Episode 275: Masturbation Fact Versus Fiction

If you start scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll come across some anti-masturbation content. You’re likely to hear that masturbation is bad for your health, that it’s addictive, and that you should just say no to self-pleasure. In today’s show, we’re going to delve into what the science says about popular claims regarding the health benefits of semen retention, whether abstaining from masturbation actually boosts testosterone, whether you can really become “addicted” to masturbating, and so much more.

I am joined once again by Dr. Eric Sprankle, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and the co-director of the Sexuality Studies program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He’s also a licensed clinical psychologist and AASECT-certified sex therapist affiliated with the Minnesota Sexual Health Institute. His latest book is titled, DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation.

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:

• How (and why) have social media influences brought the idea of semen retention to the masses?
• Are there actually any health benefits to abstaining from ejaculation?
• Is an orgasm obtained from self-pleasure really any different from an orgasm obtained through partnered sex?
• Can women really become “addicted” to their vibrators?
• Is there an objective standard for what constitutes “too much” masturbation?

Make sure to check out Eric’s website to learn more and follow him on the socials @drsprankle.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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