Is Masturbation Bad for You?

Masturbation is the act of touching one’s genitals and other sexual organs for sexual pleasure, usually leading to a self-stimulated orgasm (climax of sexual excitement) in women and an ejaculation in men. Masturbation is a normal bodily response like sex, except it usually involves only one person instead of two, and doesn’t require one to be sexually active to do it.

For any sex-related concern, consult a sexologist.

Does Everyone Masturbate?

Masturbation is a choice. Some do it frequently, others once in a while. And there are still others who do not masturbate at all. However, whether or not one masturbates has nothing to do with low or extremely high libido, or good or bad morals. People don’t necessarily masturbate because they don’t have a sexual partner; both single and committed individuals can masturbate.

How It Can Help?

Masturbation has been proven to have quite a few physical and emotional health benefits, some of which are:

• It is considered one of the safest forms of sex as it presents no risk of STDs (Sexually Transmitted Disease) and pregnancy.
• Endorphins released during an orgasm act as mood boosters.
• Relieves sexual and muscle tension, menstrual cramps (in women) and reduces stress
• Improves self-esteem, body image, and sleep issues
• Helps treat sexual dysfunction in women by increasing sexual sensitivity and desire.
• Helps prevent cervical infection and relieves UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) in women by removing harmful bacteria from the cervix (lower end of the uterus) and lubricating the vagina.
• Strengthens muscle toning in the pelvic and anal areas to prevent Erectile Dysfunction and Incontinence in men.
• In men, regular ejaculation lowers prostate cancer risk by flushing out toxins accumulated in the urogenital
• Promotes a healthy relationship by allowing the more sexually active partner to release their sexual tension without having to constantly request sex from their comparatively less active partner.
• Helps one gain positive sexual health skills that aid in sexual encounters with future partners for a healthier relationship.

The Darker Side:

While masturbation presents no physical side-effects in itself, contrary to popular belief, physical damage, addiction problems, and emotional issues may arise from rough and/or excess masturbation:

1-Guilt:

Masturbation is often accompanied by feelings of guilt due to certain cultural, spiritual, and religious beliefs that deem self-pleasure ‘dirty’ and ‘disgraceful’. However, the act itself is not immoral; thinking indecent thoughts during masturbation is. It is simply an optional physical process just like sex.

2-Addiction:

While there is no ‘normal’ criterion for masturbation, it becomes an addiction when one starts avoiding friends, family, and socializing in general in favor of staying home to masturbate. Masturbation is also considered an addiction when:

• it causes significant distress,
• is performed multiple times daily as form of escapism from reality
• one constantly feels lustful and must fight the urge to masturbate
• is performed roughly or excessively enough to cause pain and damage to the genitals.

3-Decreased Sexual Sensitivity:

In men, gripping the penis too tightly while performing masturbation can decrease sexual sensitivity, i.e. excitement and pleasure during actual intercourse. However, changing masturbation techniques can help restore this sensitivity.

4-Penile Fracture:

While the penis itself has no bones, repeatedly tugging it too aggressively can cause a fracture. Accompanied by an audible cracking sound when the fracture occurs, penile fractures cause extreme pain, bruising and swelling in the penis.

If left untreated, penile fractures not only make sexual intercourse excruciating and near-impossible, but can also cause issues, like premature ejaculation or ejaculation while sleeping, by causing damage to the nerves responsible for ejaculation.

Masturbation During Pregnancy:

Masturbation is a safe way to release built-up sexual tension as a result of hormonal changes in some pregnant women, while also helping ease lower back pain. However, the normally temporary mild cramps following an orgasm may sometimes become more frequent and painful; requiring urgent medical care. It is also not recommended for women with high-risk pregnancies as it can induce premature labor.

As stated earlier, masturbation is completely normal and safe if practiced with care. However, if you experience regular sexual discomfort and dysfunction that may or may not be accompanied by other physical symptoms, consider consulting a medical specialist.

You can also book an appointment with a top sexolologist in Islamabad, Karachi and Multan through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your sexual health concerns.