Couple masturbation, like oral sex, can be considered sex.
Some studies indicate that the context and sexual satisfaction is what defines whether the brain considers masturbation as sex or as a separate sexual activity. This also varies between men and women.
What is actually considered sex is couple masturbation.
Men
Studies show that in the case of men, there is a compensatory factor. This means that when a man is dissatisfied with his sex life, there is a tendency for him to masturbate more.
However, this does not mean that a man who masturbates is dissatisfied. It is normal for people to use it in a complementary way to sex, both when they are with partners and alone.
Women
For women, on the other hand, masturbation has a more complementary than compensatory role. If they are satisfied with their sex life, there is a tendency to masturbate more, since the activity complements sex, does not replace it.
But just as with men, this variation is small and the presence of masturbation is not a considerable indicator to measure sexual satisfaction.
Myths about masturbation
There are several myths surrounding masturbation. Much in relation to coincidences, since many of the things “caused” by the practice appear naturally during adolescence, a time when masturbation also begins to happen.
Does masturbation cause acne?
No , it does not cause acne . The association exists precisely because adolescence is a time when many hormones are beginning to act on the body, which increases sexual desire and causes pimples. Two separate things that happen at the same time and for the same reason.
The increase in sexual desire is often the reason for the discovery of masturbation in adolescence. As pimples also appear, people have long believed that one thing led to another.
Even a teenager who has never touched himself will have pimples, which are due to the hormones of age.
Hair in hands
No , masturbation does not make hair grow on your hands. As in the case of acne, adolescence is a time when hair begins to grow throughout the body, which can include the hands, usually (but not only) in the region of the fingers.
This has nothing to do with masturbation.
Impotence
Masturbation has nothing to do with male impotence. What can cause this are physical trauma to the penis area, which can hamper blood flow to the organ, hormonal problems or psychological issues, which can affect erection capacity.
In the case of impotence, the right thing to do is to see a urologist to find out what the problem is and what can be done about it.
Infertility
Another myth related to masturbation is that of infertility. The testicles constantly produce sperm, so even if you ejaculate and most of them leave your body, the production will remain constant.
It is true that if you ejaculate twice in a short period of time (30 minutes, for example), the second time you will have a lower concentration of sperm because the testicles did not have time to replenish the stock.
But this is only a matter of time before the testicles restore the stock, which occurs very quickly. Fertility is not affected by masturbation, no need to worry.
Premature ejaculation
Similar to impotence, premature ejaculation can be caused by physical and psychological issues, but not by masturbation. It is important to see a doctor for these cases.
Benefits of masturbation
The practice of masturbation has several benefits that go beyond sexual pleasure. Among them are:
Pain relief
Masturbation is capable of relieving pain in people, including those related to menstrual cramps . This happens because of the chemicals released by masturbation (endorphins and oxytocins, for example), which lead to relaxation, pleasure and have an analgesic effect.
Improved immunity
Studies indicate that a greater number of orgasms is related to a higher level of immunoglobulin A in the blood, an antibody. This improves the body’s immunity.
In addition, female masturbation releases fluids and mucus that cleans the vagina, and male masturbation prevents bacteria from entering the urethra. This reduces the chances of genital infection.
Protects against cancer
Frequent masturbation is related to a reduction in the chances of developing prostate cancer , which mainly affects men over 40 and can lead to death.
Relaxation
Also because of the chemicals that the body releases during masturbation, the body tends to relax. This can help with both stress and sleep problems.
There is a greater sense of well-being, reducing stress and agitation. In addition, sleeping can become easier after masturbating.
Improves sleep
Masturbation can help with insomnia . Due to the endorphins and hormones released by orgasm, the body relaxes and sleep can be made easier.
In the male organism, studies indicate that there is a release of prolactin (a hormone linked to tiredness ), whereas in women, it is the hormone estrogen that is more secreted (contributing to deeper sleep).
Know your own body
Knowing your own body is extremely important to having a healthy sex life and masturbation is the best way to acquire this knowledge.
Through it you can find out what you like, where you like to feel touches and how you like them. Thus, communication with the partner becomes much easier.
Orgasms
Clearly, one of the main benefits of masturbation is the feeling of pleasure. Orgasms are, for the most part, the goal of masturbation. Sexual pleasure, which can be achieved both with partners and individually, is an essential part of the practice.
Orgasms happen in the brain as a result of sexual stimulation. This stimulation does not necessarily have to be in the genital region and, although it is closely linked to ejaculation – both female and male -, it can happen in separate ways.
