Masturbation is a natural and safest way to explore your body and its sexual desires.
Masturbation can also have benefits like stress relief, quality sleep, improved focus, and sexual performance.
While there are no harmful effects of masturbation, excess of anything can have consequences.
Masturbation can degrade the quality of your life by harming your relationships and everyday life.
In extreme cases, masturbation in men may become one of the causes of Hypersexuality.
According to research in the United States, 74% of males and 48% of females aged 14-17 masturbate. In the case of adults, 63% of men and 32% of women between the age of 57-64 also masturbate.
Everyone has a different metabolism, and the amount of release of male semen differs from person to person.
So if you masturbate as per your body’s metabolism, it will be fun, exciting, and healthy.
There are also some myths about masturbation, which we will learn more about in this blog.
Table of Contents
Benefits of masturbation
Masturbation can benefit your physical and mental health both. Everyone has a different metabolism, which can affect the amount of male semen released.
The benefits will be more than the harmful effects of masturbation if it is done as per the body’s metabolism. It can be exceptionally healthy.
Some of the benefits of masturbation are:
- Reduces stress
- Lowers tension
- It gives you quality sleep
- Boosts your concentration
- Elevates your mood
- Relieves menstrual cramps
- Alleviates pain
- Improves sexual performance
- Lowers the risk of prostate cancer
- No risk of any sexually transmitted disease
Couples also masturbate to explore different desires or to avoid pregnancy. It also helps you to prevent getting infected with a Sexually Transmitted Infection(STI).
During pregnancy, couples are asked to avoid sexual intercourse. In such cases, masturbation is a possible way to satisfy yourself and your partner.
Once you start enjoying and loving your own body while masturbating, your self-esteem gets boosted. Thus, masturbation in men may also improve self-esteem.
Also, read about ways to improve your sexual health to boost your sexual health.
Myths about masturbation
Masturbation is an entirely natural process but has become taboo among many people.
This has resulted in several myths about masturbation that still haven’t been proven right.
Many people believe that masturbation can cause:
- Blindness
- Hairy palms
- Impotence in the future
- Painful intercourse
- Low sperm count
- Mental illness
- Physical weakness
- Infertility
- Penis shrinkage
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Guilt
Some people may feel guilty about masturbation. Many people believe masturbation conflicts with their religious, spiritual, and cultural beliefs, making them feel guilty about masturbating.
However, there is nothing to be ashamed of or feel guilty about. You must read about the benefits and effects of masturbation to get clarity and stop feeling guilty.
Some couples also think that masturbation in men or otherwise can lead to unsatisfying sexual life.
But in fact, men usually masturbate before having sex just to increase their timing for a more intense sexual experience.
If ejaculating too soon is a problem, you can see a doctor and get Dapoxetine prescribed.
This is an ideal way to increase timing in men rather than consuming over-the-counter drugs.
Harmful effects of masturbation
There are no harmful effects of masturbation on your body, but excess of anything can be detrimental.
One of the most common side effects of masturbating is Edema (slight swelling of the penis) which can be cured on its own within a few days.
Other side effects of masturbation are
Decrease in sexual sensitivity: Excessive or aggressive masturbation can reduce sexual sensitivity by tightening the grip of your penis.
Sensory nerves are located on the grip of the penis, which can get damaged during rough masturbation.
Such damages are temporary and get resolved within a short period with a change in technique.
Changes, such as using a vibrator, may also increase arousal and overall sexual function in both men and women.
Using vibrators in women has helped them improve sexual function and lubrication, while men have improved erectile dysfunction.
Masturbation addiction: Some men may find themselves addicted to masturbation or sexual activity, which may hinder their daily work, relationships, and mental health.
In extreme cases, it can be a symptom of Hypersexuality.
You should consult a doctor if you face any severe consequences.
Also, read 9 habits that destroy men’s sexual health.
FAQs
Am I masturbating too much?
It is difficult to know if you’re masturbating too much. However, if you are masturbating too much, it will have some significant effects on you.
It can affect how you think, act, and feel in a situation, and sometimes it may get in the way of your life.
To avoid masturbating too much, you should divert your energy to healthy activities like yoga, meditation, cycling, etc.
What are the effects of masturbation?
Dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin are happiness hormones released during masturbation and reduce stress, bonding, and relaxation.
That’s why you may feel better sometimes after masturbating when your mood is low.
Sexual satisfaction can have many other benefits, including improved self-esteem and life satisfaction.
When should a man avoid masturbating?
Masturbating is usually safe until you perform it excessively and aggressively.
Some other conditions in which a man should avoid masturbating are
After coming in direct contact with a person infected with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
A man should not masturbate in a face-down position as it exerts extra pressure on the penis and may lead to structural complications
A man should also avoid masturbating when it starts to affect his relationships or daily activities
Finally, masturbation is only a problem when it starts to interfere with your daily habits and relationships with others.
Thus, feel free and enjoy self-pleasure without having any guilt or shame.
If you still face problems, consult your doctor or healthcare specialist.