Masturbation! There, I said it. Now that we’re over the pleasantries let’s get serious. You’re reading this because you want to know why everyone should masturbate, and maybe more specifically, why you should masturbate.
Well, to start, what even is masturbation? How is it defined, and who defined it? Masturbation has been around as long as animals with genitals have, not really, but wouldn’t that be fun? Or well, it’s been around for 40 million years at least, according to Dr Matilda Brindle, a researcher at University College London on the study this time estimate is from. Masturbation has been around for a long, long, long time. It’s also defined pretty loosely, in practice at least. However, masturbation is defined by Webster's Dictionary as “erotic stimulation, especially of one's own genitals organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation, occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies.” Wow. That is a lot of words. Masturbation, synopsized, is the act of pleasuring oneself sexually.
Masturbation has been historically criticized, shamed, and demonized. Now, in 2024 we are starting to lean more toward a more accepting climate, especially surrounding female masturbation which is absolutely stigmatized to a greater degree than male masturbation.
People, especially women, are taught from a very early age that masturbation is taboo. Throughout different cultures, races, and socioeconomic groups, masturbation is constantly villanized. Young women especially are taught that any act of pleasure is wrong and that the act of masturbation is disgusting as well as worthy of guilt. Young boys are taught that masturbation will make their hands fall off. Children are told that the act of pleasuring themselves is a worthy cause of guilt and shame and that this act can even cause them to go to hell, or make God cry. Religious guilt is never a reason to bar someone from exploring their sexuality, and all people deserve to have room to grow and learn on their journey of self-discovery and self-pleasure. Allowing people, children, preteens, teens, and young adults, to shed the embarrassment and guilt of masturbation, allows a much healthier space for room to grow and learn about sex itself.
Masturbation is a fantastic journey of self-discovery, that allows individuals to discover what they like (and don’t like) during sex, either on their own or with a partner. Being allowed room for these discoveries makes having sex safer as well as more pleasurable for both parties. Women especially are taught to expect disappointment from sex and that they should not advocate for themselves in these spaces. Masturbation allows all people the space they need for these important discoveries. Besides assisting with sex and sexual health, masturbation is also considered a facet of self-care. Being able to relax and focus solely on yourself for however long you need is an act of self-love (both literally and metaphorically.) When people can spend time on themselves, even if it’s every once in a while, the serotonin boost can be magical. Masturbation can also be done during sex, with a seemingly endless world of options to choose from. Mutual masturbation, sexting, and phone sex are just a few options that individuals can try with a partner.
Masturbation should not be screamed about from the rooftops, however, it should not be shunned. Masturbation exists and has a world of possibilities and benefits for every type of person. The idea that masturbation is shameful is shameful in itself, and simply another device used to shy individuals away from being sex-positive and exploring their sexuality. Whether it’s on your own, with a partner, with a toy, or with anything in between, masturbation can and should be a journey you explore.
Written by Lucy Anderson
Photography by Thea Weiner
CD: Sophia Querrazzi
PA: Cam Lyken, Amy Kapel, Jazzi Almestica
Talent: Sophia Querrazzi