This month-long observation was started in 1995 as a direct response to the unfair firing of then U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, who was the first African-American and the second woman to hold that position. She holds an M.D. degree, an M.S. degree in Biochemistry, was a professor of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas Medical Center, and is a board certified pediatric endocrinologist.
After giving a speech at the United Nations World AIDS Day in 1994, she was asked by an audience member if she felt that masturbation had the potential to discourage riskier forms of contact in young people. Elders replied, "I think that it is part of human sexuality, and perhaps it should be taught." Her comment sparked a puritanical backlash. President Clinton fired her, not only for that comment but for her progressive beliefs on the legalization of drugs, and a greater importance in childhood health and education. She famously said, and rightly so, "We really need to get over this love affair with the fetus and start worrying about children."
According to the San Francisco Examiner's on-line edition, there are great health benefits to masturbation. Citing a 2007 study published in "Sexual and Relationship Therapy," masturbation may help men improve immune system function, build resistance to prostate gland infection, and promote overall prostate health. Moreover, Australian researchers have shown that frequent masturbation may lower a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. For women, masturbation increases their resistance to yeast infections, helps release pre-menstrual tension and other physical discomfort associated with menstrual cycles like cramps, and increases blood flow to the pelvic region, which helps to reduce pelvic cramping and related backaches.
What are you waiting for? Time's a-wastin...
"Don't knock masturbation...it's sex with someone I love."
--Woody Allen
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