From the Guidelines
Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality, and it is not explicitly mentioned as a harmful activity in the context of cardiovascular disease management, including heart failure, as discussed in the study by the American Heart Association and the ESC Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions (CCNAP) 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The study focuses on sexual counseling for individuals with cardiovascular disease and their partners, emphasizing the importance of discussing resumption of sexual activity, tolerance, and strategies for managing symptoms during sexual activity 1.
- While the study does not directly address masturbation, it suggests that sexual activity, including activities like mutual masturbation, can be a part of sexual counseling for patients with heart failure, provided their condition is optimally managed and stabilized 1.
- Masturbation, as a form of sexual activity, can offer several health benefits, including stress relief, improved sleep, and potentially reducing the risk of certain health issues, although these specific benefits are not discussed in the provided study 1.
- It is essential to approach the topic of masturbation with an understanding that it is a natural expression of sexuality, and any concerns or issues related to it should be addressed in the context of overall sexual health and well-being.
Considerations for Heart Failure Patients
- Patients with heart failure should be advised to have their condition optimally managed and stabilized before resuming sexual activity, including masturbation, to minimize risks and ensure safety 1.
- The energy requirement and strain on the heart may vary for different sexual activities, and patients should be counseled on how to manage their condition effectively during sexual activity, potentially including masturbation as a low-strain option 1.
- Strategies such as being well-rested before sexual activity, stopping to rest if shortness of breath occurs, and adjusting the timing of medication use can be helpful for heart failure patients engaging in sexual activities, including masturbation 1.
From the Research
Masturbation as a Normal and Healthy Part of Human Sexuality
- Masturbation is considered a common and generally accepted activity in Western society as a normal, healthy part of human sexuality 2.
- However, the Catholic Church holds that masturbation is immoral, and research has found negative correlations between masturbation and relationship satisfaction, quality, intimacy, and emotional satisfaction with a partner 2.
- A systematic review found a negative relation between solitary masturbation and sexual satisfaction in men, while in women, the relation was more complex, with some studies finding a positive association and others finding no relation 3.
Perceptions of Masturbation
- Young adults' perceptions of masturbation are shaped by a developmental process that includes learning about the act, internalizing social contradictions and stigma, and coming to terms with the tension between stigma and pleasure 4.
- Men and women have different perceptions of masturbation, with men recognizing its beneficial aspects for healthy sexual development and women often struggling with the contradiction between stigma and pleasure 4.
- Older adults' masturbation frequency is associated with factors such as satisfaction with sexual activity, attitudes towards sex, and self-perceived health 5.
Cultural and Sociological Aspects
- Cultural taboos against masturbation are strong in some African countries, and health professionals and students in these countries may view masturbation as clinically problematic 6.
- In Tanzania, health professionals and students often receive no training on masturbation, leading to a need for comprehensive sexual health training to address myths and misconceptions about its effects on health 6.
- In European countries, masturbation is more common among older adults who have positive attitudes towards sex and believe that sex is beneficial for older people 5.