Is masturbation harmful ?

Is coitus harmful ? Then how can masturbation be harmful, because essentially masturbation mimics coitus. What the penis does in the vagina during intercourse is the same as what the penis in the hand or the finger does in the vagina during masturbation. It is a myth that masturbation causes acne, insanity, impotence, dark circles around the eyes etc. In fact, it trains the individual’s neurological system to respond. It also provides a pleasurable safety valve or outlet for the release of sexual tension, thus reducing the incidence of sexual crimes, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.

Is excessive masturbation harmful ?

Firstly, there is no such thing as excessive masturbation. Besides, just as excess of coitus cannot lead to weakness so also an excess of masturbation cannot lead to weakness. The individual mechanics of masturbation and coitus are the same. In masturbation they occur singly and in coitus they occur conjugally. Further, physiologically, it is disuse which is abuse as it is dis-use and not use which leads to atrophy. Does the tongue become weak in a talkative person and strong if one observes silence ?

I have come across a person who used to masturbate three times a day, regularly for 12 years. When he was examined later, his general condition was good, his blood examination (metabolic profile), and hormonal assays did not reveal any abnormality. His semen analysis was normal, there were no signs suggestive of any disturbance in the genital function and his performance was good.

Is there any treatment for masturbation ?

Masturbation per se is not an illness and hence does not require any treatment whatsoever. It requires treatment, if and only if, it becomes obsessive or compulsive and the individual perceives it to be a problem, and not otherwise. In this case the basic problem is psychological and it is the underlying disorder which merits therapy and not masturbation.