Health Benefits and Possible Side Effects on Male Masturbation

Reviewed By: Dr. S. Shashant, fertility specialist at Ferty9 Fertility Center, Secunderabad

What is Masturbation?

Masturbation is a prevalent practice in which people touch their genitals or other sensitive portions of their bodies for sexual arousal or pleasure, which may or may not result in orgasm.

Masturbation is a healthy and natural way to explore your body, experience pleasure, and relieve sexual tension. It occurs in people of all ethnicities, genders, and races. In fact, a study found that 41 to 65 percent of men and 27 to 40 percent of women reported masturbation over the previous month. People masturbate for a variety of reasons. These include pleasure, , and tension relief..

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Benefits and Side Effects of Masturbation for Women

Does Female Masturbation Cause Hormonal Imbalance

Health Benefits of Male Masturbation

Physical Health Benefits

Masturbation is a natural response by men to their body’s need for pleasure. According to specialists, it not only provides a safe way to experience sexual pleasure, but it also offers other health advantages. Masturbation is a natural sexual desire in all individuals. It promotes

• A healthy sexual lifestyle
• Reducing stress can lower the risk of prostate cancer
• Improves sleep and releases "feel-good" hormones such as endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin that reduce anxiety and despair

Sexual Health Benefits

Enhanced stimulation has been shown to boost sexual desire and function... It is a typical aspect of your sexual wellness. Regular masturbation may boost your libido. The more you stimulate your body, the more it will respond to your sexual needs. Masturbation provides various physical and emotional advantages with no serious adverse effects ..

Prostate Health

It is still debated if masturbating raises or reduces your chance of developing prostate cancer. A relationship between frequent ejaculation and a decreased risk of prostate cancer was found, and researchers discovered that males who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a lower chance of acquiring prostate cancer. Disease-causing toxins accumulate in the urogenital tract, and frequent masturbation may remove these carcinogenic triggers from the system. Another study discovered that frequent sexual activity throughout a man's 20s and 30s increased his risk of prostate cancer, particularly if he masturbates on a daily basis.

Psychological Benefits

Masturbation leads to the release of hormones and neurotransmitters, which can help lower tension and blood pressure while also improving relaxation, thus making it easier to sleep. Masturbation can sometimes make you feel better when you're in a bad mood. Indeed, many people find that masturbation improves their concentration.  You may have heard of "post-nut clarity,"  a state in which your brain becomes instantly focused following an orgasm.

Emotional Benefits

Cortisol is a hormone linked to stress, while oxytocin helps regulate stress and reduce anxiety. Often called the "love hormone" due to its role in social bonding, oxytocin also promotes relaxation by lowering blood pressure and cortisol levels. During orgasms, your body produces oxytocin, which decreases cortisol and blood pressure, benefiting overall health.

Possible Side Effects of Male Masturbation

While generally healthy, male masturbation can have potential physical side effects and psychological considerations. Being aware of these can help maintain overall well-being.

Physical Side Effects

In some instances, males may need to masturbate daily. When they masturbate for longer than required, it disrupts their day-to-day activities. Excessive or forceful masturbation causes penile sensitivity, which results in delayed ejaculation. It can also have negative consequences, including:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Compulsive addiction and dissatisfaction from sexual intercourse with a partner.
• Potential physical injury.

Men who engage in vigorous masturbation with a strong grip on their penis may experience reduced sensation.

Psychological Considerations

Some people who are concerned that masturbating would violate their spiritual or religious convictions may feel guilty. Masturbation is neither evil nor unethical, and self-pleasure is not harmful. If you feel guilty about masturbating, you may talk to someone you trust about why you feel that way and how you can overcome your guilt if you want to. Therapists who specialize in sexual health may help you overcome emotions of shame or guilt connected with masturbation.

Masturbation Frequency: How Much Is Too Much?

Masturbation is okay if it is a regular part of your daily lifestyle. Masturbation is a unique experience for each individual. Some people masturbate daily once or twice, while others may do it just every few weeks or months. However, if masturbation begins to negatively impact your life, you must discontinue it, just like any other unhealthy habit. Masturbation can become obsessive (repetitive, difficult-to-control actions) or excessive. Some refer to this as sex addiction or hypersexuality. If you're skipping work, canceling plans, or neglecting responsibilities due to this habit, you could be masturbating too often. Masturbation in excess might adversely affect your experiences with your partner. A counselor or therapist can help you in reducing your masturbation if it is excessive. You might also try finding a new hobby to replace your need to masturbate.

Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions about masturbation. Despite the fact that many of these have been invalidated several times, they continue to emerge. There is frequently no scientific evidence to support the claims that masturbation produces any of the negative impacts mentioned. Masturbation does not cause:

• Blindness
• Hairy palms.
• Late-life impotence and erectile dysfunction
• Penis shrinkage and curvature
• Low sperm count or leading to infertility, mental disease, and physical frailty

It's a common misconception among couples that if one of them engages in masturbation, their relationship must be unhappy. 

Conclusion

Masturbation is a natural and healthy method to explore your body and experience pleasure. It is a typical aspect of your sexual wellness. Masturbating every day provides . physical and emotional advantages with no serious adverse effects. If you are feeling guilty or believe you are masturbating excessively, contact your healthcare physician. Don't feel embarrassed. Your physician might refer you to a therapist to help you handle your masturbation concerns.