In honor of #NationalMasturbationMonth, we're talking all things, you guessed it, masturbation! This week, we're debunking eight of the most common masturbation myths!
Masturbation Causes Infertility
Have you heard this one? If you have, you definitely shouldn't listen. According to Dr. Vanessa Cullins from Planned Parenthood, "masturbation absolutely does not cause infertility. And, it won't affect your chances of getting pregnant or getting someone pregnant."
However, there are two *small* footnotes in this myth. The first being if you share sex toys with your partner, make sure to clean them after each use so they don't pass on any sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Left untreated, these infections can cause infertility in women and men.
Additionally, if you're in a heterosexual relationship and trying to become pregnant, some doctors recommend men with low sperm count decrease the number of times they ejaculate. But, both of these scenarios are highly specific and masturbation itself doesn't cause infertility.
Masturbation Kills Your Sex Drive
This is another h-u-g-e myth. In fact, masturbation helps your sex drive. "Masturbation is one of the best ways we can learn about our own sexuality. It can help us explore what we like and don't like, which can make sex with a partner more enjoyable," says Dr. Cullins.
Couples in a Relationship Don't Masturbate
Since when did having a sex partner mean you never masturbated again? Dr. Cullins says, "Masturbation isn't just for single people! In fact, people who have regular sex partners are more likely to masturbate than people without sex partners."
Many people believe that masturbating when you have a partner means something is wrong in your relationship but that can't be further from the truth. Masturbation is one of the things that help us improve and enjoy our sex lives even more!
Masturbation in Childhood Leads to Hypersexuality or Sex Addiction
Unfortunately, a lot of people grow up thinking that childhood masturbation isn't normal and if you were caught doing it, you would be scolded. But, masturbation is just as normal and natural as playing doctor or teacher as a kid!
Dr. Cullins says, "many children discover early that it feels good to touch their genitals, and usually begin masturbating long before puberty. In fact, experts recommend that parents teach children that it's normal for people to touch their sex organs for pleasure - but that it should be done in private."
Regardless, it has no bearing on your adult sexual behavior.
Masturbation Carries Health Risks
Another further-from-the-truth myth about masturbation. "Masturbation is the ultimate form of safer sex," says Dr. Cullins. The only "risks" involved are obvious - "skin irritation, allergic reactions to materials or lube ingredients, or infection from using unwashed toys."
Other than that, the only risks are psychological. She says, "Some people feel shame or guilt about masturbating. Negative feelings about masturbation can threaten our health and well-being. If you feel ashamed or guilty about masturbating, it may help to talk with a trusted friend, sex educator, or healthcare provider."
It's Not Healthy to Masturbate During Your Period
A major myth? Masturbating on your period is not healthy. In fact, according to Dr. Cullins, "it's safe and healthy for a woman to masturbate when she has her period." Some women even masturbate during menstruation to relieve cramps.
Too Much Masturbation is a Thing
Umm, yeah, this is a definite NO. Dr. Cullins says, "It's perfectly healthy to masturbate regularly - even more than once a day." However, if you are concerned about your masturbation habits, ask if it's getting in the way of your daily function. If masturbation is getting in the way of your responsibilities, job, and social life, it may be time to talk to a therapist.
Women Have a Finite Number of Orgasms
Wait... WHAT. Some people think that as you age, your ability to orgasm just goes...away. And that's not true. Age doesn't change the frequency OR the quality of your orgasms. "Fortunately for all of us, orgasms aren't like teeth - we all have the potential for an infinite number," says Dr. Cullins.
Infinite orgasms for all!
And if you need some help with achieving those infinite orgasms - we've got ya covered. The OhMyG is our G-spot massager sex toy. One of the best things about it is that it's *completely* silent. So you can have those orgasms without that annoying noise commonly found in other sex toys. Learn more about the OhMyG here.
And, check out our handy guide with five of these myths debunked:
