According to a recent survey on 100 people by Ho Chi Minh City-based Binh Dan Hospital, those between 16 and 22 years old masturbate the most. Most of them lack life goals and thus perform the act to fill the void.

According to Dr. Mai Ba Tien Dung, head of the Male Sexual Dysfunction Department of Ho Chi Minh City-based Binh Dan Hospital, masturbation occurs most among unmarried youth. Those who are both poorly and highly educated also tend to perform the act more often, as poorly educated people are often unaware of its ill effects while members of the intelligentsia wish to retain their good image and thus avoid frequenting prostitutes.

Researches reveal that up to 95% of males and 75% of females in the world have masturbated at least once in their lives. Kids as young as three or four also masturbate, though the act at that time has little to do with sex, but rather with exploration of the body.

Dung noted that though masturbation can serve as an outlet for sexual desire and is a way to practice safe sex, abuse of the practice can lead to emotional and sexual disorders and in extreme cases, permanent damage to the sex organs. Masturbation addicts also face psychological disorders and lack of efficiency in studies and work from performing the act too often. Those who perform the act more than twice or three times a week may be considered masturbation addicts.

In recent years, local hospitals have received several cases in which males were hospitalized in serious condition from masturbating. Some even put intrusive objects like a long electric wire or metal rings into their urination hole or around their penis for intense sexual pleasure.

Dung noted that home education is vital to helping youths stop the habit or at least decrease the frequency of it. Young people should be encouraged to join life skill courses and social and charitable activities. Addicts are also advised to delete all porn from their computers and cell phones and avoid being alone. If these approaches fail, they will be prescribed medication to treat their sexual deviancy.