Happens to Your Body During & After Masturbating? 

Masturbation can have various physical effects on your body. To begin with, it can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, which can reduce stress and elevate your mood. However, excessive masturbation can lead to physical exhaustion and discomfort, especially in the genitals or hands. It may also result in temporary soreness or numbness in those areas.

It's crucial to pay attention to your body and avoid overdoing it to prevent any adverse physical consequences. Also, proper techniques and lubrication are important to prevent unnecessary discomfort or injury.

Apart from the physical effects, masturbation can also offer psychological benefits. It enables individuals to explore their bodies, discover their sexual preferences and desires, and enhance sexual function and performance by becoming more at ease with their bodies and sexual responses.

However, it's worth noting that excessive masturbation can have negative psychological effects, such as addiction or compulsive behavior. Maintaining a healthy balance is essential, and seeking help when needed is important for your wellbeing.

Also read:

• List of Sexual Problems in Male

Conclusion

In simple terms, when done in moderation, masturbation is safe and doesn't have any bad effects. In fact, it can be good for our bodies. It can help reduce stress and keep you healthy. Furthermore, it is a safe way to sexually satisfy oneself without getting sexually transmitted diseases. So, masturbating doesn't make our hair fall out or cause hair loss.