Chemically, orgasm occurs when the brain releases various chemicals such as endorphins, dopamines, oxytocins, among other substances.
The body presents involuntary contractions that in men are in the testicles, penis, prostate, legs and anus, while in women they can appear in the vagina, uterus, pelvic muscles, legs and also in the anal region.
The logical part of our mind tends to become less clear as the orgasm takes place, giving way to emotions and feelings of pleasure.
In men, the duration of orgasm is between 3 and 10 seconds, in women it lasts an average of 20 seconds.
Multiple orgasms, in a row, are possible. They are more common in women as they do not have a refractory period , which is that “rest” break that men have. The amount of multiple orgasms possible for a woman is undefined.
Masturbation with objects
It is not only with your hands that you can achieve pleasure. Sex toys can be an option for both male and female.
It is important that the accessories used are appropriate and made for this purpose, for safety.
Using a sex toy manufactured for use in the genital area prevents the person from suffering from infections and injuries, making sex or masturbation more pleasant and risk-free.
Learn more about some of them:
Dildos
Classic erotic toys, dildos are penis-shaped objects that are used for penetration and sexual stimulation. They are usually made of silicone, which facilitates cleaning, but other materials can be used such as tempered glass, plastic and even ceramics.
Vibrators
Vibrators are the most famous sex toys. They can be phallic (like a penis) or not and they vibrate, which adds an extra layer of stimulation. There are versions controlled by remote control, which can be in the hands of the partner or partner.
Remembering that it is not only for penetration that they serve, but also for the stimulation of different regions of the body.
Lubricants
Lubricants are not necessarily objects, but they help with sexual experience, whether with or without a partner. They lubricate the vagina or anus to facilitate the penetration of objects or parts of the body.
There is a wide variety of lubricants, from those with simple compositions, to some with specific flavors or that have special effects – such as feeling hot, cold or damping.
Need to use a condom?
Not necessarily. Most objects made for masturbation use material that is easy to clean. As long as you follow proper hygiene procedures, it will not be necessary. However, if you are sharing a sex toy, it may be a good idea.
It may also be a good idea to use a condom on toys – or on your hands – if you are planning to switch between the vagina and the anus, to avoid taking bacteria from one region to another. Use different condoms for each region.
But if masturbation is a couple, the use of condoms is essential to avoid the risk of STIs.
Female Masturbation
Many people associate masturbation with a male practice, including some women and, according to a 2017 survey by the University of São Paulo (USP), approximately 40% of women do not masturbate.
Female masturbation is still taboo. There are several reasons for this, such as the social stigma that sexual practice and freedom are not suitable for women.
Remember that there is nothing wrong with masturbation, whether you are a man or a woman. It is a healthy practice and it only brings benefits.
Clitoral and vaginal orgasm
Clitoral orgasm is one that occurs as a result of stimulation of the clitoris , a small bump that is erect when the woman is aroused. This organ has numerous nerve endings and is the only organ in the body that exists only for pleasure.
One tip for finding the clitoris is to place your finger at the vaginal entrance and drag it directly upwards until you find the small elevation that is most sensitive due to nerve endings.
Most people think that it is just that external, visible structure (called the glans). But, in fact, internally it is much larger and is located just above the urethra, which in turn is just above the vaginal entrance.
Many women say that the clitoral orgasm is easier to achieve than the vaginal one, because the organ is extremely sensitive and full of nerve endings.
Vaginal orgasm, in turn, is one that occurs as a result of stimulation of the vagina, often with penetration. In general, the stimulus needs to be more prolonged and at multiple vaginal points.
But in penetration the clitoris is also not forgotten, as it is not just that external part. Thus, there may be stimulation from the inside.
G spot
The G-spot is a region that gives pleasure to women and is located inside the vagina, at the back. While some studies indicate that it does not exist, others point out that it is a small cavity that can cause more intense orgasms than other stimulations.
The tip to discover is: Explore your body, find out what you like and, if you find your G-spot, a place that is more sensitive to pleasure, have fun with it.
Female ejaculation
A lot of people don’t know that women can also ejaculate. Obviously it is not in the same way as men, which involves sperm, but women do ejaculate. It is called squirt – gushing in Portuguese.
When there is a very strong sexual stimulus, the female body can expel a jet of a liquid composed of water and a substance that, according to studies, resembles the seminal fluid (which accompanies the semen and which is released by the prostate in the case of men).
