Why do I feel guilty after I masturbate?

Poor masturbation. It’s really gotten a bad rap over the years. Pop culture has made great strides in trying to normalize it, but for a number of reasons many people still find it to be a taboo subject. So much so that quite a few individuals experience guilt when performing self-pleasure. 

The guilt that is felt with masturbation (or, sometimes, all forms of orgasm) generally stems from personal exposure to external forces saying that masturbation is bad. If you experience masturbation or orgasm guilt, try figuring out who or what has shaped your thoughts on sex. Is it society? Is it religion?

I did a little research. Did you know that the act of masturbation is not actually a sin in the Bible? What IS a sin is thinking improper thoughts for pleasure (like beastiality or lusting after your neighbor’s wife). So if this might be your reason for feeling guilt after masturbation, I would encourage you to think about this concept a little further. 

From a medical standpoint, masturbation is totally healthy and comes with its own set of health benefits! It can relieve stress, help with sleep, provide relief for period cramps and boost mood. So if you’re experiencing guilt, try to determine where that guilt comes from and, when guilt strikes, think through why you might be feeling that way and what you actually know to be true. You’re okay, you’re normal and you’re showing your body some love!