Since the inception of this "online clinic" of mine I have been flooded with all types of health related queries-mostly sex oriented. This shows the importance (and the lack)of sex education in India. I am surprised to see how misinformed the youth of modern India are. The two most asked for topics are related to Abortion and masturbation(Both male and female). As I have already discussed about abortion in length in my earlier post , I would like to put all those questions related to male masturbation, as a blog post, for others to benefit out of it. The identity of the persons have been protected as per their request.

To begin with I would like to narrate a story (dunno whether true or not but it serves my purpose)

                                      Once there was this saadhu, a Bal-brahmachari (practitioner of abstinence since childhood) who once had a Nocturnal Emission (night fall-as commonly said). when he discovered this early morning, he broke into tears due to guilt and frustration that his Saadhna of years has been breached. he went to his Master and asked for forgiveness.

His master smiled and explained, “Vats! Look at that lady pouring water into the earthen pot. What if she doesn’t remove the pot when it is full?...it’s going to spill over, isn’t it? Similarly, the semen production in a male body is a continuous process. If the semen is not utilized (as during normal ejaculation) it is bound to spill out (as nocturnal emission). Since you are a Saadhu and you can’t indulge yourself in earthly pleasures, you should not worry about night fall because you can’t stop the semen production which is a natural process of human body”

How true the Master was, who explained his disciple the very basic biological fact about human body which most of the youth these days are worried about.

What is masturbation?
Masturbation is the physical stimulation of the sexual organs to produce feelings of pleasure. If you're a male and your body has matured to a certain point, masturbating will eventually result in semen (fluid containing sperm cells, among other things) being expelled from the penis, usually accompanied by a very good whole-body feeling known as orgasm.

How do people masturbate?

Most guys masturbate by rubbing their penis with their hand or hands, or by rubbing the penis against something, such as a pillow. Girls masturbate by rubbing the outside of their vagina, or by inserting something (such as a vibrator) into the vagina. However, there are a lot of variations on these methods.

Why masturbate?
First and foremost, because it feels good, and second, because ejaculating semen reduces the sexual tension that builds up in adult men and especially teenagers. However, recent studies suggest that ejaculating regularly isn't just fun, it can actually help prevent a certain kind of cancer later in life.

Is masturbation healthy?
Masturbation is a healthy and normal practice, like daydreaming or napping. Even masturbating several times each day is completely harmless. You may encounter people, books, or websites that say masturbation is bad or harmful; this is just plain incorrect. As any reputable medical doctor will tell you, old myths about masturbation affecting the eyesight, causing permanent fatigue or insanity, etc., have long been disproved. In fact, recent studies suggest that ejaculating regularly isn't just fun, it can actually help prevent a certain kind of cancer later in life.

Can I masturbate too much?
Unless you're rubbing yourself raw (try lubrication) or you're doing it so much that it's interfering with other aspects of your life, no, it is not possible to masturbate too much. Some Web sites claim that there is such a thing as "overmasturbation," but they're only doing this to scare people into buying phony pills that do nothing. Masturbation does not cause hair loss, chronic fatigue, etc. Don't let one bad Web site ruin your enjoyment of this healthy activity.

Is my penis normal?
If you're asking this question, there's probably about a 98% chance that your penis is normal. Perfectly good penises come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and teenagers' penises grow at very different rates. They are often curved somewhat, and the skin often has bumps and various colorations (which have nothing to do with STDs). Try not to obsess so much about your penis, and stop looking for things that might be wrong. It's there to create pleasure, not trouble and worry.

Can I make my penis bigger?
If you pay a plastic surgeon several thousand dollars, your penis can become fatter, but not really longer. And you know what? That's really the only method of penis enlargement that works. Everything else — particularly pills sold through magazines and the Internet — is a scam, aimed at malekind's #1 biggest insecurity. Some devices involving suction or vacuum can actually injure your penis. Instead of trying to change it, learn to accept your penis exactly the way it is. It's amazing how much incredible pleasure it can provide.

