Editor's note: Alexis is on vaction, so here's an oldie but goodie from the AOTS vault.

Q: I have a question about male masturbation. Does it help (like working out to keep the blood pumping) or hurt (as in, "Sorry babe, only so many times in five minutes") to masturbate into the older ages? JT, 36

A: Unless you're squeezing so hard you're creating blood loss, or rubbing so rigorously you're doing tissue damage, it's pretty much impossible to harm yourself by masturbating, regardless of how old you are. Taking care of your business is normal, healthy and a fine way to safely explore your sexual side with or without a partner. In fact, a 2009 study from the University of Nottingham found that regular masturbation may create a protective effect against prostate cancer in older men. The theory is that it helps flush toxins that could later contribute to cancer.

Curiously, the same study originally linked a high level of masturbation (20 or more orgasms a month) among men in their 20s and 30s to an increased risk of prostate cancer. But don't fret just yet: All scientific studies, especially those dealing with sex, must be viewed objectively. This was one of the first examinations of younger men and prostate cancer, and much more research has to be done to prove any negative effects of sex and masturbation at any age. The study also concluded that maintaining a consistent level of sexual activity throughout life -- as opposed to a lot of orgasms those first two sexually active decades, then a nearly nonexistent sex life after that -- is best. So, basically, keep wankin' it. It might even help prevent prostate cancer.

Q: I recently had a lunch first date with a man who was just too pretty for me. You know the type: perfectly styled hair, too white teeth, perfectly tanned skin. He even had professionally manicured nails. Is it OK to ditch out on future dates with this guy simply because I want to be the pretty one? I also spend time doing my hair, whitening my teeth, getting manicures, etc., but I feel like all that is more of a girl thing. Am I some kind of reverse misogynist?
--Made up but outdone

A: Like Acqua Di Gio cologne, Buckle stores and Jack Johnson, the Pretty Boy has officially had his day. Frankly, I'm surprised you still managed to find one, but since you didn't see his buffed and glossed fingertips until your first encounter, I'll assume it was a blind date and not your fault.

I personally see no place in America for the Pretty Boy, so I'm with you on this one. You should be the one spending 80 bucks every other month to get your hairs did. He, however, can spend his cash on an Andis FadeMaster and a three-way vanity mirror. I'll plop down 70 of my hard-earned dollars on bronzing accelerator at the tanning salon, but straight boys who slather on self-tanner have no place in my life.

Is this reverse misogyny? Sexism? Anti-feminism? No. It's simply an aversion to men who remind us a little too much of the women in our lives. Likewise, I know plenty of guys who would consider a tire-changing, fingernail-chewing, earthquake-belching woman an instant boner killer. We like who we like, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Guys, I'm not saying you should grow a Grizzly Adams, stop showering and drink a firkin of craft beer every night. I'm just suggesting you tone down the primping. Cool it with the professional esthetic services and sudden interest in designer denim trends. You're becoming a victim of target marketing, cultural pressures and forced ideals and, quite frankly, that's our cross to bear.

  • Alexis McKinnis is taking your questions about sex, dating and relationships. Send them to advice@vita.mn or submit anonymously at www.vita.mn/alexis. Don't leave out the juicy details!