Masturbation means self stimulation of sex organs to get sexual pleasure. Both the sexes indulge in this activity. Masturbation has lots of misconception and myths related to it. It is quite a normal act and should not give an inferiority complex or a guilty feeling. It is only a part of the normal process by which they discover and learn about their own bodies. It is just sort of imitation of real intercourse. As love–making is a shared experience, masturbation is something that is self–centered.

Few Myths about Masturbation
The following are some wrong opinions people have about masturbation:

• Only the young, immature and the unmarried practice masturbation.
• People who masturbate are sexually abnormal.
• Regular masturbation will lead to shrinkage of the penis.
• Only men practice it.
• It leads to weakness, insanity and impotence.
• People who masturbate are homosexual.
• Frequent masturbation can lead to sexual inadequacy.

Why Is Masturbation Good for You

• It releases sexual tension and often produces a pleasant, relaxed feeling.
• It helps a person become more relaxed and comfortable with his or her own sexuality.
• If shared with a partner it could be a more enjoyable experience.
• Masturbation does not get anyone pregnant.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases are not transmitted during masturbation.
• It can help to know and learn about ones own sexual responses and thus help and be prepared for sexual activity with partner in future.
• It helps in playing out of pleasurable sexual fantasies.

Is Masturbating Safe:
Inspite of all the myths and rumors about masturbating, one should understand that it is completely safe to masturbate and does not give you any disease or cause any problems to your sexual life. In fact it helps you in a great way when you are ready for sexual intercourse with your partner.

How much masturbation is NORMAL
There cannot be a “Normal” rate for masturbation. A person can masturbate regularly and repeatedly. Many people masturbate several times a day, or just once a day. There are also people who never masturbate. The only thing that can happen is that the penis might get little sore, but again it is normal. It is very difficult for a young person to resist masturbation and it takes a very strong will power to do so.

Does masturbation indicate poor sexual relationship between a married couple?
It is normally believed that a happily married person does not need to masturbate, if he or she has a healthy sexual relationship. But inspite of having a good relationship many people masturbate to get a different sexual experience. Some couples also masturbate mutually. It is only a matter of concern when he or she is unhappy with the love making and only then you need to consult a therapist or a counselor.