Episode 240: The Truth About Masturbation (Essential Listen)

13 snips

Nov 10, 2023

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Eric Sprankle, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and licensed sex therapist, dives deep into the cultural phenomenon of No Nut November, exploring its origins and motivations. He debunks myths about masturbation, including outdated beliefs about its health effects and the misconception that abstinence boosts testosterone. Through engaging stories, he illustrates the ridiculous historical 'cures' for masturbation and advocates for a healthier view, emphasizing open communication in relationships to embrace self-pleasure.

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INSIGHT

Masturbation Is Deeply Human

Human masturbation likely dates back to early Homo sapiens and is distinct because humans use fantasy to reach orgasm.
Fantasy-driven, goal-directed solo sex increases duration and likelihood of orgasm compared with other species.

INSIGHT

Medicalization Fueled Masturbation Myths

The 1700s–1800s reframed masturbation from moral sin to medical pathology, spawning bizarre 'cures.'
This medicalization produced long-lived myths that still reappear in modern wellness and online communities.

ANECDOTE

Social Media Revives Old Myths

Eric described posting 'masturbation is healthy' online and receiving accusations about lost nutrients and testosterone drops.
He traced those claims to centuries-old myths resurfacing on social media and Reddit.

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It’s November again, which means that the annual abstinence challenge known as “No Nut November” is back in full force. This challenge originated on Reddit several years back and it seems to spread and bring in new participants each year. The basic idea is that you’re not allow to masturbate or otherwise orgasm for the entire month, and it seems to be rooted in the idea that self-pleasure is inherently bad for you. But is that really the case? In today’s show, we’re going to revisit one of Sex and Psychology’s “Essential Listens,” my interview with Dr. Eric Sprankle back in episode 96.

Eric is 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 first book comes out next year and is titled DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation.

In our original conversation, Eric and I talked all about the history of masturbation and some of the myths surrounding masturbation today. Some of the topics we discussed include:

What makes masturbation in humans unique compared to other species that do it?
What kinds of masturbation “cures” were used in the past to discourage this behavior?
What do we think about when we engage in self-pleasure?
Does abstinence actually boost testosterone levels?
How can we have a healthier relationship with porn and masturbation?

To learn more, check out Eric’s website and check out my other conversation with Eric about navigating sexuality and religion in Episode 98.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.