masturbation helps
sauce: wiki
It is held in many mental health circles that masturbation can
relieve depression and lead to a higher sense
of self-esteem.[37]
Masturbation can also be particularly useful in relationships where
one partner wants more sex than the other – in which case
masturbation provides a balancing effect and thus a more harmonious
relationship.[38]
Mutual masturbation, the act by which two or more partners
stimulate themselves in the presence of each other, allows a couple
to reveal the "map to [their] pleasure centers". By watching a
partner masturbate, one finds out the methods they use to please
him- or herself, allowing each partner to learn exactly how the
other enjoys being touched. Intercourse, by itself, is often
inconvenient or impractical at times to provide sufficient sexual
release for many people. Mutual masturbation allows couples to
enjoy each other and obtain sexual release as often as they need
but without the inconveniences and risks associated with
sex.[38]
In 2003, an Australian research team led by Graham Giles of
The Cancer Council
Australia[39]
found that males masturbating frequently had a lower probability to
develop prostate
cancer. Men who averaged five or more ejaculations
weekly in their 20s had significantly lower risk. However they
could not show a direct causation. The study also indicated that
increased ejaculation through masturbation rather than intercourse
would be more helpful as intercourse is associated with diseases
(STDs) that may increase the risk of cancer instead. However, this
benefit may be age related. A 2008 study concluded that frequent
ejaculation between the ages of 20 and 40, may be correlated with
higher risk of developing prostate cancer. On the other hand,
frequent ejaculation in one's 50s was found to be correlated with a
lower such risk in this same study.[40]
A study published in 1997 found an inverse association between
death from coronary heart disease and frequency of orgasm even
given the risk that myocardial ischaemia and myocardial infarction
can be triggered by sexual activity.
The association between frequency of orgasm and all cause
mortality was also examined using the midpoint of each response
category recorded as number of orgasms per year. The age adjusted
odds ratio for an increase of 100 orgasms per year was 0.64 (0.44
to 0.95).
That is, a difference in mortality appeared between any two
subjects when one subject ejaculated at around two times per week
more than the other. Assuming a broad range average of between 3 to
5 ejaculations per week for healthy males, this would mean 5 to 7
ejaculations per week. This is consistent with a 2003 Australia
article on the benefits against prostate cancer. The strength of
these correlations increased with increasing frequency of
ejaculation.[41]
A 2008 study at Tabriz Medical University found ejaculation
reduces swollen nasal blood vessels, freeing the airway for normal
breathing. The mechanism is through stimulation of the sympathetic
nervous system and is long lasting. The study author suggests "It
can be done [from] time-to-time to alleviate the congestion and the
patient can adjust the number of intercourses or masturbations
depending on the severity of the symptoms."[42]
Masturbation is also seen as a sexual technique that protects
individuals from the risk of contracting sexually transmitted
diseases. Support for such a view, and for making it part of the
American sex education curriculum, led to the dismissal of US
Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders during the Clinton
administration. E.U. Nations include masturbation in their sex
education and promote the practice. (see above)
Sexual climax, from masturbation or otherwise, leaves one in a
relaxed and contented state. This is frequently followed closely by
drowsiness and sleep – particularly when one masturbates in
bed.
Some professionals consider masturbation to function as a
cardiovascular workout.[43]
Though research is still as yet scant, those suffering from
cardiovascular disorders (particularly those recovering from
myocardial infarction, or heart attacks) should resume physical
activity (including sexual intercourse and masturbation) gradually
and with the frequency and rigor which their physical status will
allow. This limitation can serve as encouragement to follow through
with physical therapy sessions to help improve endurance.
Both sex and masturbation lower blood pressure. A small study
has shown that in one test group, recent full intercourse resulted
in the lowest average blood pressure in stressful situations.
Masturbation then led to lower blood pressure than did no recent
sexual activity.[44]
Masturbation involving both a man and a woman (see mutual
masturbation) can result in pregnancy only if
semen contacts the vulva. Masturbation with a partner can
also theoretically result in transmission of sexually transmitted
diseases by contact with bodily fluids.
Male masturbation may be used as a method to obtain semen for
third party reproductive procedures such as artificial
insemination and IVF which may involve the use of
either partner or donor sperm.
At a sperm bank or fertility clinic, a special room or cabin may
be set aside so that semen may be produced by male masturbation for
use in fertility treatments such as artificial
insemination. Such a facility is known as a
masturbatorium (US) or men's production room (UK).
A bed or couch is usually provided for the man, and pornographic
films or other material may be made available.
A man whose penis has suffered a blunt trauma, severe bend or
other injury during intercourse or masturbation may, rarely,
sustain a penile
fracture[45][46][47]
or suffer from Peyronie's disease.[48]
Phimosis is "a
contracted foreskin (that) may cause trouble by hurting when an
attempt is made to pull the foreskin back".[49]
In these cases, any energetic manipulation of the penis can be
problematic.
There is no scientific evidence of a causative relationship
between masturbation and any form of mental disorder. Excessive or
compulsive sexual behavior is generally understood to be a symptom
rather than a cause.[50][51]
Compulsive masturbation and other compulsive behaviors can be
signs of an emotional problem. As such, that may need to be
addressed by a mental health specialist.[52]
As with any "nervous habit", it is more helpful to consider the
causes of compulsive behavior, rather than try to repress
masturbation.[53][54]
There is discussion between professionals and other interested
parties as to the existence of, and validity of the concept of,
sexual
addiction. Compulsive masturbation is regarded as one of
the symptoms of sexual addiction by proponents of that
concept.[55][56]