This substance is released by the so-called Skene glands , which are close to the urethra.
Not every woman can ejaculate and, even those who do, point out that a lot of stimulation is necessary, but that it is worth it.
Female masturbation tips
Know your body. The best way to do this is to practice and touch yourself. Finding out what you like or don’t like will make your life much easier and increase your sexual pleasure.
The clitoris is an organ located just above the urethra (this, in turn, is just above the vaginal canal) and is filled with blood when the woman is aroused, but direct stimulation of the clitoris may be very intense for some women. .
You can touch it directly or stimulate nearby regions, you can do it with objects or jets of shower water, you can touch other parts of your body and genital area. Gradually, you discover what you like and what you don’t like.
If you like to practice masturbation with company, don’t forget to talk to your partner about what kind of touches you like and teach you how to give pleasure.
Experiment with objects, with lubricants and have fun.
Read more: Sex in menopause: 5 tips to combat libido reduction
Male Masturbation
Unlike the situation with women, male masturbation is widely accepted socially. Men often know how to give themselves pleasure because they have practiced since adolescence, something that not all women have done.
They are more likely to be affected by visual stimuli and are more sensitive to touch than women.
I can hardly teach men anything new, so the tip I can give is for couple masturbation. Tell your partner what you like .
Many men feel that they cannot or should not be vocal during sex, that is, making noise or moaning during sex, but this is extremely important.
Communication at this point is essential for both of you to achieve pleasure, so listen to the company and communicate how to give you pleasure. Each person is different and likes different things.
Take your time
Although most men know their own bodies, there is often a rush to ejaculate. Studies indicate that men try to make the act quick, with orgasm in mind, but one tip is to take things easy.
Take time and enjoy your body. Masturbation as a whole can be pleasurable, not just the end of it.
Read more: The penis grows up to what age? What is the average penis size?
Couple Masturbation
Masturbation is usually associated with solitary activity, but it can be performed on more than one person.
A couple can use joint masturbation to complement sexual activity, which can be extremely pleasurable and intimate, bringing new ways of giving pleasure to each other.
Remember to listen to your partner and communicate with him or her . Thus, you can learn more about what pleases each other in touch and sex, making the experience more enjoyable.
In addition, it is worth remembering to use condoms, avoiding the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
Child Masturbation
It happens, it is common and there is nothing wrong. Unlike masturbation in teenagers and adults, child masturbation is not sexual at all .
When we are born, everything is new. Literally everything is new. Babies and children explore the world around them, full of curiosity. And in the middle of this exploration, there is the body itself.
You may find that young children are often putting their hands and fingers in their mouths. This is a way for them to get to know their own bodies and test their senses, such as touch and taste.
Even for the child who has not yet gone through puberty, the physical sensation of moving the sexual organs and masturbating can be pleasant. This is not sexual at all. The child simply likes the sensation, just as he or she may like to smack.
It is important for parents to act naturally and educate their children when this happens. Saying that “you can’t”, that “you are ugly” or that you are “why”, for example, or worse, fighting with the child for it, will only make him believe that touching his own body is wrong.
This can have future consequences on sex life. In addition, the lack of sex education for children makes it more difficult for her to recognize possible sexual violence .
So it is extremely important that parents teach children about sexuality, tell them what it is and, in the case of masturbation, teach that it is an act that should be done only in privacy, alone, showing themselves available and open to dialogue .
The child will learn about his body in a healthy way. Only if you notice that she is doing this too much may it be necessary to seek professional help.
Anal Masturbation
Anal stimulation is a type of masturbation that can be performed with or without objects. The anus is full of nerve endings and can be a source of pleasure as well.
In addition, it is possible to reach the man’s prostate, which can be touched through the wall of the rectum.
The organ is a male erogenous area (areas of sexual stimulation) that is difficult to access, especially because of the taboos involving anal penetration in men. But there are those who say that the region can be called the male G-spot.
However, it is necessary to take some extra precautions to stimulate the region. Unlike the vagina, the anus does not have a natural lubrication, so penetration can easily cause wounds, especially if what is inserted is very large.
The use of lubricants for anal stimulation is essential to ensure that pleasure will not cause pain.
Is masturbation bad?
No, on the contrary, we have already seen that it has several positive effects on the body. However, overdoing is bad. Compulsive masturbation can bring about problems such as skinning and pain in the stimulated region.
But if you stop for a while, everything should be back to normal. Just remember to be careful not to overdo it!
