Heather Little-White, Ph.D., ContributorWITH THE explosion of HIV/AIDS, persons who are sexually active are encouraged to use a condom every time they engage in sexual intercourse, but some couples are resisting the use of the condoms and other birth control methods.
Safe sex advocates believe that masturbation is the only way to ensure a safe and stable sex life.
Masturbation is viewed by medical professionals as natural and healthy, having positive effects on the mind and body.
Masturbation is the self-manipulation of the sex organs for pleasure. Both males and females can masturbate, but studies have shown that males masturbate more frequently than females.
VIRGINITY
Adolescents can use masturbation to delay the loss of their virginity while satisfying their sexual desires by not engaging in sexual activities with a male partner without risking pregnancy or contracting sexually-transmitted diseases. Masturbation is also touted as an alternative to engaging in extra-marital relationships when a steady relationship breaks down.
The health benefits associated with regular orgasms are many. Orgasms release physical tension and emotional stress. They increase circulation and also release endorphins that allow one to 'feel good'.
Regular ejaculations from masturbation decrease the risk of prostate cancer in men. Where orgasms are difficult to achieve with a partner during sexual intercourse ,solo sex can help a person with a difficulty in reaching an orgasm.
SEX EDUCATION
In 1994, former United States Surgeon General, Dr. Joycelyn Elders, at an AIDS conference recommended that masturbation be included in sex education in schools across the U.S.
The recommendation was met with outrage in several circles and led to the resignation of Dr. Elders soon after from the Clinton-led administration. The medical community later reiterated that safe-sex education could be the only ammunition against the spread of AIDS. Today, data show that masturbation is among the most common of sexual activities, second only to intercourse.
Also known as autoeroticism, masturbation is becoming more acceptable as being safest against sexually-transmitted diseases 100 per cent of the time. Interestingly, the only risk of masturbation is carpel tunnel syndrome wrist pain which results from holding the hand in a constant position while masturbating.
Action centres around holding the penis/and or testicles and stroking it until ejaculation. Females fondle the clitoris until they reach orgasm.
The history of masturbation dates back to pre-historic times as indicated by cave paintings and artifacts. Depictions of male masturbation are common in the ancient world.
However, condemnation of masturbation dates back to the days of fertility-worship and Judeo-Christian tradition used Genesis 38 to condemn masturbation, giving origin to the term Onanism, (when Onan of Judah spilled his seed in premature withdrawal in attempting to pregnate his brother's widow) used incorrectly in place of masturbation. This gives the impression that the Bible forbids masturbation.
Self-stimulation is taboo in some religions that view it as inappropriate behaviour. There are 'old wives' tales' circulating about the practice.
It is said that masturbation will make hair grow on the palms of the hands, that it will cause blindness and deafness. Masturbation is said to decrease the size of the penis and may make you stutter as well as cause acne.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
It was in the 1700s and 1800s that masturbation was associated with mental and physical deficiencies. The fear of masturbation was so great that extreme preventative measures were used.
These included mechanical restraints including leather-jacket corsets to be used by boys; a spiked-lined ring used on the penis to prevent the nocturnal emissions; Stephenson Spermatic Truss, a kind of pouch used to tie down the penis between the legs; and a penis-cooling device which cools an impending erection with air or water. Genital surgery recommended included routine circumcision of males to prevent masturbation.
Beginning with the Kinsey report of 1948, masturbation was demystified and its benefits promoted. Safe sex activists in the U. S. are committed to spreading the word about masturbation as safe sex and have formed a nationwide organisation, Hands-On Lovers, Inc.
They plan to educate the public about why solo sex is preferable to anything else out there and to reduce the stigma associated with masturbation. 'I trust myself more than my sexual partner' is one of the themes they promote.
PREMATURE EJACULATION
Among couples, sex therapists are recommending mutual masturbation as harmless and invigorating, with partners watching each other masturbate or helping each other to masturbate.
Masturbation can also enhance sexual performance among couples because masturbation helps partners learn what excites each other.
Masturbation is recommended to men who suffer from premature ejaculation enabling them to learn to delay ejaculation.
Masturbation is made more pleasurable by the use of lubricants, sex toys including vibrators used by women and men use ribbed, silicon sleeves that fit over the penis.
There is a new attitude to masturbation where it is becoming more accepted by the medical community and others as a safe sex, normal activity among infants, teenagers and adults.
