Masturbation, as defined by dictionary.com, is “the stimulation or manipulation of one’s own genitals, especially to orgasm.” There are many different connotations attached to the word, with different religions attempting to grapple with the act. Faiths like Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism have all answered the question as to whether or not masturbation is a sin, and most have, at one point or another, agreed that it is (religioustolerance.org). According to some societal codes, it has been looked down upon as well, with certain myths accompanying it.

Although there are different religions that have commented negatively on this act of self-pleasure, there are some noted benefits to masturbation. According to webmd.com, it improves one’s sex life, for it “can make you sexually comfortable and confident” and it can help to alleviate post-menopause sex problems. Moreover, it can improve sleep and self-confidence, relieve menstrual cramps, reduce stress and possibly offer treatment for sexual dysfunction (plannedparenthood.com). Additionally, “People who feel good about their bodies, sex, and masturbation are more likely to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy” making for a wide range of advantages.

Furthermore, masturbation can help ward off certain diseases, like prostate cancer, cervical and urinary tract infections and cystitis (dailymail.co.uk). According to an Australian study done in 2003, “men who ejaculated more than five times a week were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer” (menshealth.com). This is due to the fact that it keeps semen healthy and flushes out any cancer-causing chemicals from building up in one’s reproductive system.

Moreover, there are other healthy pros when considered this act of self-pleasure. “Theoretically, a man masturbating before intercourse releases the residual sperms in the semen transporting tubules. This paves way for new ‘better’ sperms which are released during the sexual act and increase the chances of conception,” hence increasing sperm motility (mensxp.com). Also, it may lower nasal congestion, as shown by a study which exhibited the “reduction of vessels in the nose during sex and masturbation” (mensxp.xom). Plus, it can help in dealing with depression as it allows for the release of “feel-good hormones, called oxytocin, in the body” (mensxp.com).

Masturbation, like other acts connected with human sexuality, may have some benefits attached to it, but in the end it always goes back to the person or people involved. There are always grey areas as far as religion and society go and what may be appropriate or not in such. What one may do with information provided about the topic at hand or others is entirely subjective.