Despite how common self-pleasure today remains—studies show that around 92% and 76% of American men and women, respectively, masturbate regularly—there are some weird myths floating around as some bad gossip. All these misconceptions make people feel guilty for no reason. And truly, this needs to stop. It is because masturbation actually releases some of the feel-good hormones (serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine). It helps with sharpened focus. It also improves mood, and helps to have a better sleep cycle. So, better to lose misconceptions about masturbation, with facts.

Circulating Masturbation Myths for Decades

You probably might have heard around that touching yourself or using sex toys on oneself causes hair loss, blindness, and even erectile dysfunction. Many even believe it drains energy and causes infertility. Even if one chooses to do it, only the young must. Some even think that masturbation changes the shape of their vulva or penis, decreasing sensitivity and causing mental issues. Beyond this, how can we forget some classics: it is cheating, means a child is hypersexual, and it also uses all your orgasms.

Overall, these misconceptions confuse people about physical intimacy or partnered sex and solo intimacy or having sex with yourself. Non-pleasurable intimacy has an obligation or is a part of pressured sex. However, solo intimacy is a self-directed pleasure. So, the idea that athletes must try to avoid it to save testosterone is just a lie. In simple words, none of these myths holds true power. They are all just fear-based concerns and stories that are being passed around circles that choose to be misinformed. Truthfully, it is time to throw these all out.

Understanding the Truth Behind Masturbation Myths

Giving you a reality check about one of the biggest myths that connects masturbation with Erectile Dysfunction or ED, well, it is not true. Masturbation actually helps to strengthen our pelvic floor muscles. It also leads to amazing orgasms. Also, you truly cannot run out of semen—a body produces sperm (in millions) almost daily. As for sex drive and lower libido, well, they come from hormonal changes and stress. It is not at all related to self-pleasure. Even though there is no connection between masturbation and genital changes. Your skin might get chafed if you try to go too hard, but definitely your vulva will not darken, and your penis will never shrink.

Guilt is a major reason for all these misconceptions about masturbation. As per studies, many people around the world masturbate regularly. So, it is far from abnormal. Even Lemoncams cam stars have accepted that it gives a boost of mood, while experts suggest it is due to oxytocin and dopamine’s release. Also, that sleepy feeling that you feel after an orgasm is not drained energy; it is your body just trying to relax. Experts understand this, and they suggest regular self-love never hurts one’s stamina. It just enhances our body awareness.

Can Women Masturbate too? What Experts Suggest?

Yes, women can and they do masturbate. That old myth, according to which women must not touch themselves, is not something you must follow around. Just like men, women too have desires as well as natural arousal. A sex educator confirms that many women masturbate almost daily to explore their bodies and relieve stress. But what about doing it during periods? Well, even during this time, you do not need to stop yourself if you are willing to have some pleasure. As per a globally conducted study, it’s been found that to have an orgasm during menstruation truly helps to alleviate cramps, mental restlessness, and breast pain. Also, menstrual blood is not dirty. It is just a baseless hygiene myth.

Also, ladies, you will never get addicted to a vibrator or any other sex toys. This worry you carry around has zero scientific backing. In fact, to use a toy is a fun tool, not a dependency. So, whether you are choosing to use your hands or pick a bullet vibrator, self-pleasure will truly help you understand what you like. As per experts, this improves partnered sex, as you could communicate about your needs better. So, stop with those slut-shaming memes. To touch yourself is healthy, normal, and one of the brilliant forms of self-care.

Masturbation is Normal, Just Like Sex

Masturbation is not a replacement for partnership, and neither is it a sin. It is just a parallel track of having a healthy life. Just like Lemoncams cam experts prioritize their boundaries and comfort, you should start prioritizing your truth, instead of following outdated shame. Just make sure to maintain a balance, and of course, lose your guilt. Remember, it is now cheating to have some self-love. Also, it certainly will not make you blind. It's normal.