From Pregnancy to Acne: 10 Myths About Masturbation, Debunked

There are various myths and misconceptions attached to masturbation. We debunk 10 of the most common myths.

Masturbation it is considered healthy by many sexual health experts.

(Photo: iStockphoto)

There might be a common joke about how if 98 percent people say they masturbate, the other 2 percent are lying. The stigma attached to masturbation gives rise to various myths and misconceptions, ranging from vision loss and acne to infertility and pregnancy.

This matter is barely talked about. So naturally a lot of us have questions about whether or not these myths are true.

Myths About Masturbation

Here we debunk the 10 most common myths related to masturbation.

Myth 1: You Will Get Pregnant If You Masturbate

No, you cannot get pregnant through masturbation!(Photo: iStockphoto)  

This myth is especially common among teenagers. Lack of sex education coupled with raging hormones, often gives rise to questions like these. But no, you cannot get pregnant through masturbation.

For you to get pregnant, the male sperm will have to enter your body through the vagina and fertilize the egg which will then get embedded in the uterus hence leading to pregnancy.

Myth 2: Masturbation Will Make You Infertile

Another myth doing the rounds among men, who believe that masturbating too much will deplete the sperm count. This, in fact, is untrue. Masturbation has no impact on your fertility.

Though, masturbation in excess, may affect your sperm count.

Excessive masturbation may decrease your sperm count later in life and transiently makes you feel exhausted. So it’s better to avoid it on daily basis and try to concentrate on other daily activities or your job. 

Dr Rajinder Yadav, Director – Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplant at Fortis Hospitals, Shalimar Bagh

But this affect is temporary. And in most men, a good number of sperms regenerate after 12 to 24 hours after a previous ejaculation.

Myth 3: Masturbation Damages Your Genitals

Another extremely common myth, but is actually false. Masturbation involves stimulating your genitals, and damaging them in the process is highly unless you do something horribly wrong.

However, minor chaffing or irritation can occur if you masturbate too vigorously, even in such cases the damage is not irreversible, but it is best to lay off for a bit. You can also use lubricants to avoid chaffing or irritation.

Myth 4: Masturbation Leads to STDs

You will not get STDs if you masturbate.(Photo: iStockphoto)

As opposed to common belief, you will not get STDs if you masturbate.

STDs spread through blood, skin to skin contact, from mother to child (breastfeeding) and through exchange of sexual fluids. However, masturbation cannot lead to infections or diseases unless the objects you are masturbating with are not clean or unsanitary.

Myth 5: Masturbation Causes Acne

Breakouts, pimples and acne are not due to masturbation and are mainly dependent on hormones.(Photo: iStockphoto)

Various misconceptions link masturbation to acne but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Breakouts, pimples and acne are not due to masturbation and are mainly dependent on hormones.

These two are often linked because acne is usually prominent during puberty and it is during this period that teenagers are exploring their bodies.

Myth 6: Masturbation Leads to Loss of Vision

This myth is perhaps the most ridiculous, yet the most common. There is no evidence to a link between masturbation and vision loss, masturbation is in fact extremely healthy for your physical, mental and sexual well-being.

Myth 7: Masturbation Damages Mental Health

Masturbation does have an effect on our mental health but it is anything but negative. According to experts, masturbation is excellent for releasing stress and anxiety.

Any bad effect that masturbation may have on your mental health is the feeling of guilt which comes with the stigma attached to masturbation and the inherent belief that it is bad, that however is not true.

In an earlier conversation with FIT, Lucy Beresford, a UK-based writer and psychotherapist, who along with writing regularly, does a radio show on sexual health and relationships, said:

It’s perfectly alright to indulge in masturbation every day. It is a brilliant self-soother and a good way of relaxing stress.

Myth 8: Masturbating Is Wrong If You Are in a Committed Relationship

There is nothing wrong with masturbating while being in a relationship with someone. In fact, this can help you recognize what you are comfortable and what you enjoy and communicate with your partner.

Mutual masturbation is also something that is healthy in a relationship.

Myth 9: Masturbation Makes You a Pervert

Masturbation is perhaps one of the most normal things to do and it does not make you a pervert. Masturbation is healthy and also a highly personal thing.

So, as long as you are not making the people around you uncomfortable, masturbation is absolutely normal.

Myth 10: Masturbation Is Unhealthy or Bad for You

Masturbation is actually healthy for you. Besides the pleasure effect masturbation can help you alleviate stress, ease menstrual cramps and can lead to a healthy sex life.

Masturbation is an excellent way to explore your body and your sexual needs and desires.

Masturbation helps you recognize your pleasure points and what you like. (Photo: iStockphoto)

Unfortunately, despite these myths being debunked on countless occasions, they continue to crop up from time to time largely owing to the stigma attached to it. It is extremely important to normalize masturbation, not only because of pleasure aspect but also because of its many health benefits.

You can always talk to professionals in case you have some kind of problem or need clarity regarding masturbation.