[The Retro Kat]

'lo Alice.

This might seem like a strange question, but can masturbation somehow cause gas? I recently started masturbating and I think at about the same time, I started having bad gas. I know this sounds funny, but it's really annoying. My grades are slipping because I can't concentrate in class and I don't really feel like doing anything at all. Even movies are a pain. So, could masturbation somehow lead to gas problems?

—Signed, Arggggh



Dear Arggggh,

Gas and masturbation are highly unlikely to be connected with each other. Have you tried to stop masturbating? Has the gas subsided as a result? Perhaps you could try the same experiment by increasing the times you masturbate daily. Do you notice that the gas is increasing?

From your letter, it sounds as if you could be under pressure and stressed out. Gas and digestive upset are common stress responses, as well as loss of concentration and lethargy. Are you stressed about masturbating itself? Read the Related Q&As listed below for stress management techniques, if this is the case. Masturbation, itself, can be a stress reducer, as well.

On the other hand (no pun intended), are you feeling guilty about your self-pleasure? Is your body responding physiologically to your discomfort with beginning masturbation? Masturbation is normal, natural, and healthy, yet many people feel ashamed or guilty about it. Masturbation taboos have been around and in force for decades, and even though some societies and cultures are much more open to it nowadays, for others, the taboos are still ingrained.


Some self-detective work seems to be in order here. Is there anything else that happened in your life at around the same time that you started masturbating? There's also the possibility of a medical/digestive problem. Make an appointment at Primary Care Medical Services (x4-2284) to have your gas itself checked out. If you are not at Columbia, your first step is to see your own medical provider for a check-up. If you feel you need to talk with someone, at Columbia you can make an appointment at Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) to get you through this time period.

'bye,

- Alice