Is masturbation really that bad for you?

Question

I mean, i'm catholic and masturbation is a mortal sin. I want to still be a devoted catholic. I do not want to lose my virginity. What are some alternatives for releasing sexual hormones and energy?

Answer 1

Masturbation releases sexual energy and tension. So does exercise. So does concentrating on work and/or studies. So does housework. So does volunteerism and thinking about the needs of others. Get a dog and take him for a run twice a day!! If you are lying about all day in front of the TV set, you have nothing better to do than think of yourself and your own feelings/needs. Sex feels good. No, correct that, it usually feels GREAT. But, it feels best when it is mutually enjoyed by two consenting adults. If you start out by gratifying yourself and do this with frequency, you can actually become addicted to "doing it your way" and this can detrimentally affect future relationships. Most men who masturbate daily are poor candidates for husbands/lovers as they have become totally fixated on their own needs. If you are a practising Catholic, then you should have plenty of resources where your energy can be used in serving meals, cleaning playgrounds.
Try dance lessons - that's invigorating, tiring, and stimulating!! If you choose television and masturbation over outdoor exercise/walks/running, then all you'll end up with is a fat gut and a poor relationship. Your faith is based on love and the teachings are meant to help you have a long and healthy life. Don't let people with no values shape your better judgement. And, if you still occasionally feel "the urge", act on it with moderation. Remember above all that it is YOUR body and also YOUR future. If you are remaining a virgin, whether male or female, you obviously value the concept of monogamous, married sex. Don't risk a full, joyous lifetime relationship by being self-centred now. People who focus on others and then work to please their life partners live longer - scientific fact!

Answer 2

You know, I think the whole idea behind it being bad is what is in your head. Lust is a sin. So if you can do that just thinking about yourself or your wife someday, I think it's O.K. In fact I think it's really helpful when you are trying to remain a virgin, which I think is a great choice. The point isn't in the action, but what is in your mind. Yeah, you can try exercising and getting your mind on other things and that does help some, but there are times it isn't quite enough. I think you should consider the character of God on this issue. He doesn't want you to lust because that is not good for you. It is making a bond with someone that you can't have and really violating them. He wants you to have a good relationship with your wife when and if you get one. I think He is more interested in you not getting hurt with heartbreak and stds and all the stuff that comes with premarital sex than He is with you enjoying yourself. Not everybody who believes in God believes masturbation is wrong. But if you feel like you shouldn't, you should ask Him to help you not do it and replace that activity with something else. He can take away that desire and have you wait for your wife and give you love in your spirit that is better than anything you can do to yourself. For real. So do what you feel is right and know that God loves you. And if you really want to stop, don't shame and condemn yourself. That actually creates a cycle where you feel so bad that you want to feel pleasure again and you do it twice as much more. It's better to just forgive yourself and go on. And about it messing up your future sexual relationship with your wife, I don't agree. I learned in human sexuality class that it sometimes helps to know what works so you can communicate what you need to your spouse. I may be wrong, but that's what I was taught and it makes sense to me.

Answer 3

Masturbation is the healthiest way to learn about your body and what feels good. It is completely natural. I think the religious constraints on all forms of sex has done some serious damage to many people and is why we have so many frustrated and sexually unfulfilled human beings on this planet. It's medically proven to keep you healthy in a number of different ways. Know thyself and love thyself! Of course, if it starts interfering with your daily life - then it could be a bad thing.......

Answer 4

It is not bad even necessary if you are isolated from women for a long period of time. I've heard of guys saving themselves for marriage then after a lifetime of non-use had problems once married. Its not about ejaculation but you if you aren't having sex you should get the penis hard at least twice a week for 35 minutes at a time to keep everything working. Like the saying goes if you don't use it you lose it.

Answer 5

Well, if that is what your religion believes then there is not much anyone can say to you. To my knowledge, there is no other way to release sexual energy without actually having sex other then masturbation. To me though, it seems that any perfectly natural urges that we as human beings have, Christianity wants to call it a sin.

Answer 6

I recommend the movie "40 days and 40 nights", and the book "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" by James Joyce.

Answer 7

Been a while since I was at mass but I believe masturbation is a cardinal sin, not a mortal sin. Don't think you are condemned for masturbating.

Answer 8

No, it isn't. The saying goes "if it feels good, stop." But, honestly...would you rather contract an STD...or worse...

The only alternative for masturbation would be actual sexual intercourse...but since you want to stay a virgin, there really are no other options. It is not wrong. They want you to think that, and they must have you quite brainwashed...That's why I quit Christianity completely...because it didn't help me one bit, it did nothing....and church is just a way for the brainwashing to continue! Thus why I have converted...

Answer 9

umm there are no alternatives...masturbation isnt a sin...they brainwash you into thinking it is...its safe and a good way to release sexual energy...try it eh?

Answer 10

I do not think there are any other methods that will relieve sexual pressure other than masturbation, but here is the link to a great site that will help you.