Masturbation myths

Masturbation. Wanking. Having a fiddle. Choking the chicken. Playing the clitar (our personal favourite). There are as many ways to describe getting yourself off as there are myths about it too. Most of them are utter rubbish. Let’s clear up some of these so-called ‘masturbation facts’. What happens if you masturbate too much? Can you go blind? The Mix is here to rub away the lies while you rub one out.

What is masturbation?

Let’s just clarify what we mean by masturbation. Masturbation is simply the act of giving yourself sexual pleasure. This could be anything really, as long as you’re doing it to yourself. There are tons of benefits of masturbation, it can relieve sexual tension, make you feel calmer and, of course, there’s no risk of pregnancy. Masturbation is the best way to get to know your body and start learning about what you enjoy. Although people tend to joke about it, the reality is pretty much everyone does it and there’s absolutely no shame in it. You can learn more about how to wank here. With that out of the way, let’s bust those masturbation myths.

It’s wrong

No. There’s nothing dodgy or immoral about a good ol’ wank. As long as you’re not hurting yourself or others then you’re good to go.

You’ll damage your genitals

Um, no, there are no harmful effects of masturbation. Your genitals can cope just fine with it, whether you’re using your own fair hands or sex toys. However, if wanking does hurt then maybe adjust your technique or use more lube.

It will ruin sex with a partner

Nope. Sex with others and sex by yourself are different experiences and serve different purposes, so one shouldn’t affect the other. If you find you do lose interest in sex after wanking lots then maybe you need to have a conversation with your partner and work this out. But you’re definitely allowed to have fun by yourself. Masturbation is also the best way to find out how someone else can get you off, so really it’s an education. We’ve got an article on talking about sex with a partner here to get your started.

You can wank too much

There’s no need to worry about what happens if you masturbate too much, because the answer is absolutely nothing. Ok so excessive masturbation might leave you a bit sore perhaps, but you can touch yourself as much as you like, as long as it’s not interfering negatively on your daily life. There’s no wanking limit. You don’t have a finite number of orgasms. As long as you’re doing it in an appropriate place at an appropriate time, i.e. not at the dinner table with your gran, then you’re fine.

Women don’t masturbate

This is a very big lie. Whatever gender you identify as and whatever kind of genitals you have going on down there, you can masturbate. It’s for everyone, and everyone can enjoy it if they so wish. Vulvas can be played with just as much as penises. Stop leaving them out. Check out our article on how to masturbate if you have a vagina, for some tips.

If you’re in a relationship, you don’t need to wank

We beg to differ. Like we said, masturbating by yourself is different to sex and you’re allowed to enjoy yourself by yourself. Even better, you can masturbate TOGETHER. Mutual masturbation might sound porn-y but it’s not. Watch your partner have a cheeky wank while you get yourself off too. Free bespoke porn!

You can’t wank on your period

Unless you’re in a lot of pain, your period shouldn’t stop you from doing anything. Orgasms could even help period pain. Of course, you don’t HAVE to wank on your period but you definitely CAN. Periods can make you horny so just throw a towel down and take advantage of your natural, free lube.

There’s a right way to masturbate

You can watch as much porn as you like, and Google as many how-tos, but how you masturbate is totally up to you. There’s no one right method. Quit looking for the Ikea instructions. There are so many ways to get yourself off, using as many or as few sex toys as you want. Aside from making sure you know which bit is which (knowing where your clitoris is, if you have one, is a good start), just have a play around and see what feels best for you. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to how to orgasm.

You have to watch porn to do it and porn is wrong so you’re wrong

Whoa, slow down. You don’t have to watch porn to masturbate. You can use your imagination or, if you’re lucky, just let the feeling take you. But besides, porn isn’t inherently wrong. Yes, some porn is unhealthy but there’s some good stuff out there too. Don’t be ashamed. It doesn’t make you dirty, we promise.

Can you go blind from ejaculating too much?

No, you cannot go blind from ejaculating too much, this is totally made up. But perhaps try not to get any spaff in your eyes as it might sting a bit.

Can masturbating make you go insane/grow hair on your palms?

Um… well… er… where did these myths come from?! … no. Just no. No.

You can run out of sperm if you wank too much?

Again, not true, take a look at this Q&A for more info on this wanking myth.

Check out the rest of The Mix’s articles on masturbation here.