TEEN TABOOS
PROGRAMME 1: THE BIG 'O'
An orgasm might be the Holy Grail of sex, but it can be hard to know how to talk about it . This episode focuses on masturbation as a normal, healthy activity – an alternative to reaching orgasm through intercourse, which is safer, doesn't need a partner, and might even provide health benefits…
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
There have been many myths around masturbation – it will make you go blind, or cause your palms to go hairy, for example. While we know that these are not founded in fact, some may be surprised to find that there is now research to show that masturbation could be positively beneficial!
This programme features several groups of friends who share their thoughts and experiences of masturbation and orgasm, which are, perhaps not surprisingly, overwhelmingly positive. There is no mention of reaching orgasm through sexual activity with a partner – the tone of the programme is very much about highlighting the benefits of masturbation for young people. You can have the great feeling that sex with a partner can offer, but without actually having sex, and so there are none of the risks that are involved in intercourse or other sexual activity – emotional or physical. There is no element of pressure or coercion, and no risk of pregnancy or STIs.
There are several benefits to regular masturbation, besides the obvious fact that it can be very pleasurable. Both men and women report that it helps them relax, and of course it is much safer in this regard than drugs or alcohol, which young people may use to help them 'de-stress'. It can help a person feel energised and more focused, not least because it may help promote a good night's sleep, and can also provide important benefits to mental health in helping reduce tension and even depression through the release of the stress decreasing hormone, oxytocin. There may even be benefits to the immune system.
It is certainly the experience of the two young people in the programme who try abstaining for a month. They feel far better both physically and mentally when they can masturbate.
Recent research published by a team of Australian doctors has shown that frequent masturbation can protect men from prostate cancer, because ejaculation prevents carcinogens from building up inside the gland.
Furthermore, say the researchers, masturbation is potentially more effective than intercourse in protecting from cancer, since it does not involve the risks that come with unprotected sex.
