Masturbation

Masturbation is the sexual stimulation of one’s own body. This includes manual stimulation as well as foreign object use. Sometimes also called autoeroticism. Many people believe whatever your perspective on masturbation, humans masturbate simply because it feels good. Only humans torture themselves over moral, ethical and religious taboos surrounding any sexual practice aimed at gratification.

The consensus of those doing a statistical analysis of who masturbates is that around 90% of the total male population and 65% of the total female population masturbate from time to time.


History-
The modern fear of masturbation can be traced back to the 18th century. It first became popular through a brochure which appeared in London in 1715, and was translated and reprinted in several european languages and in many editions: "Onania, or the heinous sin of self-pollution, and all its frightful consequences in both sexes considered", it reached its climax during the 19th century.
Some religions teach that masturbation is wrong and immoral, while religious leaders like Dr. Dobson offer a different view. Below are some people who believe masturbation is morally wrong:


Jessica Steinmetz: "Catholicism teaches that masturbation is a sin. Any sexual action that does not lead to an opportunity of creation of a human life and is outside the union of marriage is considered a sin."


Source: Catholicism.about.com

Pastor Paul: "...the Catholic Church has interpreted certain Scripture passages as a divine prohibition against masturbation and has backed its belief up with church teaching. Mormons also think it a sin. And the practice is widely condemned by evangelical Christians. At the same time, many Christian groups consider masturbation to be a harmless activity and not inherently sinful."

Overall there are many mixed view on whether or not masturbation is a good or bad thing.

http://marriage.about.com/cs/masturbation/f/masturbatfaq7.htm

http://www.ldolphin.org/Mast.shtml