Search the Internet for "masturbation" and you'll find hundreds, if not thousands, of slang terms related to the act.

The proliferation of slang terms suggests that people want to talk about masturbation, but are uncomfortable doing so directly. Using comedic terms provides a more socially acceptable way to express yourself.

So, before we discuss it further, let's normalize it a bit. Masturbation, or touching one's genitals for pleasure, is something babies do from the time they are in the womb. It is a natural and normal part of healthy sexual development.

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According to a nationally representative sample of Americans, 94 percent of men and 85 percent of women admit to masturbating. However, societal perceptions of masturbation still vary widely, and there is even some stigma associated with engaging in this behavior.

Associated with this stigma are many myths about masturbation that are so absurd that some people believe they are a miracle.

They include: masturbation causes blindness and insanity; masturbation causes sexual organs to fall out; and masturbation causes infertility.

In fact, there are many health benefits to masturbation.

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For women, masturbation can help prevent cervical infections and urinary tract infections through the "tenting" process or the opening of the cervix that occurs as part of the arousal process.

Tenting stretches the cervix, which in turn stretches the cervical mucus. This circulates the fluid so that it can be flushed out of the bacteria-filled cervical fluid.

Masturbation reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (although this association can also be explained by better overall health), reduces insomnia through the release of hormones and tension, and increases pelvic floor strength through the contractions that occur during orgasm.

For men, masturbation can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, possibly by giving the prostate the opportunity to remove potentially carcinogenic substances.

Masturbation also improves immune function by increasing cortisol levels, which can regulate immune function in small doses. It can also reduce depression by increasing the level of endorphins in the blood.

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Masturbation also indirectly prevents infertility by protecting people from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause infertility - and you can't let yourself get one of those!

Masturbation has one last benefit: it's the most convenient way to maximize orgasm.

Orgasms often have many additional benefits, including reduced stress, lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, and pain relief.

From a sexual health perspective, masturbation is one of the safest sexual practices. There is no risk of pregnancy or spreading sexually transmitted diseases; no risk of disappointing a partner or acting anxious; and no emotional baggage.

And, only an arm's length away, is mutual masturbation. Mutual masturbation (two partners pleasuring themselves in the company of another partner) is a great (and safe) activity to incorporate into other cooperative sexual activities.

It is especially good to start learning more about what your partner likes and to show your partner what you like. Open communication with your partner will improve your sex life and relationship, but it's also important for shaping communication skills in younger generations.

Talking about masturbation can also be beneficial. Promoting positive sexual views in our own families and communities, including those around masturbation, allows us to teach young people healthy behaviors and attitudes without stigma and shame.

Parents and guardians who feel embarrassed or need additional guidance to do so should seek out gender-friendly sources of information, such as those from respected universities.

If you don't want to masturbate on your own then you can purchase a high quality sex doll, she can be a full size sex doll or a torso sex doll, you can use them to address your sexual needs and it's great to have orgasms through them, if you are a woman then you can choose a male doll.