How can I "shoot" more?
Here's something you actually can change. If you masturbate a couple of times a day, chances are you aren't going to ejaculate very much semen, or ejaculate very forcefully. But if you want a more impressive ejaculation, hold back and save it up for a few days or a week. Drink a lot of water during the 6-hour period before you masturbate, and then draw out your masturbation session for as long as possible, spending a lot of time being very aroused. When you do finally ejaculate, it will probably come out with a lot more force, and there will be much more of it than usual. Plus, it'll feel way better than the average orgasm. Try it!

Am I gay?
This is one of the most common questions young guys ask themselves. The truth is, very few of us are 100% straight (or 100% gay). Lots of heterosexual men have fantasies about other guys, sometimes at the peak of orgasm, and this leaves them feeling very insecure. It's one of the most carefully kept secrets in male society. You're really only gay when you've concluded, without a doubt, that you enjoy males sexually more than females. Random fantasies and even sexual encounters don't make you gay.

What is a nocturnal emission?
It's an ejaculation that happens when you're asleep, and it's usually accompanied by an erotic (sexy) dream. They are entirely normal, a way for your body to keep the "plumbing" working if you aren't having regular ejaculations when you're awake.

I've never had a nocturnal emission — is that normal?
It is, especially if you masturbate with any regularity. Many men who masturbate daily or every other day have never had a nocturnal emission in their entire lives. This is completely normal.

Is there any way I can make myself have a nocturnal emission?
The only way we know — and it can be a lot of effort! — is to not masturbate for a while. If you don't masturbate for 10 days or 2 weeks, your body may react with a nocturnal emission. However, we've heard from people who have gone close to a month without masturbating, hoping to experience a nocturnal emission but without luck. This varies from person to person.

Is my penis abnormally small or large?
There is no real border between what's considered "normal" and what's "abnormal." Unless your penis is really small (like shorter than 3 inches for an adult, or longer than 10 inches), consider it normal. If you're worried about being able to please women sexually, you should know that a small penis in no way prevents a man from pleasing a woman. As the old saying goes, "It's not the size of the wand, but the magic in it."

Will my penis grow any more?
If you've reached the age of 18, it's unlikely to grow any more. If you're younger than that, it very well may continue to grow, depending on where in the puberty process you are. If you're younger than 15 or so, it very well may have quite a bit of growing to do. Relax, and be patient! Puberty takes a long time!

How normal is a curved penis, and will it affect my sex life?
No penis is perfectly straight. That's because when it's growing, it's near impossible for both sides (or the top and bottom) to grow at exactly the same rate. As a result, it ends up having a curve when it's erect. Of course, some or more curved than others — but then again, some people are short while others are tall. This variation is what makes human beings interesting, and it's nothing to stress over. When you have sex you'll find that a woman's vagina is very flexible and will conform to the shape of your penis. the only exception might be if it's really curved — say, it makes an angle of greater than 45 degrees when erect. In this case you should probably consult a doctor about possible things that could be done to fix it.


Is there any way to straighten out my penis?
No, unless the problem is really severe (see above). In this case, only a doctor could answer your question based upon your particular condition.

What is the normal angle an erect penis should have?
This varies a lot from person to person — probably even more than the size. For some people, the erect penis juts out from the body at a downward angle; for others, even when they're standing, it's flat against their stomach. Or, naturally, any position in between. It can also angle to the left or right somewhat. Regardless of the angle, you'll notice that it can still move around. When you have sex, or when you masturbate, it will find the proper position and you'll have a good time.

Is there any way to change the angle of my penis?
There isn't. And there's no reason to change it. Relax!

I have white bumps or pimples on my penis. What are they, and how can I get rid of them?
This is very common — more than you think. It's especially common for guys who are going through puberty. You've probably heard that puberty changes your body chemistry, causing you to sweat more, right? These bumps have to do with sweat glands, and they're entirely normal. Other bumps are the follicles of hair that has not yet appeared, and still others are acne, just like the pimples you get on your face. In all cases, there's nothing you can do about them. However, if you are sexually active and have bumps on your penis that resemble little clusters of grapes, there's a chance it could be condyloma accumulata (venereal warts). Though relatively harmless, venereal warts are viral and contagious and you should have them checked by a doctor.


