The act of masturbation, though often viewed as a taboo subject, is a natural and healthy part of human sexuality when practised in moderation. Despite its stigma, it offers benefits, ranging from stress reduction to enhanced sleep quality, improved self-awareness, and increased sexual satisfaction.
A social activist and founder of The Great People of South Africa organisation, Zintle Khobeni de Lange from Edgemead in Cape Town, says cultural and religious beliefs often strongly influence attitudes towards masturbation in black communities.
She explains that in some cultures or religious traditions, masturbation may be viewed as sinful, shameful, or taboo due to teachings about sexual purity or modesty.
“These beliefs can contribute to feelings of guilt, secrecy, or embarrassment surrounding masturbation.”
Zintle Khobeni de Lange
Khobeni de Lange explains that attitudes towards masturbation can also vary within black communities based on individual interpretations of cultural or religious teachings, as well as factors such as education and exposure to diverse perspectives.
Navigating societal stigmas or taboos surrounding masturbation while prioritising sexual health requires open-mindedness, education, and self-acceptance. It’s essential for individuals to recognise that masturbation is a natural and normal part of human sexuality, regardless of cultural or religious beliefs, she adds.
Sexual health is health
Dr Mxolisi Xulu, based in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, states that masturbation is a form of safe sex and is healthy for one’s well-being. He explains that masturbation is a natural and normal aspect of human sexuality, allowing individuals to learn about their bodies and sexual responses.
“Masturbation can have positive effects on both physical and mental health, including stress relief, improved mood, and better sleep.”
What makes masturbation healthy, he says, is that there is no risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.
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When it’s unsafe
There are risks you have to be aware of, Xulu cautions.
If you use objects, toys, or unwashed hands while masturbating, many things can go wrong, says Xulu. He explains that you can still spread germs or contaminate yourself by transferring germs from elsewhere to your genital areas.
“If a sex toy has been used anally and is then taken to the vagina without being cleaned, germs from the anus can be transferred to the vagina, leading to infections.”
Dr Mxolisi Xulu
He notes that women with long nails are at a higher risk of infection since germs can hide in them. These germs may cause urinary tract infections.
“The anal area contains many bacteria, some of which are naturally present. If these bacteria are introduced elsewhere, such as in your blood or vagina, they can lead to infections.”
Xulu says you should use the right lubricants, as some people use them to aid dryness of the genitals. “Always read the labels to ensure safety and pay attention to any potential allergens.”
He warns that that using objects on genitals with sharp edges or rough surfaces can cause cuts, abrasions, or other injuries.
As long as masturbation is practised safely, it is considered a healthy and normal part of sexual expression, he emphasises.
The bad and the ugly of solo sex
Sandile Radebe, an educational psychologist from KwaZulu-Natal, suggests that solo sex, while generally positive, can cause problems for partners if individuals become reliant on stimulation methods that may not translate well to partnered sex.
Radebe explains that while solo sex with toys can be great, but there’s a catch. People who get used to toys he says might find regular sex with a partner less satisfying.
For women, this could mean feeling [sometimes) unhappy with their partner’s size, he adds.
“Similarly, men who rely heavily on manual stimulation might find partnered sex less enjoyable due to the difference in tightness compared to using their hands.”
Sandile Radebe
There’s a misconception that masturbation can cause mental health problems, but Radebe says that’s not true. However, people’s past experiences can influence their sexual preferences, he says.
“For instance, someone who experienced childhood sexual abuse might prefer masturbation, over partner sex as a way of dealing with those feelings.”
Radebe adds that such people might even use larger toys to experience pain during masturbation.
Xulu emphasises that compulsive masturbation that interferes with daily life, such as missing work or appointments, becomes a psychological concern requiring therapy intervention.
Overstimulation might also cause your genitals to become desensitised, so moderation is always key.
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