Myths about the sexual and reproductive health of a woman are abundant. This is especially the case in societies where pregnancies and welcoming a child is celebrated, but discussing sexual health is taboo. Slowly but surely, the direction of this discourse is changing and thus, dispelling harmful health myths is becoming easier.
One such area of sexual expression is masturbation, and there is a variety of half-baked ideas propagated about it. One such idea that some believe is that the act of masturbation, especially among females, will lead to infertility. Is that true?
To put it simply, no. Female infertility and masturbation are not related. But it is important to understand why.
Infertility in Females
Infertility is when a person is unable to conceive or achieve a successful term of pregnancy. Whether or not a woman is infertile can be determined with female fertility tests. Female infertility can be attributed to various causes. This includes your overall health in correlation to your age, conditions like endometriosis, physical damage to the reproductive system, or unexplained infertility.
The causes for infertility or difficulties in conceiving can vary from person to person, and it can also be a combination of factors in some. If you have been trying to conceive for over a year and have had trouble, this may be referred to as primary infertility and it is best to consult a doctor who can recommend the right course of treatment for you.
Also, Read: Types of Infertility
Masturbation and Your Body
Masturbation is an act of self-pleasure. It commonly involves a person touching oneself and discovering their bodies in the comfort of their own company. However, some people may also choose to engage in mutual masturbation, an act that may involve another person. Some may also get comfortable with toys.
A quick study of ancient literature, art, and mythology suggests that the act of self-pleasure has existed for a long while. It was also accepted as a part of the sexual aspect of life in most cultures.
While it may not be encouraged or spoken about, female masturbation is a seemingly harmless and a natural act that will not affect your chances of pregnancy. On the contrary, female masturbation may offer some benefits.
Also, Read: 5 Common Signs of Infertility in Men and Women
Here Are a Few Positive Effects of Masturbation.
- It can release hormones such as oxytocin (love hormone), dopamine (happiness hormone), endorphins (pain reliever), prolactin, and more. These can have a positive effect on your overall health and mood.
- It can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
- Masturbation may help relieve sexual tension and help improve self-esteem.
- In some cases, the act of self-pleasure can help improve muscle tone in the pelvic region.
- Female masturbation may also help with easing menstrual cramps.
Masturbation is supposed to be a relaxing act. Rather than stressing out about it, one should educate themselves through healthcare professionals and reliable sources. Engaging in healthy conversations about healthcare, sexual or otherwise, can help you live a better life.
To sum it up, female masturbation and infertility are unrelated to each other.
If you are not comfortable with your body or your sexual expression, or choose to learn more about discovering yourself, please seek professional help. In case you are facing fertility issues, it is better to talk to your obstetrician/gynaecologist and have them recommend fertility treatments rather than assuming the cause of your infertility troubles.
Also, Read: Infertility Signs That Should Not be Ignored
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