Masturbation is a natural and safe way to explore your body, enjoy pleasurable sensations, and release sexual tension. Despite what some claim, masturbation does not tend to cause any harmful side effects. Do you think you are masturbating too much? Is your “me time” taking too much time out of your day? Don’t worry. Masturbation is a great way for every adult to relax and enjoy themselves. Just like any other sexual urge, masturbation is completely normal.

That said, almost anything can be harmful in excess. Thus, you should also be aware of all the negative effects masturbation can cause. Most masturbation-related fears come from online myths with no facts to actually back up the claims. Want to learn more about the overall advantages and disadvantages of masturbation? Stick around and keep reading. Here is everything you need to know.

Masturbation advantages

First of all, masturbation is a healthy activity. It allows your body to relax as it releases ‘feel good’ hormones. It can benefit your mental and physical health. Although there aren’t that many studies tackling the benefits of masturbation, there are many discussing sexual stimulation and satisfaction. Considering that masturbation provides you with pleasure on many levels, here are some benefits that you can expect:

Reduced tension and better sleep – Masturbation can help you relax. Because of this, it also helps get rid of severe tension and stress. When we orgasm, our body releases oxytocin, and that helps calm our body. By releasing endorphins, your body might help block stress, anxiety, or other uncomfortable feelings. This can lead to better sleep!

Can manage pain, like period cramps – If you are experiencing pain like headaches or period cramps, masturbation can help. The endorphins released when you masturbate can provide you with temporary relief from pain. It is also believed that masturbation increases blood flow to the genitals.

Safest sex out there! – We all know that the safest form of sex is abstinence. Masturbation provides you with pleasure while taking out any possible STDs or STIs. This is because you are having fun on your own; thus, there is no risk of transmitting anything. You also do not have to worry about getting pregnant. This is actually why webcam shows have become so popular. Models who really enjoy sex but don’t want to get into porn can simply enjoy webcam masturbation with their fans without any worries!

Can help you deal with certain sexual problems – Of course, masturbation is not something magical that will make all your problems go away. But, if you are struggling with getting aroused, low libido, and/or orgasm, masturbation can help. It can also strengthen your pelvic and anal muscles. In addition, masturbation could help with premature ejaculation. Masturbating two or three hours before having sex could help you last longer in bed!

Learn more about your body – Other than providing you with pleasure; you can also learn more about what you actually enjoy. By understanding the sensations and stimulation that get you aroused, you are on a good path to better sex!

Reduce prostate cancer risk – There was a study done by the Harvard Medical School that showed how increased ejaculations, including from masturbation and sexual intercourse, are linked to decreased health problems, like prostate cancer. Men who ejaculated 21+ times a month had a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer.

Masturbation disadvantages

Although masturbation has proven to have many mental and physical health benefits, it can also have some negative consequences. However, this is only for individuals who do it too much. Since masturbation is a very private subject, the only person who knows whether you engage in self-pleasure too much is you.

There is no right or wrong number of times you should be masturbating. This all varies from one individual to another. The problem occurs when you start experiencing any side effects. Here are some examples:

You can’t stop masturbating – If you are not able to stop masturbating every chance you get, you might have a problem. This also applies to those who are constantly thinking about masturbation. The best way to see whether this is a problem for you is to try not to masturbate for a while. If you are unable to follow through, you might be addicted.

Masturbation does not feel good – Connected to the previous section, if masturbation no longer feels good, you might be doing it too much. Masturbation is supposed to be comfortable, fun, exciting, and pleasurable. But if it feels more like a task you must complete to function properly, then you have a problem.

Is it affecting your sex life? – Sometimes, excessive masturbation can make sex a lot less interesting. You might notice a decrease in sexual arousal and low libido if you masturbate too much. This can take a big toll on your romantic relationship.

People often do not realize how serious addiction can be, and it comes in all forms. Masturbation addiction is no different. It can cause you to skip daily activities or chores, miss school or work, cancel plans with friends and family, or miss important social events. This is a serious issue, so talk to a professional if you are experiencing anything like this.

Do you feel guilty? – Masturbating can make you feel guilty. This is often caused by cultural, religious, and/or spiritual beliefs. One thing to keep in mind is that masturbation is not immoral or wrong. Sometimes, it is presented as such. If that’s the case, you should discuss your feelings of guilt with a sex therapist.

Masturbation myths

Now that we’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages let’s debunk some myths, too.

Masturbation makes you go blind – There was a study that proved that there is no link between masturbation and blindness.

You don’t get any long-term benefits – As was mentioned at the beginning, masturbation can provide you with mental and physical benefits.

Masturbation can cause erectile dysfunction – The causes of erectile dysfunction vary, but none of them are linked to masturbation.

Women do not masturbate – It is 2024; don’t believe such nonsense. Masturbation is a healthy habit of most adults.

It can cause infertility and damage to genitals – Pleasuring yourself regularly will not decrease your chances of getting somebody pregnant or getting pregnant. It will also not cause any permanent damage to your genitals.

Conclusion

Masturbation is healthy and good for all adults. It is a natural and safe way to practice self-care and love. It can teach you a lot about yourself and your needs in bed. Masturbation can even help you feel more confident and comfortable in your body. So, feel free to engage in self-pleasure without any shame or guilt. However, if you are experiencing any side effects mentioned in the article, you should seek help from a professional.