"It is the ultimate form of safe sex."
Masturbation encompasses the act of stimulating one’s genitals or other erogenous zones on the body to achieve sexual arousal or pleasure.
The experience of masturbation can vary from being pleasurable to downright mind-blowing, depending on various factors and individual preferences.
It is widely practised across different cultures and is considered a nearly universal activity.
Despite its commonality, many individuals choose to keep their personal experiences with masturbation private due to its sensitive nature.
However, understanding the mechanics and potential benefits of this activity can be crucial for those who are interested in exploring it further.
While the primary purpose of masturbation is to experience physical pleasure and sexual satisfaction, there are additional advantages that extend beyond immediate gratification.
Exploring one’s own body through masturbation can help individuals gain a better understanding of their unique sexual preferences, desires, and responses.
This self-discovery can enhance sexual relationships with partners by facilitating effective communication and guiding shared experiences.
To shed light on some of the questions that people commonly have about masturbation, renowned urologist and pelvic surgeon, Dr. Rena Malik, who has amassed a following of over 1.5 million subscribers on YouTube, provides expert insights.
Dr Malik aims to address the most frequently Googled queries surrounding this topic and enlighten viewers about the intricacies of masturbation.
Is masturbation normal?
Masturbation is considered normal and healthy sexual behaviour that is practised by people of all genders and ages.
It is a common way for individuals to explore their bodies, experience sexual pleasure, and relieve sexual tension.
Masturbation is a personal choice and varies in frequency and techniques among individuals.
It is important to note that cultural and religious beliefs may influence attitudes towards masturbation, but from a medical standpoint, it is considered a normal aspect of human sexuality.
Dr Rena Malik says: “Masturbation is completely normal and healthy.
“It is the ultimate form of safe sex and a great way to improve mood, focus and sleep.”
How can I masturbate?
Masturbation encompasses various approaches tailored to individual preferences, focusing on what brings pleasure to one’s body.
Common techniques include stimulating the clitoris, glans, exploring the vaginal area, and stroking the penis.
Additionally, individuals may choose to incorporate sex toys into their exploration, which are designed for people of all genders.
Regardless of the techniques you use, there is no right or wrong way to masturbate and Dr Rena Malik certainly agrees:
“You should experiment with different types of sensations and in different locations – vibration, touch, etc.
“Try not to do the same thing every time so your body doesn’t get used to one thing.”
How often should I masturbate?
The International Society for Sexual Medicine states that there is no defined “normal” frequency for masturbation.
It is considered a natural form of self-care, and as long as it does not have adverse effects on one’s daily functioning, the frequency is a matter of personal choice.
Dr Rena Malik says: “There’s no right amount of how often.
“As long as masturbation doesn’t become a priority over your work, your partner or your social life, it’s not a problem.
“But when you find yourself preferring masturbation to other things, it might be a sign you need to masturbate less frequently.”
What happens if you masturbate ‘too much’?
It is important to assess whether the impulse to masturbate starts interfering with daily life to determine if the habit has become unhealthy.
Signs of an unhealthy habit may include constantly thinking about masturbation, using it as an escape, or engaging in it at inappropriate times or places.
Dr Rena Malik says: “Masturbation can light up the same brain pathways as addiction and you can become addicted to the pleasure you receive from masturbation.
“Most often we see this related to pornography.
“People can find themselves spending hours masturbating and not doing things they used to previously enjoy.
“It may take longer to reach climax or may require more intense forms of stimulation.”
How can I masturbate without porn?
For those seeking to masturbate without porn, Dr Rena Malik recommends fantasizing.
In the absence of pornography, masturbation can ignite your imagination, prompting the creative part of your brain to generate vibrant ideas and images.
This imaginative process enhances the experience by bringing exciting scenarios to life.
Excessive reliance on porn can diminish one’s ability to rely on their mind as a visual aid during masturbation.
It is beneficial to gradually reduce reliance on pornography to rekindle the vivid imagery that can arise from personal experiences and fantasies.
If you’re looking to wean yourself from porn, consider erotic books or audiobooks.
What are the effects of masturbation?
Masturbation can serve as a form of stress relief and relaxation.
Engaging in this pleasurable activity releases endorphins and promotes a sense of well-being, helping to alleviate tension and reduce stress levels.
It can provide a healthy and accessible outlet for sexual energy, particularly when sexual opportunities with a partner are limited or unavailable.
Dr Rena Malik says: “An orgasm releases several feel-good hormones which can make you feel good, sleep better, and improve your mood and focus.”
Furthermore, masturbation can be an educational experience.
By experimenting with different techniques and exploring one’s erogenous zones, individuals can learn more about their own bodies and sexual responses.
This self-discovery can empower individuals to communicate their needs and desires to their partners, fostering better sexual communication and intimacy.
How many calories does masturbation burn?
According to Dr Rena Malik, “It’s variable depending on how long you masturbate for and how.”
Masturbation is not a highly physically demanding activity, as stated in a 2019 Healthline report which suggests that an average solo masturbation session only burns around five or six calories.
In comparison to partnered sexual activity, masturbation does not require as much energy expenditure.
It has been suggested that men, on average, burn approximately 101 calories during partnered sex, while women burn around 69 calories.
It is important to recognise that everyone’s attitudes towards masturbation may differ.
Some individuals may view it as a natural and healthy expression of sexuality, while others may have cultural or personal beliefs that influence their perception of this activity.
Regardless of one’s standpoint, acquiring knowledge about masturbation can promote a more open and informed dialogue, contributing to a better understanding of human sexuality as a whole.
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