logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
31m 18s

Episode 294: The Science of Self-Pleasur...

DR. JUSTIN LEHMILLER
About this episode

It’s Masturbation Month, so today’s episode is going to be all about self-pleasure! The origins of Masturbation Month date back to 1995, when US Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders stated that masturbation is a natural part of human sexuality and something that should perhaps be taught in sex ed. Elders’ comments set off a political firestorm that ultimately led to her being fired. To mark her unjust dismissal, May 14 was declared National Masturbation Day, which was later expanded to include the entire month of May.

For this show, we’re revisiting some of my favorite clips on the history and science of self-pleasure. My guests include Dr. Eric Sprankle, Marie Aoyama from TENGA, professor Carole Hooven, urologist Joshua Gonzalez, sleep researcher Michele Lastella, and sex therapist Emily Jamea.

Some of the questions this fascinating group of folks addresses for us include:

  • How have views on masturbation changed over time?
  • What do people fantasize about when they masturbate?
  • Does abstaining from masturbation boost testosterone?
  • Can avoiding sex and masturbation actually increase athletic performance?
  • How can we have a healthier relationship with self-pleasure?
  • Can masturbation help us to fall asleep faster?

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

***

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Xersizer is the world’s only FDA regulated hydropump and it provides a discreet and effective way to exercise an area of the body that’s neglected in the gym. To learn more and get a 20% discount off of your purchase, visit xersizer.com/SAP.

***

Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on FacebookTwitter, or Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram.

Listen and stream all episodes on AppleSpotifyGoogle, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast!

Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Up next
Oct 7
Episode 438: Should You Share Your Sexual Fantasies?
What happens when people decide to share their sexual fantasies? How does it usually go? In today’s show, we’re going to explore how many people have ever shared their fantasies with a partner before, the five most common reasons that people decide to open up about them, as well ... Show More
35m 48s
Oct 3
Episode 437: How To Stop Negative Cycles (Essential Listen)
Long-term partners often find themselves having the same fight over and over again. This repetitive, unproductive conflict is known as a negative cycle–and it can ultimately be very damaging to the relationship. So in today’s show, we’re going to discuss how to identify negative ... Show More
31m 49s
Sep 30
Episode 436: A Definitive Guide To Better Oral Sex
Oral sex is one of the most popular bedroom activities. However, while most people say that it can be highly pleasurable, it doesn’t always feels great. So in today’s show, we’re going to talk about how to make oral sex better. Specifically, we’ll explore tips and techniques from ... Show More
38m 56s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
Female Pleasure with Bridget Berman
This episode really has it all - orgasms, porn, masturbation and even Martha Stewart! Mal and her friend Bridget talk about female pleasure, addressing the social stigmas and shame that women are taught, and the benefits to this form of self-care. The episode also explores bisexu ... Show More
1h 1m
Sep 30
Therapists Answer Erotic Questions After Hours
Problemistas, we've missed you. We're working on our brand this week, establishing our "after hours" vibe. Which prompted a soundboard re-think. It'll make sense when you listen. Just jump in and click play. 16:00 - Question 1 - Masterbating, oh what fun.23:47 - Question 2 - My b ... Show More
1h 1m
Jun 2025
Sex Ed with DB Season 12 is here: ALL ABOUT PLEASURE!
Ready to have better sex? Start here. This season on Sex Ed with DB, we’re diving into what your high school health class definitely didn’t teach you: how to get more pleasure. Whether you’re trying to orgasm with a partner, explore your kinks, or just feel more confident in your ... Show More
1m 6s
Oct 2
#1 Harvard Psychologist: Use Your Mind to Heal Your Body
What if everything you’ve been told about health, stress, and aging is wrong? Today, the legendary Dr. Ellen Langer – pioneering Harvard psychologist and global mindfulness legend, renowned for her 50+ years of groundbreaking research – joins Mel for the conversation of a lifetim ... Show More
1h 18m
Sep 2021
Sexual Discipleship (with Dr. Juli Slattery)
"Sexual discipleship is teaching people HOW to think about sexuality, not WHAT to think about sexuality." In this episode, Dr. Juli Slattery helps us rethink sexuality according to the story of God, rather than the toxic sexual narratives of porn and purity culture. Juli Slattery ... Show More
31m 50s
Apr 2025
A Therapist Has Sex With His Client (2016 Rerun)
[Rerun] Dr. Kirk Honda talks with Rebecca Bloom about a listener who had sex with her therapist. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/KIRK to get 10% off your first month. Become a member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUZWV1DRt ... Show More
48m 53s
Jun 2025
731. Narcissim Throughout History
In this episode, Krista welcomes Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist famous for her expertise in narcissism. On a mission to educate the masses about this high-conflict personality type, Dr. Ramani hosts the popular Navigating Narcissism podcast and has written ... Show More
12m 56s
Sep 9
Savage Lovecast Episode 984
A married mother did some sex work in her younger, wilder days. She's turned on by money, so it seems obvious that she should be a findom. But the typical clientele prefer a younger woman to take their money. How can she get her middle-aged kink on? Meanwhile, a gay man thinks po ... Show More
56m 10s
Jun 2024
Sex Tech & Closing the Orgasm Gap with Anna Lee
DB sits down with Anna Lee, co-founder and CEO of Lioness, to talk about how her biofeedback vibrator is changing the game and making it as easier than ever to understand your body and experience mind-blowing orgasms. They geek out over tracking your pleasure, brainstorm their MV ... Show More
59m 48s
Feb 2025
Libido and Chappell Roan
Rebeccasode! Dr Kirk and Rebecca answer patron emails. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/KIRK to get 10% off your first month. 00:00 Why do I have low libido?  05:47 Handling a surprise pregnancy 13:42 Bad therapists & sex work i ... Show More
1h 45m