Image via Complex Original
Hopefully, you don't have any lingering beliefs that if you masturbate, you'll go blind or sprout hair on your palms. (If you do, have we got news for you!) But there are still plenty of myths about masturbation that persist in our society, even among the most sexually liberal.
In honor of National Masturbation Month (yes it's a thing, so celebrate!), we're mythbusting five myths about busting—because they're not based on fact, and because they're actually hurting your sex life:
1. Masturbation Is a Guys' Thing
Due to sexual double-standards, it's often more socially acceptable for men to admit to masturbating. But that doesn't mean women don't do it.
"Though men are more likely to report masturbating, it’s an equal opportunity pastime, and over half of women have used a vibrator," Astroglide's resident sexologist Dr. Jess O'Reilly told Complex. In fact, a recent study found that 85.5 percent of women and 98.9 percent of men ages 18 to 22 masturbated.
So, if you're a woman who likes to flick the bean, jill off, get your klittra on, or whatever you want to call it, you're in the majority.
2. Masturbation Will Desensitize You
According to O'Reilly, one of the biggest myths we need to get over is that vibrators, porn, and masturbation will make you lose sensation.
You may have seen that Ran Gavrieli TED Talk about how porn makes men unable to get aroused by everyday scenarios, but O'Reilly says that's actually not true. In fact, one study found that men who watched porn were more sexually responsive and not at greater risk for erectile dysfunction.
And if you're worried a vibrator would make you less sensitive down there, O'Reilly has reassuring news for you, too. "If you do feel a little numb right after a good battery-operated session, the feelings will likely subside in a few minutes," she said. "This numbness is similar to the way your body responds to sex or other repetitive actions and it is only temporary."
3. Masturbation Is For Single People
For some people, self-love conjures the image of a lonely person who just can't find anyone to get it on with. But this is sad and straight up false.
"Being in a relationship doesn’t preclude you from masturbating," O'Reilly explained. "Those who masturbate have more frequent and satisfying sex with their partners."
For example, one study found that women who masturbated were happier with their marriages and another found that college students who masturbate more actually had more sex. This may be because "masturbation helps us know what we like and what we don’t when we’re with a partner," sex educator Victoria M Beltran, MPH, CHES, told Complex.
So don't worry about the relationship between masturbation and your partner. Touching yourself won't become a substitute for connecting with your partner, and wanting to get yourself off doesn't indicate that you won't find someone. Jerking off is for everyone, regardless of relationship status.
4. You Should Avoid Masturbating on Your Period
Kim Ibricevic, manager of the sex toy shop Eve's Garden, has heard customers say they'll avoid masturbation during that time of month, potentially due to the perception that periods are disgusting. But these people are missing out, because there's nothing harmful about touching yourself while you're surfing the crimson wave.
"It’s totally safe and healthy to masturbate during menstruation," Ibricevic said. Plus, if you're familiar with the monthly hell of period cramps, masturbation could actually help relieve them. Sexual pleasure increases blood flow to the uterus and releases chemicals that act as natural painkillers.
5. Masturbation Is Bad for You
While the hairy-palms myth might not way on your conscience while you jerk off, many of us still have the persistent message in the back of our minds that masturbation is somehow inherently wrong. But sexual health experts view it the opposite way.
"Self-love is considered by sexual health professionals and medical experts to be a completely natural, normal, and healthy sexual act," Beltran said.
In fact, legendary sex educator Betty Dodson credits the fact she's alive, kicking, and full of energy in her 80's to avid masturbation—and she may be onto something. Research has found that sexual pleasure decreases the risk for prostate cancer, cervical infections, urinary infections, and diabetes. It can also improve your immune system and combat depression.
Masturbation also benefits you psychologically, said Beltran. "It’s a great de-stressor and it helps us get in touch with our bodies and feel better about how we look."
We're not telling you to hop into bed with yourself right this minute; like anything involving your sex life and body, masturbation is a personal choice. But if you happen to be a fan of it already, you've now got expert permission to go on and get off, totally guilt-free.