Masturbation is a natural and normal part of human behavior that is often stigmatized and pathologized in medical discourse. This process of pathologization involves the creation of false beliefs about masturbation and its consequences which are then used to justify harmful interventions such as medication, therapy, and even surgery. In this article, I will explore how masturbation becomes pathologized in medical discourse and what effects it has on individuals who engage in this behavior.
The history of masturbation is long and complex, but it can be traced back to ancient times when people believed that self-pleasure was sinful and dangerous.
These beliefs have evolved and become more nuanced, but they still persist today in some form or another. One way that masturbation is pathologized is through the idea that it causes physical and mental health problems.
Some doctors believe that masturbating too much can cause sexual dysfunction, infertility, and even blindness. These claims are unsubstantiated and not supported by scientific evidence, yet they continue to be perpetuated in the medical community.
Another way that masturbation is pathologized is through the idea that it leads to sexual addiction. Some medical professionals believe that those who masturbate frequently or excessively may develop an addiction to the act itself, leading them down a path of destruction. This belief is also unfounded and does not reflect reality. Masturbation is not physically addictive like drugs or alcohol, and there is no known link between frequent masturbation and destructive behaviors.
Masturbation is often pathologized through the idea that it is immoral or unnatural. This idea stems from religious beliefs about sex and intimacy which view any type of non-procreative sex as sinful or wrong. In the past, this led to punishments such as castration or excommunication for individuals who engaged in masturbation or other forms of sexual expression. Today, it results in harmful treatments such as conversion therapy and prayer interventions aimed at changing people's attitudes towards their own bodies and desires.
Masturbation is a normal and healthy behavior that should not be stigmatized or pathologized in medical discourse. By understanding how these false beliefs come about and spread, we can begin to challenge them and create more positive attitudes around self-pleasure. Individuals who engage in masturbation should feel empowered to do so without shame or guilt and seek out accurate information about its benefits and risks.
How does masturbation become pathologized in medical discourse?
Masturbation has been considered as a normal aspect of human behavior for centuries, but its significance in medical literature is often pathologized due to sociocultural factors that influence people's attitudes towards sexuality. In modern times, many experts have argued against the stigma associated with masturbation by emphasizing its benefits for physical and mental health, such as relieving stress and improving self-esteem.