2008 Woodie Awards
TABOO
The "M" Word
Eryn O'Neal
Issue date: 2/9/05 Section: Opinions
- Page 1 of 1
When the "M" word (yes, masturbation) is uttered, most people might feel a sense of shame despite the fact that sexologists have determined that solo-sex has many benefits.
Masturbation is nothing to feel guilty about. The myths that it causes warts and hairy palms are just that... myths. Solo sex does not cause insanity or blindness, and if it did, we would have a society filled with insane, blind people.
Of course, times have changed. Society has to some degree come to accept solo-sex, but it is still the object of rude remarks and crude jokes, featuring the words "wankster," "beater," and other slang words for masturbation.
In committed relationships our sexual needs can be satisfied, but in the absence of such relationships, we still find ourselves with the same sexual needs and drives. The most obvious way to relive this sexual desire would be solo-sex.
Whether society wants to talk about it or not, masturbation should be an acceptable form of sex and it happens to be the safest. Masturbation holds no risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. It relieves sexual tension and allows one to come more familiar with his or her body.
Through masturbation you can learn what satisfies you, and then you can share that knowledge with your partner. If we are unfamiliar with our sexual parts, how can we effectively communicate with our partners when it comes to satisfying our needs?
Solo-sex also has health benefits.
According to the Better Health Channel and many sexologists such as Dr. Ruth, masturbation can ease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, act as a muscle relaxant, reduce stress, release endorphins (brain neurotransmitters) that cause good feelings both mentally and physically, helps one fall asleep and raise self-esteem.
Do yourself a favor and explore. You will thank yourself and so will your partner. After all, getting to know your body is part of life.
It's a shame that what turns us on, turns society off.
Masturbation is nothing to feel guilty about. The myths that it causes warts and hairy palms are just that... myths. Solo sex does not cause insanity or blindness, and if it did, we would have a society filled with insane, blind people.
Of course, times have changed. Society has to some degree come to accept solo-sex, but it is still the object of rude remarks and crude jokes, featuring the words "wankster," "beater," and other slang words for masturbation.
In committed relationships our sexual needs can be satisfied, but in the absence of such relationships, we still find ourselves with the same sexual needs and drives. The most obvious way to relive this sexual desire would be solo-sex.
Whether society wants to talk about it or not, masturbation should be an acceptable form of sex and it happens to be the safest. Masturbation holds no risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. It relieves sexual tension and allows one to come more familiar with his or her body.
Through masturbation you can learn what satisfies you, and then you can share that knowledge with your partner. If we are unfamiliar with our sexual parts, how can we effectively communicate with our partners when it comes to satisfying our needs?
Solo-sex also has health benefits.
According to the Better Health Channel and many sexologists such as Dr. Ruth, masturbation can ease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, act as a muscle relaxant, reduce stress, release endorphins (brain neurotransmitters) that cause good feelings both mentally and physically, helps one fall asleep and raise self-esteem.
Do yourself a favor and explore. You will thank yourself and so will your partner. After all, getting to know your body is part of life.
It's a shame that what turns us on, turns society off.