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DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation
The first-ever social and scientific history of masturbation, which unapologetically critiques a system that has sought to control the very human desire for self-pleasure.
Despite decades of medical and psychological research confirming that masturbation is healthy, the act remains shrouded in taboo and pseudoscience. In DIY, Dr. Eric Sprankle reveals the untold story of crusaders on a long campaign to suppress masturbation and the sex educators fighting back with science. He introduces listeners to a colorful cast of doctors advocating for the use of chastity devices, wellness influencers who believe ejaculation depletes the body of vital nutrients, pastors who preach that masturbation creates mermaids, and vibrator aficionados who teach the curious how to come. DIY will challenge what you think you know about the very human need for self-pleasure.
Part sex-positive expose, part fascinating science, DIY spotlights generations of sex education countering anti-masturbation pseudoscience with empowering truths about pleasure. This sex book is perfect for fans of Mary Roach books like Bonk or anyone curious about the history of sex and masturbation.
Despite decades of medical and psychological research confirming that masturbation is healthy, the act remains shrouded in taboo and pseudoscience. In DIY, Dr. Eric Sprankle reveals the untold story of crusaders on a long campaign to suppress masturbation and the sex educators fighting back with science. He introduces listeners to a colorful cast of doctors advocating for the use of chastity devices, wellness influencers who believe ejaculation depletes the body of vital nutrients, pastors who preach that masturbation creates mermaids, and vibrator aficionados who teach the curious how to come. DIY will challenge what you think you know about the very human need for self-pleasure.
Part sex-positive expose, part fascinating science, DIY spotlights generations of sex education countering anti-masturbation pseudoscience with empowering truths about pleasure. This sex book is perfect for fans of Mary Roach books like Bonk or anyone curious about the history of sex and masturbation.
Audible Audio
Published April 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 9, 2026
audiobook
A sex positive look at something everybody does but it's often too ashamed to talk about it. The author uses humor to break the tension. The author does a good job of keeping this readable for the masses, while being grounded on science and research based studies.
That being said this book is not going to change anyone's mind. The hardcore religious conservative isn't going to suddenly stop feeling the guilt that their upbringing has laid on them. Also the authors schtick with metaphors gets a little tiresome by the end of the book.
A sex positive look at something everybody does but it's often too ashamed to talk about it. The author uses humor to break the tension. The author does a good job of keeping this readable for the masses, while being grounded on science and research based studies.
That being said this book is not going to change anyone's mind. The hardcore religious conservative isn't going to suddenly stop feeling the guilt that their upbringing has laid on them. Also the authors schtick with metaphors gets a little tiresome by the end of the book.
October 31, 2025
I listened to the audiobook and found the graphic biological descriptions well done & in a non-judgmental way. It was a serious book that didn’t take itself seriously (which ironically made it four stars instead of five because I was thinking of it more as an academic review).
I appreciated the incorporation of religious thought and (non)acceptance. ‘It’s a religion problem not a sexual problem.’
I appreciated the incorporation of religious thought and (non)acceptance. ‘It’s a religion problem not a sexual problem.’
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews