The Stigma of Masturbation: How To Overcome It And Embrace Self-Pleasure

Masturbation has long been shrouded in taboo and stigma, with many people feeling ashamed or embarrassed about self-pleasure. This stigma can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety and can even prevent people from exploring their own bodies and desires. Even in the modern sex-positive world, masturbation occupies an oddly hidden part of self-pleasure.

But the truth is that masturbation is a natural and healthy part of human sexuality, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. In this blog post, we'll explore the origins of masturbation stigma, how it affects us, and how to overcome it and get in touch with yourself.

 

The Historical Context of Masturbation Stigma

The stigma surrounding masturbation has a long and complex history, dating back to ancient times. In many cultures, masturbation was considered a sin or a form of deviance, and was often associated with shame and guilt. There’s a suggestion that you couldn’t find a partner or that you should be ashamed for wasting seed.

In the Western world, the roots of masturbation stigma can be traced back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when physicians and religious leaders began to view masturbation as a harmful and dangerous practice. They claimed that it could lead to a range of physical and mental health problems, including blindness, insanity, and even death. They were lying mainly to increase population size.

This view was reinforced by the social and cultural norms of the time, which placed a high value on sexual restraint and moral purity. Masturbation was seen as a threat to these values, and was often portrayed as a sign of weakness or moral depravity. So, people would basically use eachother as Fleshlights and dildoes. Not the worst life in theory but it did lead to a marital rape and obligatory sex.

 

The Modern-Day Effects of Masturbation Stigma

While the cultural attitudes towards masturbation have evolved somewhat over time, the stigma around self-pleasure still exists in many parts of the world. The stigma of masturbation can have a range of negative effects on our emotional and mental wellbeing, including:

Feelings of guilt and shame: Many people who masturbate feel guilty or ashamed about their behavior, even though there's nothing inherently wrong with it. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and poor body image.

Difficulty exploring sexuality: When we're taught to feel ashamed of our own bodies and desires, it can be difficult to explore our sexuality and develop a healthy relationship with ourselves and others.

Sexual dysfunction: For some people, the guilt and shame associated with masturbation can lead to sexual dysfunction, including problems with arousal and orgasm.

 

How to Overcome Masturbation Stigma

Fortunately, there are many ways to overcome the stigma around masturbation and develop a healthier relationship with self-pleasure. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Educate yourself: One of the best ways to combat the shame and stigma around masturbation is to learn more about it. Read up on the health benefits of self-pleasure, the common myths and misconceptions about it, and the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped our attitudes towards it.

Practice self-compassion: It's important to be kind and gentle with yourself as you work to overcome the stigma around masturbation. Recognize that it's a natural and normal part of human sexuality, and that there's nothing wrong with exploring your own body and desires.

Surround yourself with positive influences: Seek out friends, partners, and communities that support and encourage healthy attitudes towards masturbation and sexuality. Surrounding yourself with people who share your values and beliefs can help you feel more confident and secure in your choices.

Experiment with self-pleasure: Explore your own body and desires through masturbation, and try out new techniques and tools that can enhance the experience. This can help you develop a more positive and comfortable relationship with self-pleasure.

Seek professional help: If you're struggling with the stigma around masturbation and it's affecting your mental health and wellbeing, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome these challenges and move towards a more positive and fulfilling relationship with your own body and sexuality.

 

In conclusion, the stigma around masturbation is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects many people in different ways. But it's important to remember that self-pleasure is a natural and healthy part of human sexuality, and that there's nothing to be ashamed of.*

By educating ourselves, practicing self-compassion, surrounding ourselves with positive influences, experimenting with self-pleasure, and seeking professional help if needed, we can overcome the stigma and embrace a healthier and more fulfilling relationship with our own bodies and desires. Let's break down the taboo and embrace the pleasure and joy that self-pleasure can bring to our lives.