In the modern era, we are more openly acknowledging and talking about sexual health. While we discuss, sexual concerns, we should also discuss the controversial topic of masturbation.
In this blog, we will debunk a few myths and understand how masturbation can harm your health.
Understanding Masturbation
Masturbation is a way of exploring and sexually stimulating yourself. It is a natural way to experience pleasure and satisfaction. There is no harm as such, and rather has quite a few benefits.
The benefits of masturbation include:
Stress-buster – The act of masturbation is similar to a sexual act that both leads to the release of endorphins. These are natural stress-busters and help in relaxation and lift the mood. Therefore, it counters anxiety and stress levels.
Improved sleep – The neurotransmitters released during masturbation also help people sleep better. Many people claim that masturbating before bedtime helps them improve the quality of sleep.
Emotional well-being – Masturbation helps in mood enhancement, which further causes a pleasurable experience. Regular sexual activity in any form takes one emotionally at a happier stage.
Painkiller – The endorphins released during masturbation are natural painkillers. It is known to give relief from minor pain in the body.
Exploration – Masturbation is a great opportunity to explore your or your partner’s bodies and have a deeper understanding of what works better. It also helps in maintaining blood supply and takes good care of reproductive health.
Side Effects of Masturbation on Nerves
The first thing to denote before we move forward is moderation is the key. If done in moderation masturbation causes no harm and if at all, is good for the body.
However, excessive masturbation can even affect your nervous system. Let’s understand how –
The nervous system is like an electrical unit of the body and comprises of central nervous system, spinal cord, and brain. It involves running throughout the body that sends messages from body functions to movement and every sensation.
Masturbating excess is not defined and may vary from person to person. However, excessive involvement can have these side effects:
Imbalance – Overstimulating your body can cause an imbalance of the neurotransmitters. It can affect the release and level of dopamine and serotonin which further can impact mood and sleep.
Fatigue – One of the common side effects of excessive masturbation is chronic fatigue. A person seems to feel weak as constant stimulation may cause depletion of nutrients and make one feel drained.
Sexual Dysfunctions – Over masturbation can affect neural health in the way it can cause sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
The constant strain put on the body can mess up getting a neural response for an erection while being with a partner or even impact ejaculation timing.
Neural damage – It is also seen that excessive masturbation can cause constant strain and might affect the nerves.
This further can cause symptoms like tingling, numbness, or pain. Although it is a rare chance, it is highly advised to understand moderation is the best way.
Other Side Effects
Mental Health – Excessive masturbation can cause feelings of guilt, anxiety, and embarrassment. Persistent guilt or other negative feelings can impact mental well-being.
Muscle pain – Masturbating over and over will put a strain on muscles and joints. It can cause discomfort and pain in muscles and joints which can also impact the quality of life.
Immune system – A few studies have unveiled the link between masturbation and the immune system. These studies focused on the negative impact of masturbation on the body’s immunity.
Mood swings – Upheavel in hormones and can cause mood swings. Excessive masturbation can also cause depression or sadness in some people as well.
Relationships – Excessive depression can affect the quality of relationships. Concentrating too much on pleasing yourself is bound to neglect your partner. Along the way, it may affect your partner and harm the overall equation.
Productivity – Spending too much time on masturbation can impact your productivity. It can also decrease your productivity and with time it will impact your mental well-being as well.
Addiction – A specific term exists called Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED) for individuals who become addicted to watching porn. Relying solely on visual stimulation for arousal can lead to difficulties in being intimate with a partner.
It may not be directly linked to masturbation but mostly happens due to masturbating while watching erotic content.
Loss of Libido – Contrary to popular belief, masturbation does not increase but decreases the desire for sexual intimacy. Getting the pleasure repeatedly on your own will decrease the interest in sexual intimacy with the partner.
Impact on daily routine – Constantly thinking about masturbation will inevitably impact your day-to-day life, affecting routine matters as your focus remains fixated on it.
Prostate health – Moderate sexual activity has showcased benefits for prostate health. However, excessive masturbation can reverse the impact and turn it into irritation and inflammation of the organ. It can cause pain and discomfort in the pelvic region.
It is important to understand that all the side effects are interlinked and the intensity may increase over time.
You can also Download: Most Asked Questions by Patients to Doctors about Masturbation Side Effects
What Can You Do To Get Better?
If you think, masturbation is impacting your health in any form, it is better to take the matter seriously. You can try to break the habit and prioritise your health in the ways mentioned below:
Moderation: As mentioned earlier there is a golden saying that moderation is the key. It stands true for masturbation as well as experiencing the pleasure once in a while is nothing but healthy. Stick to moderation to avoid the side effects of excessive masturbation.
Diet: You should eat healthier and include foods that are specifically great for neural health. Try to include more foods rich in vitamins, zinc, and magnesium that will help in keeping the nervous system healthier.
Exercise: Including physical activity is crucial to maintain good health. Doing any form of exercise daily will help uplift the mood and manage stress. It also helps in improving the functioning of neurotransmitters and takes care of neural health.
Rest – Try to reduce the frequency and take proper rest in between. Make sure you take ample sleep every day to help your body repair and regenerate naturally. 6-8 hours of sleep is an excellent medicine for the nervous system.
Medical intervention – If you feel stuck in a loop, reach out to a professional for guidance. A sexologist doctor can help you understand the pattern and advise required changes. Getting medical treatment from a qualified expert will set you free and aid in leading a healthier life.
Bottom Line
Many people view masturbation with stigma. It is vital to understand masturbating once in a while has several benefits and is good for your relationship as well.
However, the real issues arise when it gets out of hand and the frequency starts affecting overall health. It also leaves a negative impact on neural health among other side effects.
Seek medical attention if it starts affecting your mental or physical health to lead a more fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does excessive masturbation cause nerve damage or numbness?
While some studies suggest a possible link, extensive research hasn’t found conclusive evidence that moderate masturbation damages nerves. However, excessive masturbation can cause temporary numbness or tingling in the genitals due to overstimulation, which usually resolves with rest. If you experience persistent numbness or pain, consult a doctor. - Can masturbation too much lead to erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation?
There’s no clear link between moderate masturbation and these issues. However, excessive masturbation, especially with pornography, might contribute to difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection with a partner (Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction or PIED) or problems controlling ejaculation. If you experience these issues, consult a doctor or sex therapist to rule out underlying conditions. - Is masturbation bad for my mental health?
No, masturbation itself is not bad for mental health. In fact, it can be beneficial by reducing stress and anxiety. However, excessive masturbation that leads to feelings of guilt, shame, or interferes with daily life can negatively impact mental well-being. - How much masturbation is considered excessive?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. “Excessive” depends on what negatively impacts your physical or mental health, relationships, or daily routine. A good rule of thumb is moderation and listening to your body. If you feel drained, anxious, or it disrupts your life, it might be excessive. - How can I stop masturbating excessively?
Here are some tips:
- Focus on moderation: Set realistic boundaries and stick to them.
- Find healthy outlets: Exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones can reduce stress and provide alternative ways to manage urges.
- Address underlying issues: If anxiety or low self-esteem fuels excessive masturbation, consider therapy to address the root cause.
- Seek professional help: If you struggle to manage on your own, a sex therapist can provide guidance and support.