What are the Side effects of Masturbation?

What is masturbation? 

To simply put, masturbation is the stimulation of the genitals for sexual pleasure that may or may not lead to orgasm.

The psychology behind Excessive Masturbation

Excessive masturbation is a sign of a prevailing mental condition that can lead to behavioural disorders, such as increased levels of alcohol consumption. Masturbation becomes a bigger problem if it is compulsive or one tends to force it. 

Masturbation myths 

There are many myths that surround masturbation, of which none has been proven true. Some of these masturbation myths are that it leads to or causes;

• Blindness.
• Hairy palms.
• Impotence later on in life.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Penis shrinkage.
• Penis curvature.
• Low sperm count.
• Infertility.
• Mental illness.
• Physical weakness.
• A number of couples worry that their relationship must be unsatisfying if either one of them masturbates. This, too, is a myth. It could be an addiction.
• Kidney problems

Masturbation side effects 

After shedding light on the several myths that surrounds masturbation, it is imperative we mention some of the likely masturbation side effects.

• Guilt: Feelings of guilt might be experienced after maturating, especially when it clashes with religious, spiritual, or cultural beliefs.
• Decreased sexual sensitivity: If a man has a habit of aggressive masturbation that involves too tight a grip on the penis, they may likely experience decreased sensation. 
• Disrupting daily life: Masturbation may interrupt a person’s daily activities, affect their responsibilities and relationships, and serve as an escape route from relationship issues or substitute for real-life experiences.
• Addiction: This is the habit of masturbating uncontrollably. Such as masturbating even when you are not aroused, masturbating publicly.
• Physical side effects: Frequent masturbation can lead to soreness, chafing, oedema and skin irritation.
• Negative impact on sex life: Masturbation teaches a solo act to the brain, and if done frequently, the brain and body acclimatizes and get off only in a solo response. This could impact your sexual activities with one’s partner.
• Mental side effects: Masturbation can change one’s perception on certain phenomena and lead to behavioural changes, such as poor sexual communication, unnecessary sexual conflicts with your partner and relationship issues. 
• It leads to mental and physical imbalance. If pre-occupied with it, one may forget other aspects of life.
• Too much masturbation causes back pain. 
• Masturbation negatively affect libido level.
• If done by a woman while pregnant, it puts excessive pressure on the womb. 

How to stop masturbation 

If already addicted to masturbation or it has become too difficult to handle, it means there’s a problem and here are simple tricks that can help you stop it.

1. Say ‘NO’ to Pornography

Avoid pornographic contents, such as images and videos. This can get you back in that thinking.

2. Do Something New

Diverting your mind to doing something else, this will replace the time spent on masturbating and never leave you thinking of masturbation.

3. Consult a Doctor

You need to understand that you cannot fight this monster all alone. You need to dialogue your problem out. You should make it a habit to talk to a psychologist or a therapist.

4. Socialise a Lot

Socialising keeps your mind focused and diverted.

5. Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can help keep one mentally strong. Simple exercises, such as running, walking and jogging can increase positivity and keep a straight focus. It also beats stress levels and keeps the head calm. 

FAQs

Can masturbation make one thin?

Masturbation does not make a person thin. However, excessive masturbation can cause weight loss; as technically, it is like any exercise one performs.

Can masturbation affect your sperm count?

Masturbation does not in any way affects the quantity of sperms produced, as sperms are continually produced in the body.

However, after one ejaculation, it does take time to ejaculate again. 

What is the treatment of excessive masturbation?

You immediately need to consult a doctor. Who, if need be, will refer you to a psychiatrist or a counsellor. Who, in turn, will help with the regulation and diversion of attention and energies in a more productive way and gradually wean off the habit of masturbation.

Sometimes, medication may be prescribed. It all depends on the symptoms observed and the general health conditions.

Can masturbation cause premature ejaculation?

Masturbation can damage the nerves that allow for the ejaculation. This damage can cause premature ejaculation or even an ejaculation during sleep.