Masturbation is the stimulation of your genitals for sexual pleasure which may or may not lead to orgasm. It is also considered to play an important role in healthy sexual development. 

Masturbation is a common practice performed by both males and females. It's a safe and enjoyable way of exploring the body, experiencing excitement, and relaxing built-up sexual anxiety. It is common among all cultures, ages, and races. There are many side effects linked with masturbation. However, there are many misconceptions and myths associated with masturbation. 

Many people consider it a healthy, normal, and fun activity. Your everyday life and relationship may be affected by excessive masturbation. 

Masturbation is a common practice among adolescents between 14-17 years. A research study conducted in the United States found that almost 74% of males and 48% of females masturbate. Moreover, 63% of men and 32% of women having age group 57 to 64 also masturbate. There are many reasons for masturbation. Tension release, fun, pleasure, and enjoyment are among common reasons for masturbation¹. 

 

Side effects of Masturbation

If you masturbate occasionally then it will not affect your health. However, chronic masturbation may lead to certain side effects and health issues. It has been seen people who masturbate feel guilty. 

The following are the side effects related to excessive masturbation. 

 

Masturbation and guilt

It has been seen that individuals who masturbate feel guilty due to religious, cultural, and spiritual beliefs. Many people consider it “shameful” and “dirty.” However, it is not inappropriate and immoral. You can also consult a therapist that provides you useful information and helps you to move from the past guilt of masturbation. You can also share your feelings with someone who trusts you and thinks in the same way. 

 

Addiction to masturbation

Masturbation addiction is also common in some people. The following are the symptoms of addiction if you spend too much time masturbating. 

• Lack of interest in daily activities and work
• Miss school or work
• Avoid gathering of friends and family 
• Lack of interest and miss important social meetups 

Masturbation addiction may destroy your life and your relationship. It also affects your productivity and interest in your work. It also affects your study performance. 

Masturbation also affects your friendship and romantic relationship because you don't pay attention to loved one's and don't spend proper time. 

You must talk to your doctor and counselor if you have an addiction problem that will guide you about the ways to cut down on masturbation. You must try the following things if you next time have an urge to masturbate.  

• Spend time with friends 
• Going for a walk 
• Get yourself busy in writing 
• Going for a run² 

 

Hair thinning and baldness & light beard growth: 

Chronic masturbation is associated with hair fall, hair thinning, and less growth of hair on the head and beard. The male sex hormone testosterone is linked with beard growth. The results of many studies show that the level of testosterone in the body decreases with excessive masturbation. 

The amount of protein in the body also decreases with excessive masturbation that leads to hair loss. This shows that habitual masturbation affects protein levels, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone which causes gradual hair loss. 

 

Fatigue – Feeling tired all the time: 

People often feel tired who have a masturbation addiction. The reason is obvious, chronic masturbation or masturbation multiple times a day makes you lose essential nutrients including proteins. It also induces sleepy feelings due to the release of the hormone "oxytocin." All these things affect various body functions and make you sleepy, lazy, and tired throughout the day. 

 

Joint Pains & Weak Nervous System: 

In men over-stimulation of sex, hormones happen due to chronic masturbation. With time leg muscles become weak. The overproduction of various neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, serotonin, and dopamine affects the function of the brain. 

 

Weak Muscular Strength: 

Your body loses protein with semen discharge and ejaculation. Different nutrients are present in your semen including 50% of protein. These nutrients prevent sperm cell damage. You will also lose muscle strength due to loss of protein. Hence it will weaken your muscle and muscle strength³. 

 

Back Pain

Masturbation in men is also linked with back pain. The pressure and thrust applied to the penis and nearby parts lead to back pain problems. Muscle spasms due to the wrong posture during masturbation may also be responsible for back pain. 

Other health-related issues men face due to masturbation include pain in the tail bone, pelvic region and may also experience cramps. In most cases, men also experience pain in the testicles after masturbation. To prevent testicular, and pelvic pain, men should give up masturbation or lower the masturbation speed. 

 

Urine Infection

Irritation of the penis is associated with chronic and frequent masturbation. The skin of the penis may also be affected due to hard thrusts and skin chafing. Urethral injury may also happen due to face-down masturbation with a pillow or any other hard object. Skin infection and damage of the urethra leads to urinary incontinence, a condition when you lose control to release urine⁴. 

 

References

1. Are there side effects to masturbation? [internet]. [cited 2021 January 17]; Available from  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320265
2. Masturbation Effects on Your Health: Side Effects and Benefits. [internet]. [cited 2021 January 17]; Available from  https://www.healthline.com/health/masturbation-side-effects#side-effects
3. 7 Benefits of Masturbation – 8 Life Spoiler Side-Effects of Over-Masturbation. [internet]. [cited 2021 January 17]; Available from  https://foodnhealth.org/7-benefits-of-masturbation-8-side-effects-of-over-masturbation/
4. Side effects of masturbation in male daily?? [internet]. [cited 2021 January 17]; Available from  https://www.sodipodi.com/masturbation-side-effects-for-male-that-you-can-face-as-indian-men/

 

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