Come again?
That's right people, today's fun fact is that the month of May is observed as National Masturbation month, and Saturday, May 7 is National Masturbation Day — a topic that we could all lend a hand in to be less taboo.
Turns out, the holiday was created back in 1995 when President Bill Clinton fired Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders for suggesting that masturbation should be a part of sex education for students. We're a little interested in what Bill Clinton thinks should be taught in sex education, but that's besides the point.
On May 7, 1995, the sex shop Good Vibrations (another great pun) declared the day in honor of Jocelyn Elders and to protect the right to masturbate.
For some reason, (let's be real, America is such a prude) there always seems to be shame involved when it comes to pleasuring oneself. So we rounded up some fun facts and tips about getting yourself off. Enjoy yourself, literally!
- If you jerk it too often, you can actually fracture your penis.
- 53 percent of women masturbate with some sort of toy.
- Planned Parenthood says that masturbation is an effective way to relieve menstrual cramps and muscle tension.
- Masturbation can lead to a decrease in prostate cancer and oddly, diabetes.
- There are lots of rumors that masturbation can cause you to go blind, go insane, or stunt your growth. All false. According to the American Psychiatric Association, there can never be enough self loving.
- People who have sex regularly masturbate more than those who don't.
- If you lived in Connecticut during the 17th century, you could be eligible for the death penalty.
- Doctors used to cure hysteria with vibrators. Imagine that.
- Humans aren't the only ones who masturbate! Ever seen an elephant get intimate with himself at the zoo before? No, just me. Okay, moving on.
- Couples who masturbate together, stay together.
Us too, Samantha Jones. Us too.
