Self-Love Sessions: Breaking Masturbation Myths & Taboos

But, lurking in the shadows of sexual self-neglect are those of us who are still wary of going solo, and why? When it comes to masturbation, the world is our oyster!

We can explore, discover, enjoy and relish in the moment, but even this modern day era, the topic of masturbation can still be one that’s pretty taboo.

Add in the folklore and myths about how masturbation can be bad for our health, wreak havoc with our genitals or turn us all into serial cheats, and it’s no wonder we’ve all felt the need at some time, to shy away from self-pleasure.

In 2022, Lovehoney carried out our own research into masturbation and revealed that 70% of us masturbate monthly. Interestingly, although we have no solid figures for hedging our bet here, we’re relatively confident a whole lot less of us tell our friends, family and partners what we’re doing.

We get it, the lines can get blurred and we sometimes question whether we should tell all when it comes to our sexual preferences?

Well, it won’t surprise you that at Lovehoney, we’re all about getting the good out in the open. Masturbation is a thing – a healthy thing, a great thing, a thing we should all experience even just once in our lifetimes, but what it isn’t – is something to shut ourselves off from.

So, let’s debunk the myths once and for all, so we can all have a good time.

Top 6 Masturbation Myths

Masturbation is bad for your health

If it helps you sleep better, relieves menstrual cramps and tension, and reduces your stress levels all at the same time, how can it possibly be bad for your health right? Exactly, and that’s why this common place myth has made it to the very top of our list.

On the contrary, masturbation is good for you. According to many qualified and practicing sex guides and therapists, masturbation actually plays a critical role in your wellbeing. So, wank away to keep the doctor at bay!

People in relationships don’t masturbate

Really? In the same way people in relationships don’t take hot baths, go to the gym, or treat themselves to a weekly manicure? Masturbating is completely normal and for many people, simply part of their regular self-care regime.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re partnered up or living your best single life – masturbation is for everyone and those in relationships can enjoy it just as much too.

Masturbating makes it difficult to enjoy sex with a partner

Regular masturbation won’t interfere with the sex you experience with a partner. For many people, having the confidence to explore their own bodies can often make them more informed in directing their partner as to how they enjoy being touched. It can strengthen your relationship bond and enhance your sex life together too.

Sometimes, masturbating too much can mean that your body becomes too familiar with consistent stimulation which would not only hinder what you feel with a partner, but reduce your own self-pleasure enjoyment too. The tip? Masturbate just enough, and not too much!

Masturbating can damage your genitals

Last time we checked, nobody’s mickey dropped off because they wanked too often – it just doesn’t happen, but there’s no denying that the hard rub can lend itself to a touch of chafing and friction burn occasionally. If you want slippery smooth glide rather than skin sores, use plenty of lubricant and keep things fresh and clean afterwards!

Masturbating is not normal

Repeat to self: Masturbating is completely, utterly normal. According the world’s largest ever masturbation survey published by TENGA, it was found that 78 percent of adultsi in the world masturbate. See, we told ya so! Masturbating is a great way to become more intimately connected to your body and to educate yourself about your own intimacy and sexual desires. Healthy self-exploration is an important part of our sexual discovery.

People who masturbate regularly are more likely to cheat

PSA: Cheats aren’t born from masturbation! In fact, there’s no correlation between cranking one out and infidelity. Having sexual encounters with yourself doesn’t put you on auto pilot for having intercourse with others. You can appreciate yourself (and your current relationship and partner), without seeking sexual attention elsewhere. In short? You can beat the meat and still not cheat.

6 Masturbation Truths

1. Around 35% of women from this study stated that they never have solo sex, compared to just 18% for men. This stands the masturbation gap to be around 60%.

2. TENGA’s Global Self Pleasure Survey revealed that 57% of people agreed that masturbation improves their confidence.

3. The same report suggested 75% of Americans felt that masturbation improved their mood and helped manage their stress levels.

4. Studies and research have shown that masturbation can be good for your mind – relieving anxiety and releasing your feel good hormones simultaneously.

5. Studies have found that men who ejaculate more than four times a week are a third less likely to contract prostate cancer and, in women, regular orgasms can help prevent cervical infections and UTIs.

6. It’s safer than sex. It might be obvious, but it's pretty hard to get pregnant (or get someone else pregnant), or contract an STI if you're playing on single player.