Excitation of one's own or another's genital organs, usually to orgasm, by manual contact or means other than sexual intercourse.
Here Are Some REAL Facts:
> Masturbation is not evil, dirty or harmful - it will not make you go blind, drive you insane, turn you in to a pervert, stunt your growth, give you an STD, make you sterile or get you pregnant.
> Both guys and girls, women and men masturbate, it is a normal and healthy part of sexual development.
> Masturbation is a very personal thing and should not be done in public places or around people who are not willing partners (think safer sex activity). However, if you find a partner or persons that is open to masturbating with - mutual or open masturbation can be a very sexually satisfying act. Can even promote better sex among couples.
> You are normal if you masturbate, normal if you wonder about it but don't do it, and normal if you never give it a second thought and don't do it - it is one of the few things in life that is "normal if you do and normal if you don't".
> Masturbation may make sexual intercourse more enjoyable because you will already know what it takes to "please you". And if to young or not ready for intercourse, masturbation can provide a wonderful alternative.
> Masturbation alleviates stress and releases endorphens (the pleasure hormones) in to your system making you more relaxed.
> Masturbation as exploration of the body is common in children between the ages of 3 and 6, in teens masturbation becomes more sophisticated and sexually motivated. Many adults also continue with masturbation (many more than will ever admit it) and continue the practice their entire lives.
> Surveys have shown that 80% of males and 59% of females have masturbated by age 18. There are also surveys that show as many as 72% of adults (men and women) masturbate at least once a month.
> Many experts believe that masturbation is more prevalent in the teen years due to a strong fluctuation of hormones; masturbation alleviates the strain of this build up and is a necessary part of development.
> The only real problems that come with masturbation are psychological and are the result of unhealthy or weary attitudes toward doing it (if you do it but are ashamed) or abnormal practices that could cause body injury or pain.
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NOW...here are some additional solid (and interesting) facts from an expert, world renown Author - Dr. Paul Pearsall:
> Masturbation has been observed in the womb!
> Orgasm is able to be achieved through stroking other areas of the body such as the inner forearm or nipples for both men & women.
> The more you do it, the more you want it. If someone has a low sex drive, masturbating/having sex even if you aren’t in the mood will build up your desire over time.
> Older men who do not regularly have sex, but do regularly masturbate to ejaculation decrease their chances of prostate cancer.