Should masturbation be considered as infidelity?

If you have a partner who masturbates, with or without pornographic materials, would you consider such an act as infidelity? Those who feel comfortable with their body are more likely to masturbate as it enables them to explore their sexuality and discover their excitement zones. When you know what makes you feel good it would be easier to communicate that to your partner, thereby increasing the levels of intimacy between the couple.

What you should know about masturbation:

Sex is about creating a connection with another person while masturbation is about creating a connection with oneself. Masturbation on its own isn’t a form of cheating but when it is used to replace sex then it becomes cheating.

Some common reasons why married people masturbate include; to release stress, to experience self-focused sensations without any distraction, for sexual pleasure, etc.

Masturbation can be an indication of a higher sex drive. According to a 2008 study on masturbation, those who masturbated frequently were surveyed and it was found out that they were also having more sex. So, masturbation didn’t really serve as a replacement for sex.

According to a research carried out by the Kinsey Institute, women who were able to reach orgasm during masturbation are more likely to have a more satisfying sex in marriage.

Handling masturbation in marriage can be difficult especially when the partners have different opinions on masturbation. Before introducing masturbation in your relationship, you must find out what your partner thinks about it. If a man masturbates often, his partner might assume that it was because she couldn’t satisfy his needs and such an assumption might not be true. A woman who doesn’t approve male masturbation would have her self-confidence crushed when she finds out that her man is addicted to masturbation.

Should masturbation be permitted in relationships?

There are other relationships where masturbation is allowed by both partners. To them, having your partner masturbate in your presence often adds spice to the bedroom moments. What about doing it in your absence? That’s still cool as long they are able to achieve sexual satisfaction.

Other cases whereby masturbation is accepted by the couple include; in a relationship where one partner has a disease that hinders him from engaging in sexual activities, then the other might be permitted to masturbate. Also, in cases where a partner is out of town and the other gets horny in his absence, then masturbation might just be the safest way to achieve orgasm.

We also have cases whereby the couple has differing sexual appetite and frequency. According to Prevention Magazine, masturbation may be the perfect substitute as it saves the couple from the drama caused by having an extramarital affair.

Don’t hide it, talk to your partner:

Most people who masturbate feel so ashamed to share it with their partner. Secret masturbation can make you feel guilty but when you share it with your partner then the masturbation can be enjoyed together.

When Masturbation Becomes Infidelity

Masturbation on its own is a healthy practice but when a person becomes addicted to it, it becomes a problem. If you allow your addiction to prevent you from having sex with your partner then you are guilty of infidelity. To be on the safe side you must create a balance between the two.

Also, if while masturbating you create sexual fantasies with someone that isn’t your spouse then that’s cheating.  Due to the conflicting opinions on masturbation and marriage, it is important that every couple communicate and agree on what is acceptable in their relationship. If masturbation is allowed, then that is fine as long as they continue to maintain a satisfying emotional and physical intimacy in their marriage.

References:

• https://www.verywellmind.com/ever-wonder-who-masturbates-2300805
• https://www.yourtango.com/2017308508/does-masturbation-fit-definition-cheating-answers-reddit-relationships
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-who-stray/201705/masturbation-and-marriage