The Health Benefits Associated with Male Masturbation
Masturbation is a topic that has always experienced and had to endure a very schizophrenic and mercurial attitude towards by society as a whole, meaning that at different chapters within human history; it has been variously vilified and beatified.
Masturbation was extensively referred to within the ancient, polytheistic civilisations; the ancient Egyptians had the view that the falcon god Horus had masturbated in order to create the rest of the pantheon and indeed, masturbation formed an essential component of the sex magick rituals. The Greeks also made more than passing reference to it, identifying it as a spiritual practise and one that would prevent a person from otherwise succumbing to the dangerous perils of uncontrollable lust.
Nowadays, masturbation is something that although widely recognised as being a practise that the vast majority of people will engage in on a regular basis, still remains excluded from mainstream conversation as a whole.
However, clinical studies that have been conducted into the topic of masturbation have identified that there are numerous health benefits associated with the practise, ranging from the physiological to the psychological.
Particular interest has been expressed in the notion that masturbation as a whole may actually reduce the risk of prostate cancer for males. Specifically, studies identified that men who ejaculated a minimum of five times a week enjoyed a significant reduction in the risk of the condition from arising.
However, it is important to appreciate that the study itself was not entirely conclusive and so it is was directly determined as to whether the reduction in the risk of cancer developing was as a consequence of the replacement of sexual intercourse or merely the act of ejaculating.
Masturbation was heralded as being a far safer practise for achieving this desired goal as opposed to sexual activity, due to the potential risks that are inherent with sexual intercourse; including the risk of STD’s and unwanted pregnancy. Masturbation on the other hand, whether achieved as a solo act or as an intimate activity between a couple, provides a happy balance.
Masturbation has been jokingly referred to as the best alternative treatment option for mental health disorders ranging from depression to anxiety and although this is a remark made in jest, the health benefits that accompany the act lend some credence to this. Masturbation within males has been identified as being the primary means of boosting self-esteem, increasing the production of endorphins (themselves, the feel good hormones of the body).
Curiously, a study commissioned in 2008 identified that masturbation has the potential to also serve as the means of aiding males who experience and suffer from breathing difficulties. In the study, it was identified that the act of masturbation to ejaculation permitted blood vessels lodged within the nose of a person to then be dilated; thereby aiding circulation and blood flow. The efficacy of such an approach to the treatment of asthma and other cardiovascular related pathologies remains contested.
It is also worth noting that masturbation has been proposed as the primary means by which the issue of premature ejaculation can be overcome. In the first instance, masturbation will aid in this process as a mechanical aid, strengthening the kegel muscles. In addition, the act of masturbation will allow the male to become more finely attuned and adept at recognising the signs of imminent ejaculation.
