Masturbation is a common activity. There's nothing better than exploring your body, feeling pleasure, and releasing built-up sexual tension with it. And it happens to people of all races, genders, and backgrounds.
In contrast to popular belief, masturbation does not have any physical side effects.
However, excessive masturbation can affect your relationships and day-to-day life. Besides, masturbation is a fun, normal, and healthy act.
Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of masturbation, sort the facts from the fiction regarding masturbation myths. We will also discuss some of the health benefits of masturbation.
What is Masturbation?
Masturbation is a normal activity of self-pleasure. It is a fun and self-indulgent way to enjoy your company and the pleasure. It helps you release built-up sexual tension and frustration. A good release can help release endorphins (a hormone produced by the body to relieve stress) and boost your mood.
It may also help build a positive self-image and improve your relationship with yourself. While there are no disadvantages of masturbation, it has an attached stigma, and many people question its morality.
Side Effects of Masturbation
Masturbation is a safe, enjoyable activity and should not ignite feelings of shame. There are no side effects of masturbation when done healthily. However, it’s essential to know that excessive masturbation can affect your relationship with your partner. These problems may arise when it gets out of control:
1) Feeling guilty:
Feeling guilty can be one of the side effects of masturbation. Because of the stigma and shame, a person who masturbates often feels intensively guilty. They may feel conflicted for several spiritual and religious reasons.
2) Pain:
Too much masturbation can lead to pain and cramps in the pelvic area as the muscles in that area can contract.
3) Strain relationships and daily routine:
Excessive masturbation, in some cases, may disrupt the daily routine of the individual. They may be too distracted to focus on work, communicate with partners, or lead a social life.
Masturbation Myths
There are multiple myths surrounding masturbation. These often induce misinformation, guilt, and shame in people. We have debunked some myths here:
1) Couples shouldn't masturbate, and only singles should masturbate because they are alone:
A safe, consensual experience is essential between couples. Good communication and mutual masturbation can heighten the libido and make both partners feel good. It has been a long existing myth that couples should not masturbate as it can weaken their relationship. It's a good and safe experiment, and one must be able to enjoy it alone or with a partner.
2) Masturbation can cause desensitisation:
Excessive masturbation can cause desensitisation. It can diminish your response to a stimulus because your body gets used to it. Therefore, it is recommended you follow the correct techniques and frequency.
3) Masturbation can lower infertility:
This myth has been debunked multiple times. Excessive masturbation can cause desensitisation, but fertility is not affected even then.
4) Masturbation can cause blindness:
This is another baseless myth, and no evidence shows the connection between masturbation and going blind.
Does Masturbation Cause a Decrease in Sexual Sensitivity?
No, masturbation does not cause a decrease in sexual sensitivity in women. Several studies have found masturbating can help in improving sexual sensitivity and desire.
In fact, some studies have found vibrators can increase desire, arousal and your overall sexual experience. They also reported that increased masturbation improves lubrication.
Health Benefits of Masturbation
You do not need to worry about if masturbation is good or bad, and just have a good time. There are no disadvantages of masturbation, but there are several health benefits. These include:
1) Stress relief: Masturbation can help relieve frustration and built-up stress in the body. It can also help you relax.
2) Better sleep: Masturbation reduces energy. So if you are extra energetic, it can tire you out and help you sleep better.
3) Mood-boosting: Masturbation helps in the release of endorphins. These travel in your bloodstream and cause an instant high.
4) Have a better sexual experience: Masturbation also helps you understand your needs and desires. You get to explore what your body needs, which helps with improved communication with your partner to have better sex.
5) Couple bonding: Mutual masturbation can help you understand your partner and interact with them better. This can cause an increase in sexual desire.
Also Read: Masturbation Effects on Kidney, Back Pain & Stomach Pain | What You Didn't Know
Masturbation During Pregnancy
Pregnant women may experience increased sexual desire due to hormonal changes. It is safe to masturbate during pregnancy to relieve sexual tension.
Self-pleasure may also alleviate pregnancy symptoms, such as lower back pain. After an orgasm, you might feel mild cramps or Braxton-Hicks contractions.
They should fade away. Contact your doctor if the contractions don't disappear and become more painful and frequent.
Masturbation is not recommended for women with high-risk pregnancies. The reason is that orgasms may increase the chance of labor.
Is Masturbation Good or Bad
It's not unhealthy or bad for you to masturbate. You can actually benefit from masturbation, both physically and mentally. It's also pretty safe - you don't have to worry about getting pregnant or contracting an STD.
However, if you find that it interferes with your personal and professional life, hinders your sex life, or causes you physical pain, it could be time to cut down.
Talking to a counsellor or therapist may help if you have trouble getting over guilty feelings.
Summing Up on Side Effects of Masturbation
The practice of masturbation is a healthy, natural, and safe way to take care of yourself and improve your health.
Masturbating may have many benefits for your mind and body. Although there is a possibility of addiction, the side effects of masturbation are not harmful.
You can enjoy self-pleasure without feeling guilty or ashamed; however, talk to a therapist or someone you trust if you feel negative feelings.
