15 Myths About Masturbation Debunked

In this blog post, we round up the most common masturbation myths and clear them up with science-backed facts. Whether you're a man or a woman, in a relationship or flying solo, self-pleasure can be a healthy part of your sex life.

Table of contents

• Where do masturbation myths come from?
• Myth 1: Masturbation causes illness
• Myth 2: Masturbation lowers your sex drive
• Myth 3: Masturbation drains your energy
• Myth 4: It isn't natural for women to masturbate
• Myth 5: You'll run out of sperm if you masturbate too much
• Myth 6: Masturbating while in a relationship is cheating
• Myth 7: Masturbation changes how your genitals look
• Myth 8: Masturbation reduces sensitivity
• Myth 9: Masturbation has no health benefits
• Myth 10: Masturbation causes mental health problems
• Myth 11: Athletes shouldn't masturbate
• Myth 12: Frequent masturbation causes infertility
• Myth 13: Regular masturbation turns into sex addiction
• Myth 14: There's only one way to masturbate
• Myth 15: You shouldn't masturbate on your period
• Safe masturbation: lube, cleaning and storage
• Masturbation is natural and healthy
• FAQ: Common questions about masturbation myths

Where do masturbation myths come from?

Most masturbation myths are rooted in centuries-old religious teachings, Victorian-era moral panic and early medical misinformation. For a long time, self-pleasure was wrongly linked to illness, madness and moral decline. These ideas trickled down into popular culture and stuck around far longer than they should have.

A famous example is the 19th-century belief that bland foods and strict routines could "cure" people of masturbating. Although modern science has long since debunked these ideas, the shame they created still shapes how many people feel about self-pleasure today. Understanding where these myths come from makes it much easier to let them go.

Myth 1: Masturbation causes illness

One of the most widespread myths is that frequent self-pleasure leads to poor eyesight, hairy palms, dry skin, hair loss, spots, hormonal issues or even memory loss.

The reality: There isn't a shred of scientific evidence for any of these claims. Masturbation is one of the safest ways to reach orgasm, with no risk of unwanted pregnancy or STIs.

Myth 2: Masturbation lowers your sex drive

Plenty of people believe that regular masturbation eventually makes your libido "lazy".

The reality: A drop in sex drive is usually caused by something else entirely: stress, relationship issues, hormonal changes, medication or underlying health conditions. Masturbation on its own doesn't reduce your libido. In fact, it can help keep it healthy.

Myth 3: Masturbation drains your energy

Some forums claim that orgasm "steals your life force", leaving you tired and sluggish afterwards.

The reality: Yes, you may feel relaxed or sleepy after orgasm. That's down to the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. They boost your mood and lower stress, so it isn't fatigue, just natural relaxation.

Myth 4: It isn't natural for women to masturbate

Some still assume that only "dirty" or "depraved" women enjoy self-pleasure.

The reality: Sexual desire has nothing to do with gender. Masturbation is just as natural for women as it is for men. It helps you get to know your own body, builds self-awareness and can even improve sex with your partner.

Myth 5: You'll run out of sperm if you masturbate too much

A lot of people think men have a limited supply that eventually "runs dry".

The reality: A healthy man produces millions of sperm cells every single day. A "dry orgasm" is usually down to medical issues such as retrograde ejaculation, diabetes or a blocked vas deferens, not masturbation.

Myth 6: Masturbating while in a relationship is cheating

Some people feel that if you're with a partner, all your pleasure should come from them.

The reality: Masturbation isn't infidelity. It's "me time" that helps you understand your own body and desires, which can actually make your shared sex life better. It only becomes a problem when someone relies on it exclusively and neglects their partner.

Myth 7: Masturbation changes how your genitals look

Many worry that too much self-pleasure will darken the labia or shrink the penis.

The reality: The appearance of your genitals only changes with age, genetics, injury or surgery. Masturbation has no such effect on them.

Myth 8: Masturbation reduces sensitivity

You might have heard that too many sex toys or intense techniques lead to lasting numbness.

The reality: Sensitivity only drops if you always use the same overly intense stimulation (think death grip or an extremely powerful vibrator). Mix up your technique, toys and touch, and there's nothing to worry about.

Myth 9: Masturbation has no health benefits

Some still see it as pointless or "dirty" behaviour.

The reality: Masturbation has been shown to reduce stress, ease headaches and period pain, improve sleep quality, and in men it may even help maintain healthy testosterone levels.

Myth 10: Masturbation causes mental health problems

Some claim it triggers anxiety or depression.

The reality: Masturbation itself doesn't cause mental health issues. Negative feelings like guilt or shame usually come from cultural attitudes, not the act itself. If you often feel low afterwards, it's worth speaking to a therapist, as there may be unresolved trauma or a deeper issue behind it.

