Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

The topic is still a little taboo among the menfolk and it's not exactly something you bring up while at the domino table or during the football game for instance.

Yes, we're talking about masturbation. Self-love, jerking off, flying solo, embracing your monster; all those terms and names you can come up with, that's it!

While some Jamaicans may still be shy about the whole thing, other parts of the western world are grabbing the idea with both hands. Sex shop owners in the United States have even declared May as masturbation month, while in Europe, the Marie Stopes International is hosting a 'Masturbate-a-thon with HIV/AIDS charity the Terrence Higgins Trust. Up to 200 people are expected to attend the session in Clerkenwell, central London, on Saturday.

The healthy way

Masturbation is widely regarded as a healthy way of relieving oneself but some religious groups won't 'grasp' the concept. There seem to be no ill-effects from masturbating, so that's good news! Health benefits include the muscle relaxation, helping you to fall asleep, release of the brain's opioid-like neurotransmitters (endorphins), which cause feelings of physical and mental well-being and stress reduction. Sexually, it's also a big help. Solo masturbation is a safe sex practice that carries no risk of sexually transmitted infection and unwanted pregnancy. Furthermore, being familiar with your own sexual responses allows you to better communicate your wants and needs to your partner.

Apart from the medical benefits of it, the biggest benefits are the practicality of masturbation. From the male perspective, it's useful because:

It can be done anytime, anywhere. IN PRIVATE of course!

You don't have to be in outstanding physical shape either. As long as your hand is working, then you're in business!

You don't have to depend on another human being to be in the same mood as you are. When you're ready, just get to work!

It's the cheapest form of sex available. You didn't have to pay for it and you don't owe anybody a thing afterwards!

If you think it's perverted or 'sick' then what would you consider those guys who have sex with four-legged animals? Pales in compari-son, doesn't it?

Like anything though, you can get addicted! Guys have admitted masturbating three or four times a day which might mean at least one of those times is at school or work! While there are worse things to get hooked on, this might not be one of them you admit. So by all means, rock your own boat but always try for a passenger!

Some information taken from www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au and www.eye.net