If you're worrying about how someone might react when they see your penis in an intimate situation, relax — they have their own insecurities about their bodies and are probably thinking very similar things. As you get older you'll learn that everyone's body has imperfections, and when people get close they learn to look past that. If they don't they're probably too young to be having sex anyway.

There is hair growing up the shaft of my penis. Is it normal, and how can I get rid of it?
It is normal. We've heard of guys who have some hair growing almost all the way up the shaft. For others, it stops at the base. Shaving (be careful!) works on a temporary basis, but don't pluck the hair — it will likely grow back darker and thicker. Our first recommendation is that you try not to obsess about natural features of your body, especially your penis. However, if it's really a problem for you, you can explore various methods of permanent hair removal. The most discreet method would be to buy one of personal hair removal products that work like an electronic pair of tweezers. They can be found through mail-order services (try searching the Web for "permanent hair removal") and cost somewhere around Rs 25000. It takes some time to remove each hair, and the hair may grow back a few times, but it supposedly becomes permanent eventually.
My penis is not all the same color. Is this normal, and is it a result of masturbating?
It's very common to have a ring of slightly darker skin around the middle of the penis. It's also normal to have a spot here or there, like a birthmark, of a lighter or darker skin color. Neither of these has anything to do with masturbation, and there's not much you can do to change it.

I have abrasions or little cuts on my penis from too much masturbating. What should I do?
You'll find that if you continue to masturbate the way you're doing, those abrasions won't heal very quickly. So, first of all, try not to masturbate so much for a while. Second, use a lubrication! No-lube masturbation is the surest way to give your penis a friction burn (ouch). We recommend a water-based lube like K-Y Jelly, although some people like to use things like baby oil or Vaseline. (Don't use such oil-based lubricants with a condom — the condom will weaken and could break.) Hand lotion is another favorite. Third, when you're done masturbating, wash off your penis and apply a first-aid ointment or zinc oxide. It will heal before long. But continue to use that lube!

The skin on my penis is dry and cracked. What should I do?
A lot of times that results from using soap or shampoo in the shower as a lube. I don't recommend that — for this very reason! It can be frightening for the skin to get all leathery and to peel away like paper — but it's only temporary, and your penis will be fine in a few days. In the mean time, apply some lotion and try to masturbate less until the problem is over.

I cannot retract the foreskin of my penis. It hurts when I try. What do I do?

Some foreskins are loose and some are tight. However, no foreskin should be so tight that it hurts to try to retract it. If this is the case, it's best that you discuss the condition with a doctor. There is a simple procedure, which can be done right in the office, that involves making a small incision in the foreskin, with a Novacaine-like anesthetic. (It's not nearly as extreme as a circumcision.) Moderately tight foreskins that are not quite as tight can be loosened slightly by daily gentle stretching and massage exercises with a lotion or petroleum jelly; unfortunately we don't have any specifics on how to do this. But as always, with any kind of medical condition, your best bet is to check with a doctor and get a personal opinion. I cannot personally advise you on medical matters.

I'm uncircumcised, but I think I want to be circumcised. What should I do?
Unless you have a specific medical need, circumcision is most likely not necessary. Consult a doctor and get a second opinion. I generally discourage people from seeking alteration of a penis that already works well.

I'm circumcised — is there any way to grow my foreskin back?
I've heard several mentions of this kind of thing, but we haven't looked into it. I generally discourage people from seeking alteration a penis that already works well

I sometimes feel pain in one or both of my testicles. Is this normal?
A very occasional not-too-intense pain may not be much to worry about, but if it's recurring and/or accompanied by other unusual or troubling symptoms, you should probably consult a doctor.