Myth 11: Athletes shouldn't masturbate

The myth says it lowers testosterone and damages performance.

The reality: There's no scientific evidence that self-pleasure hinders sporting performance. The fact that condoms are routinely handed out at major sporting events shows that sexual activity is a normal part of athletes' lives too.

Myth 12: Frequent masturbation causes infertility

Some claim it damages male fertility.

The reality: A healthy body constantly produces new sperm. Masturbation doesn't cause infertility. That's always down to specific medical causes such as varicocele, genetic conditions or injury.

Myth 13: Regular masturbation turns into sex addiction

Some label any frequent self-pleasure as an addiction.

The reality: Sex addiction is a real condition, but it isn't the same as masturbating often. Addiction means someone can no longer control their behaviour and it's interfering with their daily life, which is a very different picture.

Myth 14: There's only one way to masturbate

"Guys do it like this, women do it like that", you've probably heard that one. But imagine how dull it would be if there were only one way to give yourself pleasure.

The reality: Masturbation is a personal experience. There's no "right" technique, so feel free to experiment with different movements, fantasies or sex toys. What matters is what feels good to you.

Myth 15: You shouldn't masturbate on your period

The myth claims that menstrual blood is somehow unclean and self-pleasure is off-limits during your period.

The reality: Orgasming during your period can actually ease cramps, breast tenderness and stress. International research (The Menstrubation Study) has also confirmed the positive effects of masturbation during menstruation.

Safe masturbation: lube, cleaning and storage

Safe masturbation comes down to three simple habits: use the right lubricant, clean your toys properly and store them somewhere dry and dust-free. Getting these basics right protects your skin, extends the life of your toys and makes every session more enjoyable.

Choosing the right lube

A good lubricant reduces friction, protects sensitive skin and makes everything feel better. Water-based lubes are the safest all-rounders and work with every type of toy. Silicone-based options last longer and are ideal in the shower, but avoid pairing them with silicone toys. Oil-based lubes can damage latex condoms, so check the label before you reach for them.

Cleaning your toys

Wash your sex toys before and after every use with warm water and a mild, unscented soap, or a dedicated toy cleaner. Non-porous materials like medical-grade silicone, glass and stainless steel are the easiest to keep hygienic. Always check whether your toy is waterproof before you submerge it, and never boil a toy that has a motor.

Storing toys properly

Store your toys in a clean, dry place, away from direct sunlight and dust. A fabric pouch or a dedicated box works best. Avoid tossing different materials together, as silicone toys can react with each other. Take the batteries out of any toy you won't be using for a while to prevent corrosion.

FAQ: Common questions about masturbation myths

Is masturbation actually bad for you?

No, masturbation isn't bad for your health. Science shows it's one of the safest forms of sexual activity, with no risk of pregnancy or STIs. It can actually reduce stress, ease period pain, improve sleep and help you understand your own body better, making it a positive part of a balanced sex life.

How often is it normal to masturbate?

There's no "normal" number. Some people enjoy self-pleasure several times a week, others a few times a month, and some rarely at all. All of it is perfectly healthy. The only time it becomes a concern is if it starts interfering with work, relationships or daily life, which is when it's worth speaking to a professional.

Can masturbation affect my relationship?

For most couples, masturbation has a positive effect. It helps you learn what you enjoy, which you can then share with your partner. It only becomes a problem if it completely replaces intimacy with your partner or is hidden in a way that damages trust. Open, honest conversation is the key.

Does masturbation affect sperm count or fertility?

No, regular masturbation doesn't lower sperm count or cause infertility in healthy men. The body constantly produces new sperm, so there's no risk of "running out". If a couple is trying to conceive, a doctor may suggest timing intercourse around ovulation, but that's a strategy, not a warning against self-pleasure.

Is it okay to masturbate on my period?

Absolutely. Masturbating during your period is safe and can actually be helpful. Orgasms release endorphins that ease menstrual cramps, reduce breast tenderness and improve your mood. Just pop a towel down if you're worried about mess, and listen to your body. If something doesn't feel comfortable, stop.

Which sex toy is best if I'm new to masturbation?

If you're just getting started, keep it simple and pick something that matches what already feels good. A small vibrator is a great first buy for clitoral or all-over play, a beginner-friendly dildo works well if you enjoy internal stimulation, and a soft masturbator sleeve is an easy entry point for penis owners. Pair it with a water-based lube and you're sorted.

Masturbation is natural and healthy

Myths about masturbation have been harming people's sexual well-being for centuries. It's important that we're guided by knowledge and self-awareness, not fear or shame. Self-pleasure is normal, safe and beneficial, as long as it has a balanced place in your life.

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