There is no “normal” number of times. It varies from person to person. But if you are disturbing your life in any way, it is worth seeking medical and psychological help. If masturbation becomes compulsive, it does harm.
Hygiene
Masturbation itself doesn’t hurt, but if you’re not careful, some things can be dangerous. Remember hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after masturbation, as well as toys.
Poor hygiene in these areas can cause serious infections, especially for women, who are more susceptible to genital infections.
Masturbation in pregnancy?
Go deep, friend. Unless your doctor specifically tells you not to do it, nothing in pregnancy prevents you from masturbating. Of course, the usual precautions are important. Hygiene and short nails are essential, in addition to proper cleaning of the toys used.
However, there are some cases in which pregnant women should not masturbate, such as a high-risk pregnancy. In cases of low placenta, the doctor may indicate to avoid orgasms.
This recommendation is made because orgasms release oxytocin in the female body, a hormone that is normally released at the time of delivery and that can cause the walls of the uterus to contract.
But in general, have fun with your body and only avoid masturbation if your obstetrician tells you to.
Benefits of masturbation in pregnancy
In addition to being perfectly healthy, masturbation during pregnancy also has its benefits. The act helps in vaginal dilation which, over the months, facilitates delivery. It also helps women to relax in an emotionally and physically intense time.
Can I lose my virginity by masturbating?
It depends on what you consider virginity, but at first, no .
The biological difference between a virgin man and a non-virgin is nonexistent. In addition, masturbation, often practiced alone, is not considered sex, so it is not.
For women, on the other hand, there is a physical indicator. However, this indicator, the hymen , is not reliable. Several situations can cause the hymen to rupture without any relation to sex. Therefore, this barrier cannot be used as an indicator of virginity.
Masturbation between partners can be considered sex, but if you consider virginity lost only after penetration, then no, masturbation cannot take anyone’s virginity.
Masturbation and STI / STD
It is possible to contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through masturbation only if it is with an infected partner, and even then it is difficult, since contact between the genitals is usually necessary and the hands do not usually have an STI.
Of course, if the person masturbates and uses the same hand to masturbate the partner, it is possible that the disease is passed.
In the case of solitary masturbation, only one possibility exists. The labial herpes can be passed to the genitals, so if you have cold sores, avoid using saliva in masturbation. It is also recommended that you do not touch the genital area after touching your mouth.
Does masturbation lose weight?
Not a lot. In terms of exercise, stimulation doesn’t use up a lot of calories, but it spends more than standing still doing nothing.
The heart and breathing speed up, but it is an activity that requires little energy, unless it is a very intense session with a lot of movement.
Sex with someone uses more energy, because in general there is greater body movement. Therefore, the ideal way to lose weight is to control your diet and do exercises aimed at it. Masturbation is much more useful for pleasure than for weight loss.
Read more: Tips to change habits and lose weight with health
Masturbation addiction
There is an addiction to masturbation. The brain releases serotonin when we reach orgasm and this sensation can be addictive enough to lead to a high masturbatory frequency. Like any excess, it can bring losses, such as:
Ache
Excessive masturbation can cause genital pain, as well as wounds, diaper rash and skinning. It is important to have control over the practice and not to let a habit become an addiction.
Social damage
One of the main indicators that you are dealing with an addiction is when the person stops doing other activities to masturbate or when he compulsively thinks about it.
For example, if someone decides to stay home to masturbate – something they could do another time – instead of going out with friends, it is probably an addiction. Especially if it happens more often.
This can bring a series of social damages, since it can keep people away from friends, professional commitments, studies or other situations.
Custom
Something that can happen in cases of compulsive masturbation is the custom with a specific type of stimulation. Although there is no evidence that the use of vibrators, for example, is capable of reducing someone’s sensitivity, the constant use of the same stimulus can cause an unusual habit or custom.
When we receive the same pleasure stimulus, the body interprets it as something positive.
This means that if someone uses the same method of masturbation every time, the body may associate that pleasure with the specific method and not respond appropriately to other stimuli.
Always using the same techniques can cause the others to lose effectiveness, making reaching orgasm more difficult. However, to deal with this, you just need to spend some time – around 6 weeks – varying sexual stimuli and allowing you to reach orgasm again.
Masturbation is natural and does no harm, it only brings several benefits to those who practice it. It is an act that helps to get to know the body better and improve sex life.
Have fun with what you have learned here and with what you can learn from your own body! Share this text with your friends so they can know a little more too!
