Benefits and Harms of Masturbation

Masturbation is a process of getting sexual self-satisfaction, through stimulation of genital erogenous zones to achieve fluids release – orgasm. Modern sexology considers masturbation as the norm if it does not become an obsession, and if it's not replacing other ways to get sexual pleasure.

You can practice it instead of having sex with your partner, or with a partner. Petting acts are the same as masturbation, but mutual. Masturbation is not harmful by itself, but rather part of psychosexual growth.

What are the Benefits of Masturbation?

Masturbation is quite a safe way to explore your body, get pleasure, learn how to control your sexual desires, practice, and prolong an orgasm in case of psychogenic premature ejaculation. Masturbation is also recommended for congestive prostatitis and for sperm renewal as a part of infertility treatment. Self-satisfaction helps to relieve tension in the absence of a regular sexual partner or the inability to have sex as often as you want. Masturbation, as well as sexual intercourse, generates a large amount of endorphin, the “happiness hormone”, improving your mood and general well-being.

Why is Frequent Masturbation Harmful?

When a person gives up a full-fledged sexual life and concentrates on masturbation only, which is obsessive in nature, it becomes a problem and can lead to addiction. The number of masturbation episodes in extreme cases can reach 20-30 times a day, which takes a lot of time, negatively affecting work, studies, and creativity. Masturbation becomes the sole focus of all thoughts and actions, and other interests are lost.

Consequences of Masturbation for Men

Erection difficulties during intercourse, e.g., in cases of Failure Anticipation Disorder, may lead to a preference for masturbation as a safe and non-anxious source of pleasure. Masturbation may be a method of checking of the penis’s function in cases of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, in which orgasm may not occur. Aggressive masturbation, involving the use of inappropriate tools, may lead to genital injuries and damage.

Masturbation in public is prosecuted and treated as an offense in many countries.

If you experience any symptoms of masturbation-related disorders, we recommend visiting a sexologist or psychotherapist.

Sources:

Is masturbation good for you? (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/sex/masturbation/masturbation-good-you). Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Is Masturbation Healthy? (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/masturbation/masturbation-healthy). Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Masturbation — How Does It Affect Your Health? (https://www.healthline.com/health/masturbation-side-effects#What-is-masturbation?), May 6, 2022. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Prevalence of Masturbation and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Four European Countries (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8917107/), Arch Sex Behav. 2022; 51(3): 1385–1396. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

What is the “normal” frequency of masturbation? (https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-the-normal-frequency-of-masturbation?). Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.