No, Masturbation Month is not a joke!
National Masturbation Month actually carries significance in the history of sex, sexual health, and public education in the United States.
It wasn’t too long ago that topics of sex and masturbation were considered taboo. In fact, we owe the culture and ability to openly discuss such topics and to spread knowledge and awareness, to important figures in the past.
National Masturbation Month celebrates the act of masturbation as a form of self-love and continued self-exploration, which are two among many benefits of the act.
The History Of National Masturbation Month
May 7th, 1995 marked the first-ever national masturbation day. San Francisco sex shop, Good Vibrations, called for a nationwide event to celebrate the right to masturbate.
This came after the President Bill Clinton firing of the Surgeon General Dr., for suggesting masturbation be included in sex education.
Dr. Joycelyn Elders believed that masturbation was natural and a part of normal human sexuality and the kinds of sex people were having. She didn’t think young people should be shamed for their sexuality. Masturbation is the more universal sexual experience that men and women, and people of all genders, can enjoy.
Dr. Elders advocated for this method of pleasuring oneself as a safer alternative to intercourse. She believed it could help limit the spread of AIDS.
May, then, became known as the first national masturbation month in all history.
Benefits of Solo Sex
Solo sex is a form of self-love that teaches you your sexual pleasures in your own time.
Sex Toys
You can elevate your sexual pleasure by using different material sex toys. They come in all shapes and forms to help you achieve the greatest pleasure possible.
If you prefer not to use toys, that is okay too.
The point is, this is a safe space for you to explore what you like and dislike. This is all about you.
Better Health And Mood
Solo sex also offers a number of health benefits.
For men, ejaculation helps to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
For women, vibrator use along with the use of other best sex toys during masturbation can help to ease menstrual cramps and produce mood-boosting hormones.
However, be sure to clean your toys with soap and water, or a toy cleaner, after every use if you do use them. This helps to avoid unwanted infections and to keep hygienic.
Improved Sex Life
Masturbation, as a form of self-soothing and self-exploration, is beneficial whether or not you have a partner.
If you do have one, solo sex helps to navigate mismatched libidos and meet individual needs. This can be helpful in avoiding blame and harboring negative feelings towards your partner.
It is normal for couples to experience sex-related problems. However, consider seeking couple’s counselingto help better understand your partner’s needs and navigate through these common problems.
A Lifetime of Self-Exploration
National Masturbation Month is almost over but self-exploration lasts a lifetime.
If you are struggling with challenges surrounding sex and relationships, consider speaking with a licensed therapist to help work through your problems.
Dr. Kate Explores Solo Sex in this Episode about National Masturbation Month
In this episode of Modern Intimacy, Dr. Kate Balestrieri offers viewers insights in to her professional background, and talks about solo sex and mental health, given that May is both National Masturbation Awareness Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month. People still feel mixed feeling when it comes to solo sex, and this podcast offers assurance that people can have masturbation as a regular and healthy part of their sex lives.
To schedule a consultation with a Clinician at Modern Intimacy, visit www.modernintimacy.com/contact
Subscribe to the podcast here:
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1563975869
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4YUuXpunV1W4GfMmcu0qXu?si=mfuyAkhrTraN1Nv0SYy2lQ
Stay connected with Dr. Kate on Social Media:
Instagram: @drkatebalestrieri + @themodernintimacy
TikTok: @drkatebalestrieri
Intro and Outro Credits Erica Gerard www.podkitproductions.com
References:
Chery, F. (2021, March 30). 25 Important Bible Verses About Masturbation (12 Things To Know). Bible Reasons | Bible Verses About Various Topics. https://biblereasons.com/masturbation/.
Engle, G. (2020, June 17). Why Masturbation Should Be Taught in Sex Ed. The Body | The HIV/AIDS Resource. https://www.thebody.com/article/why-masturbation-should-be-taught-sex-ed.
Ferguson, S. (2020, January 28). Does Masturbation Have Positive or Negative Effects on the Brain? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/masturbation-effects-on-brain#hormones.
Fletcher, J. (2020, January 16). Wet dreams: 10 myths and facts. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321351#facts-and-myths.
Heid, M. (2017, July 26). If this happens to you, you’re masturbating too much. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2016/02/01/if-this-happens-to-you-youre-masturbating-too-much/.
Huizen, J. (2020, October 27). Masturbation: The positive and negative effects on the brain. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/masturbation-effects-on-brain.
Jenkins, L. C., & Mulhall, J. P. (2015). Delayed orgasm and anorgasmia. Fertility and Sterility, 104(5), 1082–1088. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.09.029
Robbins, C. L. (2011). Prevalence, Frequency, and Associations of Masturbation With Partnered Sexual Behaviors Among US Adolescents. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 165(12), 1087. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.142
Santos-Longhurst, A. (2020, January 7). Too Much, Too Fast: Death Grip Syndrome. Healthline . https://www.healthline.com/health/death-grip-syndrome.
Embed Code for Episode:
