Masturbation: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Myths, FAQs

Don’t be ashamed of reading this article. Masturbating daily isn’t something one should feel bad about and should always make an open approach towards solving it. Even just 2 years back, it was one of my worst, if not the worst, addiction that I overcame. And today, I am going to openly explain and bust some common myths on masturbation and side effects of daily masturbation on the male body.

Despite the myths, there are no physical harms that might occur to your body because of masturbation. Still, it’s worth noting that excessive masturbation, especially if daily, can affect your relationships and sexual life. Other than that, there’s nothing to worry about this natural stimulation.

What is Masturbation? Does it effect negatively?

If we follow the dictionary of medical sciences, masturbation is the totally common, self-stimulation of genitals and is an exciting sexual way to reach your orgasm without your partner. Both among men and women, masturbation is common and an important part of growth in teens. Having said that, what’s also worth understanding that even there is nothing wrong about masturbation, it’s also totally fine not to masturbate regularly, or masturbate at all!

With varying degree of sexual desires across different men, some naturally has less and may want to abstain himself from masturbation for religious, social, or personal reasons. Always the best if you follow what suits you the most.

Health Benefits of Masturbation:

1. Stress Reduction: Masturbation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.

2. Improved Sleep: Masturbation may aid in better sleep, as it can induce a state of relaxation that can make it easier to fall asleep.

3. Pain Relief: Some people find that masturbation can alleviate menstrual cramps, headaches, and other forms of physical discomfort due to the release of endorphins.

4. Sexual Function: Masturbation can help individuals learn about their own bodies and what brings them pleasure, which can contribute to a healthier sex life with a partner.

5. Prostate Health: For individuals with a penis, regular ejaculation through masturbation may have potential benefits for prostate health by flushing out toxins and reducing the risk of certain prostate issues.

Is it healthy for men to masturbate daily?

If I speak through the medical and healthcare perspective, masturbating isn’t harmful at all. Some people avoid any conversation on masturbation because of moral reasons, but that’s entirely personal. However, the answer to this question relies on how frequent you masturbate.

As long as regular masturbation doesn’t affect your physical and mental strength, overall energy levels, or doesn’t impact your social life or relationship, then masturbation if totally fine! Also worth noting that sexologists regard daily masturbation as excessive and can lead towards physical and mental weakness, genital fatigue, early ejaculation and may even inhibit proper sexual activities with your partner.

What are the side effects of masturbation?

• Excessive Masturbation: Engaging in excessive masturbation, where it interferes with daily life or responsibilities, can lead to negative consequences such as reduced productivity, fatigue, and potential strain on relationships.
• Physical Discomfort: Masturbating too vigorously or with rough techniques can cause physical discomfort, including soreness, chafing, or irritation of the genital area.
• Psychological Issues: For some individuals, excessive masturbation can be a sign of underlying psychological issues, such as compulsive behavior or addiction. If it becomes problematic and interferes with daily functioning, seeking professional help is advisable.
• Sexual Dysfunction: In rare cases, excessive and aggressive masturbation may contribute to sexual dysfunction. This can lead to difficulties in achieving arousal or maintaining an erection during sexual activity with a partner. However, this is not common and usually occurs only in extreme cases.

It's important to note that for most people, masturbation is a normal and healthy part of their sexual life. These potential side effects are more likely to occur when masturbation is done excessively or with techniques that cause physical discomfort.

Maintaining a balanced approach to masturbation and seeking help if negative consequences arise can help ensure a healthy and enjoyable sexual experience.

How to overcome the addiction of masturbation?

The masturbation should be alarming to you if you feel that you are indulging in the pleasure too much. If you realize that masturbation becomes difficult to handle, be sure to follow these simple yet really effective tricks against it:

1. Say ‘NO’ to porn: For the majority of cases, the spark, the excitement, or the ignition is caused by addiction towards porn. Simply cutting the wire of your addiction to pornographic content is by far the best remedy.

2. Always find something physical to do: Diverting your mind and body towards an intensive activity will help the most. Consider picking up new hobbies that can keep yourself engaged and replace your masturbation.

3. Consult your doctor: You have realized your problem? Great! You have searched online and started reading this article? Even greater! Now consulting your doctor would be the greatest solution to your addiction.

4. Socialize often: The primary reason of why men might indulge in the burst-moment pleasure of masturbation is because they feel lonely. If the same happens to you, don’t shy away from socializing and meeting others.

5. Exercise regularly: Whatever you physical or mental problem may be, including masturbation, if you follow daily exercise routine, especially in the morning, it beats up your stress levels and keeps your mind calm.

Common Myths about Masturbation:

1. Hair Loss: One of the most common myths is that masturbation causes hair loss. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

2. Eyesight Degradation: Masturbation does not lead to a degradation of eyesight, as some myths suggest.

3. Infertility: Masturbation does not cause infertility. It is a natural and healthy aspect of human sexuality.

4. Physical Weakness: There is no basis for the belief that masturbation weakens the body or muscles.

Conclusion

Masturbation is a common and healthy sexual activity with several potential health benefits. However, like any behavior, it's important to practice it in moderation and be aware of any negative consequences it may have on your physical or mental well-being. If you have concerns or questions about masturbation, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or a therapist for guidance and support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Now, let's answer some common questions about masturbation:

1. Is Masturbation Harmful? 

Masturbation is not harmful when practiced in moderation. It becomes a concern only when it interferes with daily life or causes discomfort.

2. Can Masturbation Replace Intercourse?

While it provides sexual release, it should not replace sexual intimacy with a partner. Healthy relationships require open communication and physical connection.

3. Is There an Ideal Frequency for Masturbation?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The frequency of masturbation varies from person to person and depends on individual preferences.

4. Can Masturbation Affect Sexual Performance?

Excessive masturbation may lead to temporary difficulty in achieving an erection or orgasm. However, these issues usually resolve with time and reduced masturbation frequency.

5. Is Masturbation Safe During Pregnancy?

Masturbation is generally safe during pregnancy unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. It can even relieve pregnancy-related discomfort.

6. Are There Cultural or Religious Perspectives on Masturbation?

Cultural and religious beliefs about masturbation vary. It's essential to respect and understand these perspectives while making personal choices.