Fact Check: Ultimately, the general consensus of the medical community is that masturbation is "natural and harmless."

The Claim: "Ultimately, the general consensus of the medical community is that masturbation is 'natural and harmless.'"

Introduction

The assertion that masturbation is regarded by the medical community as "natural and harmless" reflects a broader societal discourse on sexual health and behavior. This claim suggests a consensus among health professionals regarding the safety and normalcy of masturbation, yet the nuances of this topic warrant careful examination.

What We Know

1. Medical Consensus: The American Medical Association (AMA) has historically recognized masturbation as a normal behavior, with a formal declaration made in 1972 stating it does not have adverse health effects 78. This view is echoed by various health organizations, which assert that masturbation is a natural part of human sexuality 9.

2. Psychological Perspectives: Research indicates that attitudes toward masturbation can vary significantly, often influenced by cultural, religious, and personal beliefs. Some studies highlight that individuals may experience guilt associated with masturbation, termed "ego-dystonic masturbation," which is a conflict between personal values and sexual behavior 12.

3. Health Benefits: A study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic found that masturbation is associated with various health benefits, including improved sexual health and relational intimacy 3. Additionally, there is no substantial evidence linking masturbation to negative health outcomes, as noted in multiple reviews 510.

4. Cultural Stigma: Despite the medical consensus, masturbation remains stigmatized in many cultures. This stigma can lead to misinformation and myths about the practice, such as claims that it causes physical harm or moral decay 69.

Analysis

The claim that masturbation is "natural and harmless" is supported by a range of scientific literature and medical opinions, yet it is essential to critically assess the sources of this information.

• Reliability of Sources:

  • Peer-Reviewed Studies: Articles from PubMed Central (PMC) and other peer-reviewed journals 135 provide credible evidence regarding the health implications of masturbation. These studies are typically conducted by professionals in the field and undergo rigorous review processes.
  • Health Organizations: Websites like Play Safe 6 and WebMD 9 are generally reliable, as they are produced by health professionals. However, they may simplify complex issues for broader audiences, which can lead to oversights in nuance.
  • Wikipedia: While Wikipedia can be a starting point for information, it is not always reliable due to its open-editing nature. The citations provided within Wikipedia articles should be verified against original sources 78.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have inherent biases. For instance, health organizations may promote masturbation as part of sexual health campaigns, which could influence their presentation of information. It is crucial to consider the potential motivations behind each source's messaging.

• Methodological Concerns: While many studies support the claim of masturbation being harmless, the methodologies employed can vary. For example, self-reported surveys may introduce bias, as individuals might underreport or overreport their behaviors due to societal pressures 3.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim that the medical community generally views masturbation as "natural and harmless" is largely supported by credible evidence, including statements from reputable health organizations and peer-reviewed studies. The American Medical Association and other health bodies affirm that masturbation does not pose adverse health effects and is a normal aspect of human sexuality.

However, the nuances surrounding this topic cannot be overlooked. Cultural and personal beliefs can significantly influence individual attitudes toward masturbation, leading to feelings of guilt or shame in some cases. Additionally, while the majority of evidence suggests that masturbation is harmless, methodological limitations in some studies, such as reliance on self-reported data, introduce a degree of uncertainty.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the broader context of sexual health discussions. While the consensus leans towards the view that masturbation is natural and harmless, individual experiences and societal influences may vary.

Sources

1. Psychological, Relational, and Biological Correlates of Ego-Dystonic Masturbation in a Clinical Setting - PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5005301/
2. The role of masturbation in healthy sexual development: perceptions of young adults - PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21293916/
3. Masturbation Prevalence, Frequency, Reasons, and Associations with Partnered Sex in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a U.S. Nationally Representative Survey - PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9794105/
4. Masturbation Frequency and Sexual Function Domains Are Associated With Serum Reproductive Hormone Levels Across the Menopausal Transition - PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4283018/
5. Abstinence from Masturbation and Hypersexuality - PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7145784/
6. Masturbation - Play Safe: https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/2014/06/04/masturbation/
7. Masturbation - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masturbation
8. History of masturbation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_masturbation
9. Masturbation - Is Masturbation Normal or Harmful? Who Masturbates? Why Do People Masturbate? - WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/masturbation-guide
10. Masturbation side effects: Myths and facts - Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320265