Myth #1: Masturbation is not actual sex. Only frustrated people masturbate.

Fact: Sexual pleasure during masturbation is similar to that experienced during “actual sex”, i.e. sex with a partner. Sexual health experts say that people who masturbate are more likely to enjoy a good sex life with a partner.

Myth #2: Masturbation can cause acne, hair fall and even blindness.

Fact: Masturbation has nothing to do with any of these diseases.

Myth #3: Masturbation causes growth of hair on palms.

Fact: No amount of masturbation will cause hair growth on your palms.

Myth #4: The stock of semen in the body is limited. If you waste it by masturbating, you will soon run out of it.

Fact: Semen is not stocked but produced in the body throughout a man’s life. It will continue be produced as long as the reproductive organs are healthy.

Myth #5: Those who masturbate will never have children.

Fact: If this had any element of truth in it, most couples would be childless. Probably, I and you wouldn’t be born either.

Myth #6: Those who have a partner, or those who are married, do not masturbate.

Fact: Many couples masturbate mutually. Some masturbate when their partner is ill or away.

Myth #7: Masturbation can stunt your growth.

Fact: No, it cannot. If you feel there is something wrong with your growth, consult a doctor as there may be a treatable underlying cause. Stopping masturbation will not help.

Myth #8: Masturbation causes impotence.

Fact: No. Masturbation cannot lead to impotence. Consult a doctor if you are experiencing impotence for counseling and treatment.

Myth #9: Masturbation leads to psychological problems.        

Fact: Masturbation does not cause any physical or psychological problems. Anxiety and fear caused by myths about masturbation can cause psychological problems.

Myth #10: Only young people masturbate. It’s abnormal if you are middle-aged and you still masturbate.

Fact: Some people do masturbate in old age. It is less common in the elderly but certainly not abnormal.