Masturbation has been associated with various myths, including the notions that it can induce infertility, shrink your genitals, or lead to addiction if done regularly. But, of course, that’s not entirely accurate.
So is it bad to masturbate? Masturbation is a natural and healthy sexual activity with very few negative consequences. Let’s take a closer look at this information.
There are many myths about masturbation, and this article aims to dispel some of the more common ones. In addition, some of the health benefits of masturbating are also mentioned.
Contents
What Is Masturbation
Masturbation is when a person stimulates their genitals for the purpose of sexual pleasure, which may or may not result in an orgasm. Healthy sexual life necessitates regular masturbation among men of all ages.
According to a study, around 74% of males and 48% of females between the ages of 14 and 17 in the United States engage in masturbation. However, you may be surprised that about 63% of males and 32% of women aged 57 to 64 years old masturbate.
Many people masturbate for various reasons, such as feelings of enjoyment, fun, and relaxation can be found – some people like to masturbate alone, while others prefer to do so with a companion.
Benefits Of Masturbation For Men
Research shows that masturbation has many health benefits for males. These benefits include the following:
Released Sexual Tension
Masturbation is a common sexual release for people who choose not to have sex or who do not have a sexual partner. Masturbation has also been suggested to improve sexual health by increasing intimacy and exploring one’s own pleasures, desires, and requirements.
Improved Immunity
When a man ejaculates, a small amount of cortisol, the stress hormone, is released. As a result, their immune system is boosted.
Better Sleep
Endorphins can be released from your body through masturbation, which relieves stress and tension. And an increase in the body’s endorphins can lead to a good night’s sleep.
Healthy Penis
The penis is no exception to the general decline in muscle mass that occurs in males as they become older. Regular sex or masturbation strengthens the pelvic floor muscles, preventing erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Relaxed Mood
Psychoactive substances such as dopamine and oxytocin are released after a sexual act such as masturbation. These chemicals help you feel better by triggering the reward centers of your brain and increasing your sense of well-being.
Good Relationship With Partner
Because you’re more in touch with your physical self, it can improve your relationship with your partner.
Some Adverse Effects Of Masturbation
To be honest, it is not that harmful.
Some people may have chafing or irritated skin if they do excessively rough and dry masturbation, although this typically goes away in a few days.
Edema, or minor swelling of the penis, can occur in males who repeatedly masturbate in a short period. Swelling subsides typically within a few days of the onset.
Another set of possible adverse effects include:
Guilt
Some people are concerned that masturbation goes against their religious, spiritual, or cultural convictions and may feel guilty. However, masturbation is not morally wrong or shameful, as harmless self-pleasure is not a crime.
Masturbation-related guilt or shame can be alleviated by talking about it with a friend, healthcare professional, or therapist specializing in sexual health.
Decreased Penile Sensitivity
Men’s penile sensation can be reduced over time if they use an aggressive masturbation technique that involves a tight grasp on the penis.
Men who are circumcised or don’t have a natural foreskin may lose their glans sensitivity if they regularly engage in rough or dry masturbation.
This is something a man can learn to deal with over time by refining his methods.
Disrupting Daily Life
While it is rare, some people may masturbate for reasons other than their own pleasure and more than they desire. This can lead to missed work, school deadlines, or social gatherings. Masturbation can also be used as an escape from personal problems or as a way to make up for the lack of such experiences in one’s daily life.
A healthcare professional should be consulted by anyone who suspects their masturbation behavior is causing harm. And talk therapy may be recommended by a doctor or therapist to help patients learn to control their sexual activity.
Masturbation And The Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Massaging one’s private parts can lower one’s risk of developing prostate cancer in men. This is because the urogenital tract naturally accumulates toxins. Toxin levels are reduced in men who ejaculate more than five times a week. As a result, they are much less likely to develop prostate cancer.
Men who ejaculated more than five times per week during their 20s were one-third less likely to acquire aggressive prostate cancer than those who ejaculated less frequently, according to a 2003 study.
A 2016 study found a similar association between frequent ejaculation and a lower risk of prostate cancerTrusted Source. According to a study, men who ejaculated at least 21 times a month had a lower risk of acquiring prostate cancer.
BUT a 2008 study, on the other hand, indicated that frequent sexual activity in a man’s 20s and 30s increased his risk of prostate cancer, particularly if he masturbated daily.
Unsafe Masturbation
Masturbation is generally considered to be a harmless practice. However, it can be hazardous if done overly violent or excessive.
The risk of contracting an STD increases when you contact an infected person’s genitals and then touch your own (STIs). In addition, if you share your sex toys with someone who has an STI, you run the risk of contracting the disease.
Masturbating in a face-down position puts additional pressure on the penis, leading to injury. As a result, you may harm your penis if you masturbate in a face-down position. To avoid this, you can masturbate while standing, sitting, or lying on your back.
Ejaculating should be done without squeezing the penis, as this can impede the movement of semen. Otherwise, the penis’ nerves and blood vessels would be damaged, and the semen will be forced into the bladder.
FAQs
How prevalent is masturbation among people?
Masturbation, according to sexuality experts and studies, is a perfectly typical and healthy procedure for human beings. However, in all likelihood, it has a bad name due to its extreme secrecy. It is often considered a bad habit, and even your closest might don’t talk about their sexual activities openly.
Is daily masturbation good for a man’s health?
This is an impossible question to answer. Some men can engage in daily sex, but for others, it is excessive. Similarly, it’s safe to masturbate as long as it doesn’t interfere with your everyday life and activities, as long as it doesn’t influence your energy levels.
Few sex specialists believe that everyday masturbation is excessive.
Missing out on regular orgasms, on the other hand, raises stress levels and can contribute to mental health difficulties, frustration, and general unhappiness. Masturbation is a stress-relieving and mood-stabilizing activity that can help you feel better and live longer.
How many times in a week is masturbation considered normal for a man?
Since the frequency each week might vary from man to man depending on his general health circumstances, there is no correct answer to this topic either. However, it is not uncommon for young guys to masturbate multiple times a day or 5-10 times each week.
The frequency of masturbation naturally reduces when guys become older.
A healthy amount of sexual desire is fine, but excessive amounts might be unhealthy. In this case, you may want to attempt redirecting your attention to other pursuits, such as sports or any other hobby. Because it’s crucial to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, this will help you do so.
For guys, can masturbation be a substitute for sex?
Masturbation and sex with a partner both have their place. However, because masturbation helps you better understand your own body, it might increase your sexual experience with a partner.
If, on the other hand, excessive masturbation becomes a hindrance to your sexual intimacy with your partner, you may have a problem. Missing sex with your partner is like missing out on intimacy with a partner because of masturbation.
For example, masturbation can be used as a substitute for sex in certain situations:
- Masturbation is an alternative if your partner’s sexual desire is lower than yours.
- If your partner is sick.
- If your spouse is expecting a child and unable to have sex.
Can masturbation affect your sperm count?
Men’s bodies create sperm at a constant rate; therefore, masturbation does not affect the number of sperm you make.
After one ejaculation, it does take some time to ejaculate again. Is this a sign your sperm count is going down? No, this is perfectly normal.
So, Is It Bad To Masturbate?
Masturbation, in many circumstances, provides more health advantages than harm.
When discussing masturbation, some people may feel ashamed, guilty, or ashamed. Masturbation, on the other hand, is entirely normal and healthy behavior.
No physical or mental health issues will result from masturbation, and it will not cause blindness and poor health.
It is considered a problem only when masturbation interferes with daily life and interactions with friends, family, colleagues, or love partners.
Consider consulting a healthcare expert, such as a sexual health counselor, in these situations.