It is essential that a firm commitment be made to control the habit. As a person understands his reasons for the behavior, and is sensitive to the conditions or situations that may trigger a desire for the act, he develops the power to control it. We are taught that our bodies are temples of God, and are to be clean so that the Holy Ghost may dwell within us. Masturbation is a sinful habit that robs one of the Spirit and creates guilt and emotional stress. It is not physically harmful unless practiced in the extreme. It is a habit that is totally self-centered, and secretive, and in no way expresses the proper use of the procreative power given to man to fulfill eternal purposes. It therefore separates a person from God and defeats the gospel plan. This self-gratifying activity will cause one to lose his self-respect testimony becomes weak, and missionary work and other Church callings become burdensome offerings.
To help in planning an effective program to overcome the problem a brief initiation is given of how the reproductive organs in a young man function. The testes in your body are continually producing hundreds of millions of reproductive cells called spermatozoa. These are moved up a tube called the vas deferens to a place called the ampulla where they are mixed with fluids from two membranous pouches called seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. The resultant fluid is calleeminal. When vesicles are full a signal to the central nervous system indicating they are ready to benother, depending on such things as exercise, state of health, etc. several times a week. It is normal for the vesicles to be emptied occasionally at night durise the emptying come from the central nervous system. Often an erotic dream is experienced at the same time, and is a part of this normal process. Instead of course, the reproductive system is operating at a more rapid pace, trying to keep up with the loss of semen. When he stops the habit, the body will continue to produce at this increased rate for an indefinite time. This isn't harmful and can be endured until the normal central nervous system pathway relapses. During this period of control several things can be done to make the passing easier. As one meets with his Priesthood Leader, a program for overcoming masturbation can be implemented using some of the Suggestions. Remember it is essential that a regular report program be agreed on, so progress can be recognized and failures understood and eliminated.
Satan Never Gives Up. Be calmly and confidently on guard. Keep a positive mental attitude. You can win this fight! The joy and strength you will feel when you do will give your whole life a radiant and spiritual glow of satisfaction and fulfillment.