Although the mere mention of the word masturbation still makes many people uncomfortable, attitudes toward the activity have become slightly more liberal because of its frequent discussion in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and sociology, among others. However, despite evidence that masturbation is a healthy, normal part of human sexual development, the act is still regarded as unwholesome and shameful in some quarters. Indeed, the Roman Catholic Church still officially considers masturbation a mortal sin.

Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals, usually with the aim of sexual pleasure and orgasm. It is generally performed alone and in private, but sometimes it occurs between people as part of a sexual relationship apart from sexual intercourse. The practice was taboo in most premodern societies--particularly those that espoused Christianity--and there were frightening myths and superstitions built up around it. These included that self stimulation would cause blindness, insanity, and other...