Matt's Musings: Masturbation Is Healthy. Period.

What if one of the healthiest things you could do for your sexual well-being is also one of the things you've been taught to fear? In this episode of Sex, Here & Now, Matt Lachman, licensed clinical therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, takes on one of the biggest myths surrounding sexuality: that masturbation is somehow shameful, dirty, or unhealthy. Matt breaks down the research behind masturbation, including its effects on stress, sleep, pleasure, and sexual satisfaction, while debunking common myths about erectile dysfunction, infertility, blindness, hair loss, and more. He also explores why so many people carry guilt around self-pleasure and how messages from family, religion, culture, and society can shape our relationship with our own bodies. Whether masturbation has always felt normal to you or you've struggled with shame around it, this episode invites you to become curious rather than judgmental. Matt also offers a simple challenge to help listeners deepen their connection with their own bodies by approaching masturbation with mindfulness instead of making orgasm the only goal. This conversation isn't about convincing anyone that they have to masturbate. It's about recognizing that for most people, masturbation is a healthy, safe, and normal part of human sexuality, and asking whether the beliefs we've inherited are actually serving us today.   Resources If you’re looking for a high-quality lubricant that actually enhances the experience instead of distracting from it, I’ve got you covered. 👉 Click here to try Überlube When you use that link, you’ll receive a Free Überlube Sachet added to your order (U.S. only). Using the link also helps support the podcast, so it’s a win-win. Are you a healthcare professional or mental health therapist and looking for sex therapy continuing education? Get 10% of your first course here by using code podcast10 A list of sex education, sex therapy, and relationship resources here Sign up for my online class here You can now watch the full video podcast on YouTube! Let's get social: Website / Instagram / YouTube Please make sure to subscribe and rate my podcast!