Masturbation. Just hearing the word makes some teens,and adults,erupt in giggles or squirm with discomfort. But what’s the big deal? Why all the hoopla over something that most people do and is a natural part of our sexuality? 

Some teens think masturbating means you’re somehow a "loser" who can’t get "real sex." Others see it as morally wrong, maybe because their religions say so. Still others avoid the act because they believe massive myths that have been around for eons. 

Whatever the reasons, our attitudes about masturbation have deep roots. 

Around the turn-of-the-century, some adults were so against masturbation they forced girls to wear gloves the texture of Brillo pads at night and put a powder on their genitals that made them painful to touch. Boys had to wear metal chastity belts at night that made it hurt to have an erection. 

"The medical community played an incredible part in this," says Howard Ruppel, Jr., Ph.D., executive director of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. "Back in the early part of this century, there were actually doctors who prescribed these devices." 

These doctors were mirroring the values of their time, namely that sex was meant for making babies, not creating pleasure, says Ruppel, who also teaches sexuality courses at the University of Iowa. That idea is rooted in religious teachings that go back centuries. 

"It’s the solitary sin,’" says Ruppel, explaining that the Bible teaches it is wrong for men to "spill their seed."

 

What’s Right for You?

 

While we don’t use torture to keep people from touching their genitals, many still think that masturbation is wrong.

"There is not a direct reference in scripture to the sin of masturbation, but we can look at the act as one of sexual immorality," says Rev. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Ph.D., pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey. "It is not a proper method of sexual relationships." 

Some teens agree with Thomas -- and that’s OK.

"The Bible says ‘don’t do it,’ so I don’t do it," says Eddie Harris, 17. "Don’t get me wrong, it’s really hard to control yourself, but you got to use self control."

If you believe, because of your religion or family values, that masturbation is wrong, then that’s a good reason to abstain. So is simply not wanting to do it. But, it’s important to know that masturbation can’t hurt you or anyone else, as long as you do it in private. Actually, it’s totally normal and risk free,no pregnancy, disease or broken hearts, most sexuality educators say.

"Masturbation is a healthy way to provide pleasure, help you relax and help you discover your body," says Ruppel.

"Nothing is wrong with masturbation," agrees Jay Musely, 15, "as long as it doesn’t interfere with your daily life." Adds Valerie, 16, "I don’t think it is wrong or sinful to masturbate." 

 

Surveys Show . . . 

 

Nearly everyone masturbates -- at least sometimes. Surveys show that 90 percent of males and 59 percent of females have masturbated by age 18. It’s true that guys generally masturbate more than girls. "The penis is just sort of there," explains Ruppel, and guys touch it all the time, when they go to the bathroom. "The clitoris is tucked away under a little hood." 

But the gender difference is also linked to the primeval idea that girls aren’t supposed to enjoy sex as much as boys. That’s changing, though, says Ruppel. 

In the end, masturbation still scares some of us and continues to pleasure many of us. We may never agree on the subject, but maybe the more we know about masturbation, the more it will become something that brings safe satisfaction rather than shame.

 

Busting Masturbation Myths

 

If you masturbate you will not . . . 

Go Blind. The act of masturbation alone in no way is related to eyesight.

Stop Growing. Masturbation does not slow your development or stunt your growth.

Get Pregnant. Unless sperm enters your vagina, you can’t get pregnant. If you have sperm on your hands and then masturbate, there is a slight chance of pregnancy.

Go Insane. As a matter of fact masturbation is a very healthy thing to do.