So, 84 percent of American men between 25 and 29 years old had masturbated during the past year, according to a study released last month in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Men of that age were the most active in self-pleasuring. You’re not shocked? I am!

I’m shocked that as many as 16 percent of men between 25 and 29 didn’t report any masturbation for at least a whole year. Impotence is rather unusual among people that age and men physically have a higher need to “release energy” than women. Consequently, there are some men either lying in the anonymous survey or running around in pain. Seventy-four percent of women reported having masturbated in the past year. For those without math skills, that’s 26 percent of young women not laying hand on themselves.

Most media commentators ridiculed Christine O’Donnell this year for her view of masturbation as a sinful act that shows weakness if given in to. Yet, seeing those numbers makes me think if there are O’Donnell fans out there who actually believe that “you-can-get-blind-when-you’re-jacking-off” story dads like to tell.

I’ve never understood how masturbation could be demonized, except that someone read it into a sentence in the Bible. Masturbation is clean, painless, pleasurable and satisfying. It doesn’t harm anyone or hurts anyone’s feelings; after all, it doesn’t involve anyone else. No one can go too far, because we know exactly when we need some more or have enough. The only danger in masturbation is the embarrassment of your roommate or parent walking into the room while you’re at it; or the negligent use of toys. Still, this cannot be what people mean when talking bad about masturbation.

Some may argue that it is unnatural because men and women are made to only have sex with each other. But given the human sexual drive, we would have long run out of food because of overpopulation if we had sex the “usual” way instead. Many people also don’t have the advantage of a partner who gives them exactly what they need in exactly the right dose. Instead of looking for a meaningless substitute and risking diseases, people are better served with self-stimulation in their safe homes.

And if the partner does come along, it’ll be easier to show him or her how to please you when you already found out how to please yourself. You could also watch each other to learn more about your preferences. Once you get past the initial barrier of sharing a very private moment with your partner, you might find that it turns you on as well. After all, you’re naked and aroused during sex, too, so what’s really the difference?

Masturbation is not only a stimulant; it will also help you reduce stress, a common problem among college students. That extra circulation boost can further keep your skin and heart healthy. What better way is there to stay healthy and get some exercise (except sex, of course)?