Book Description

Despite decades of medical and psychological research confirming that solo sex is healthy, the act remains shrouded in taboo, myths, and pseudoscience. In DIY, Dr. Eric Sprankle, professor of clinical psychology and sexuality studies at Minnesota State University, draws on a broad range of studies and historical documents to reveal the untold story of crusaders on a long campaign to suppress masturbation, the sex educators fighting back with science, and the everyday people stuck in the middle of these conflicting messages about what constitutes healthy self-pleasure. He introduces readers to a colorful cast of characters: doctors running residential treatment programs for masturbation addiction, men who believe ejaculation depletes testosterone and muscle mass, and vibrator aficionados who teach the curious how to come. DIY is the story of humanity’s fascination with autoeroticism; readers will never think about their alone time in the same way again.