When I masturbate, my testicles sometimes seem to pop up inside my body. Does this mean anything?
No, that's absolutely normal. As you get close to orgasm, muscles inside your pelvis draw the testicles close to your body (presumably to get them out of the way for intercourse). For some guys they get pulled very close. They normally don't actually go inside your body, although it can feel and look like that.

When I'm aroused for a long period of time, my testicles start to ache. Is this normal?
Yes. It's caused by temporary congestion of blood in the scrotum. The medical term is testicular vasocongestion, but in the locker room you might hear it called "blue balls," since your scrotum can take on a bluish tinge. It goes away naturally in an hour or two if you stop being aroused; if you ejaculate it usually goes away much faster.

Myths and facts of masturbation

MYTH:
Masturbation is for kids.  

FACT:
Masturbation is for everyone — teenagers and adults. In fact, most adults masturbate. Even most males who have been married for 10 years or more masturbate regularly, some nearly as often as when they were teens.  

MYTH:
Hardly anyone masturbates.  

 FACT:
Well over 90% of teen males masturbate regularly, and about 98% of adults report they've masturbated at some time in their lives.    

  MYTH:
Only males masturbate.  

 FACT:
About two-thirds of adult women masturbate at least occasionally, although most females begin to masturbate at a later age than most males.    

  MYTH:
Only losers masturbate.  

FACT:
Losers are guys who go and get their girlfriends pregnant, then either have to get married or pay for an abortion, or — the biggest losers of all — run away from the situation. Masturbation helps you develop a healthy, responsible sex life without hurting anyone. Therefore, masturbation is for winners!      

MYTH:
Only homosexuals masturbate.  

FACT:
Another favorite among the "I don't need to masturbate, I get real sex" crowd. The truth is, most of these knock-'em-dead studs go home and masturbate, whether they have sexual partners or not. Then they feel guilty for masturbating (and maybe having a couple of gay fantasies along the way), so they try to get everyone else to feel guilty for masturbating, too. Stupid!      

MYTH:
Masturbation causes hair to grow on your palms.  

FACT:
How many people with hair on their palms have you seen?   

MYTH:
Masturbation causes hair loss, chronic fatigue, and other problems.  

FACT:
Internet scam artists have tried to invent a concept called "overmasturbation," insisting that you have to buy their expensive herbal pills in order to counteract the effect of masturbating more than a couple of times per week. But the pills have absolutely no effect — and masturbating once or twice a day will not make your hair fall out, or cause anything else they claim.      

MYTH:
Masturbation is bad for your eyesight.  

FACT:
Masturbation does not affect eyesight. This myth probably originated because boys often start having to wear glasses at about the same age they start masturbating.      

MYTH:
Masturbation causes your penis to stop growing (or) to get bigger.  

 FACT:
Masturbation has no effect on penis size whatsoever.      

MYTH:
Masturbation causes your testicles to shrink.  

FACT:
Absolutely false! It is true that if you're highly aroused, your testicles become engorged with blood and may appear slightly larger and heavier, and that masturbating will make them revert to normal. But they will absolutely not be any smaller than after the last time you masturbated.      

MYTH:
Masturbation causes acne.  

FACT:
It doesn't cause acne. Like the eyesight myth, this is a case of two things that happen at the same time, even though one doesn't cause the other.      

MYTH:
Masturbation causes cancer.  

FACT:
Absolutely false!      

 MYTH:
Masturbation causes sexually transmitted diseases.  

FACT:
Hello? "Sexually transmitted" means from one person to another. You can't give yourself a sexually transmitted disease!      

MYTH:
If you masturbate too much, you'll run out of semen and become sterile.  

 FACT:
Semen is a fully renewable resource. When you ejaculate semen, your body simply makes more — the same way your body makes more saliva after you spit.      

MYTH:
People can tell whether you masturbate by how your penis looks.  

FACT:
Masturbation does not change the appearance of your penis. (It does tend to cause an erection, but that usually goes away when you're finished.)