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SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR
MASTURBATION
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Definition : Stimulation of one’s own genitals by hand movements, or by friction of the genitals against clothing or objects [pillow, vibrator etc.].
When one person masturbates another it is called mutual masturbation.
Boys and girls, and men and women release their sexual tension in this way. Kinsey’s surveys [2, 3] revealed that 90% of men interviewed had masturbated, and that more than 50% of women questioned had masturbated- that was at a time when it was not even accepted that women did masturbate. Women who have explored their bodies and have learned how to pleasure themselves are usually comfortable about ‘letting go’ and find it easier to experience orgasm during intercourse than those who have not.
There is no evidence that masturbation is in any way physically harmful, despite all the myths to the contrary. It does not cause blindness or madness, weakness or impotence and it is not addictive. There are times when people who are married or in a relationship cannot have intercourse because of lack of privacy, illness of the partner or menstruation, or the disparity in desire between the partners, and this leads to frustration and the need for physical release in this way.
There are cultural and religious constraints regarding masturbation and this is a personal matter.
It is important to maintain good hygiene- clean hands and fingernails and nothing should be inserted into any orifice that is sharp, breakable or not easily removed.
