Causes of Masturbation in Humans - Research Paper Example

? Lecturer: Controversy on Attitudes toward Masturbation Masturbation is the sexual stimulation of one’s own genitals, usually tothe point of reaching orgasm. The stimulation can be done manually using fingers hands, delicate sex toys or even everyday objects. In some instances mutual masturbation can be a substitute for true sexual penetration (Skultans). Masturbation is natural and common activity for both men and women. However it is rarely discussed in many communities and it is looked down on. But, perhaps the worst of all is the threat of being caught doing it so, most people do it in a high degree of privacy First, it starts early in life for most people as they grow. Most people begin masturbation at a tender age as they explore their changing bodies. At first they may not have sexual fantasies, but at the onset of adolescence the feelings become more sexual. Secondly, Psychologists believe that children begin to discover their sexuality in their phallic stage. This is a stage characterized by putting fingers in their mouth, anus and more so touching their genitals. This explains why the behavior is common in children and teens. Thirdly sexual feelings are instinctive and they just set in due to the pornographic nature of humans. For instance, a child will want to know where they came from by posing questions that are aimed at making discoveries or just out of curiosity. This eagerness is only met when a reliable answer is given. Most common reasons people masturbate are to relieve tensions of sexual feelings, to achieve sexual pleasure, have sexual satisfaction when partners are not available and also to relax their mind. In fact, most people think that it is only meant for those without sexual partners, but even people with regular sex partners are equally involved in the act. The behavior is shaped by body hormones responsible for sexual arousal and the higher the release the frequent the desire (Publishing)There are proven facts about benefits of masturbation most of which are believed to be healthy sex life, safe and totally harmless. In this project, I critically seek to examine these facts and see why this behavior is wide spread in social framework. According to (John, Mulhall and Incrocci) it is found that men who masturbate more than five times a week have a third less likelihood to develop prostate cancer. This is because disease causing toxins may not build up in the urogenital tract as they get flushed out of the system. It makes one release hormone of wellbeing like dopamine and oxytocin that lifts spirits, activates the reward circuit of the brain and promotes satisfaction. In fact a brain scan of someone having orgasm is similar to that of a heroin addict due to the non-drug blast effect of dopamine. It is truly a safer form of sex that has no risk of sexually transmissible infections or unplanned pregnancies. In this regard, it helps those without partners to relieve their sexual tension by themselves and explore their sexuality in their best way. It contributes to strengthened immune system due to increased release of hormone cortisol following ejaculation. This hormone helps to regulate and maintain immunity in small doses. Other medical beneficial facts associated with masturbation include: release of tension and stress, sperm donation and treatment for sexual dysfunction. On the contrary, there are often many stereo types associated with this act. In some communities it is seen as a big abomination, ungodly and a selfish avenue for self-sexual satisfaction. The following are the major facts against it. Most people who indulge in this behavior have a feeling of guilt later after doing it because they believe it is bad. Most of those feeling were inflicted by religion and traditional taboos. It is also true that this is the least talked about topic and doing it means to be haunted by guilt. Like any other form of indulgence, masturbation can grow to uncontrollable excessive levels. At this stage it becomes chronic and a habit that is difficult to break for some people. This tendency is highly common in adolescents who may not develop other aspects of their talent at the expense of this behavior. It is believed that masturbation may be preferred to normal sexual intercourse especially by those who are in marriage. In fact some people will do it even after sexual intercourse with their partner’s .This may affect sexual relationship after marriage. In men it is has been associated with having ejaculation before sexual intercourse or just after .This is a serious medical condition .This is common in those at chronic stage. Equally it makes the penis to bruise if no lubricant is used particularly if it is handled roughly during the act. There is a notable change of opinion following this controversy because there are a lot of different opinions regarding masturbation. The facts about masturbation are that it has a science behind it. A wave of neural chemicals including endorphins, dopamine and serotonin are released during the act. This explains why masturbation offers temporary relief from negative emotions, insomnia and feelings of stress. On the other hand most taboos associated with masturbation have been seriously flawed. This is because over time the brain prefers the unlimited variety, exaggeration and instant accessibility of sexual fantasy. However masturbation can be a cause for impotence in both men and women following the brain arousal circuitry (Barlow and Durand). This makes sexual intercourse with a partner increasingly difficult and eventually impossible. In this project, it is obvious that masturbation happens in every society across the historic period. People discover it as children and grow into it. However, it is important to learn the following lessons that first, it can enhance a mature sexual relationship where two partners use it as a fore-play before sexual intercourse. Secondly if not done in excess it has some health benefits like prostate cancer prevention. It may also be seen as an equalizer when one partner needs more sexual activity than the other. Contrary to the above advantages it can cause psychological and physiological imbalances like in the case of addiction due to over masturbation. For instance, females who overdo it may need cure for vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness and other related infections. Some females also may grow a tendency of not reaching orgasm as excessive practice of this unnatural sex makes normal sex boring. On the other hand, in men this situation can promote problems associated with low libido, erectile dysfunction and lack of reaching orgasm. Men in this habit may also face problems like prostitis, distressed liver, premature ejaculation, impotence, sexual exhaustion and low sperm count (Covington and Burns).To this end, this habit should be overcome because it causes short term pleasure and long term suffering. To avoid it, it is important to recognize that it has been an issue at keep working at it by self-forgiving. Avoid thoughts of this habit by keeping away from pornographic material. More so, find another outlet for your time and energy this will help to replace the urge to masturbate. Finally, if one has tried all means possible and nothing seems to work to bring addiction to control, it might be the most appropriate time to tell someone about the problem and seek assistance. It is also worth pointing out that this is a brave action and not a weakness as most people would tend to think. Proper information can be sought from religious leader for guidance for those who belong to any religion. Alternatively one can arrange an appointment with a medical professional. To conclude, there is nothing wrong with sexual fantasies however masturbation robs a person of the mystery and imagination that accompanies real sex. References Barlow, David H. and Vincent Mark Durand. Abnormal Psychology. New York: Cengage Learning, 2011. Covington, Sharon N. and Linda Hammer Burns. Infertility Counseling. London: Cambridge University Press, 2006. John, et al. Cancer and Sexual Health. Chicago: Springer, 2011. Publishing, Library Tales. Top Masturbation Techniques for Women. New York: Library Tales Publishing, 2010. Skultans, Vieda. Empathy and Healing. London: Berghahn Books, 2007. Read More