What is Compulsive Masturbation Disorder?

It is hard to walk away from the pleasures of life—imagine having to pass on the dessert tray willingly. Walking away from self-pleasurable acts like masturbation is one such ordeal. The pleasure you receive from self-stimulation is not from the act per se but from the rush of chemicals released into the brain as a result of the anticipation and ritual of the sexual act.

Anything in excess is bad—this applies to acts of self-eroticism too. Compulsive masturbation is a real addiction that needs your attention, time, and action now. Stay tuned as we discuss what is compulsive masturbation and tips to deal with it.

Compulsive masturbation is a chronic condition (often categorized under Obsessive Compulsive Disorders—OCD) where a person continues to masturbate despite the social and personal consequences. Among all forms of sex addictions, compulsive masturbation is the most isolating and secretive, as it is essentially a self-act that is linked to societal taboos in the country.

Compulsive masturbation, with or without pornography, can often spiral out of hand and turn into an addiction. That’s when you need specialized treatment options for it.

Types of compulsive masturbation:

• Routine masturbators

Certain people engage in compulsive daily masturbation regularly, like on waking up, before going to bed, in response to events, or when they are aroused by feelings, typically frustration.

• Binge masturbators

Masturbation regularly may suggest underlying mental health issues. Feelings of guilt after excessive masturbation may indicate addiction, potentially contributing to increased alcohol consumption or drug abuse. Thus, masturbation can become a problem. It's fine in moderation, but don't let it take over your life.

These people masturbate excessively, losing themselves for hours or even days at a time. They even continue to masturbate after damaging their genitalia. There are times when binge masturbation is accompanied by drug abuse.

Indicators may point to excessive masturbation:

• Misses social engagements, work, or school
• Overwhelming and uncontrollable urge to masturbate
• Planning when to masturbate next all through the day
• Withdrawal from friends and family's company and other social contacts

This behaviour can negatively impact life in many ways:

• Reduced sexual relationships with others
• Unable to confront emotions like stress, anxiety, grief, defeat, etc. boldly
• Having issues with sexual performance with your partner
• Difficulty in resolving interpersonal conflicts
• Injuring the genital area

For addicts of masturbation, self-stimulation is frequently associated with emotions of humiliation, shame, or a "phase" that they believe they should have outgrown, which stops them from discussing their issues openly, even with a professional therapist. However, before things go out of control, here is how you can act.

• Seeking Help Can Be a Game-changer

Discuss your concerns openly; you don't have to face them alone. Visit a professional therapist to address the issue. Be honest about loyalty issues, pornography, recurring STDs, and other relevant themes during assessments or sessions. You can also take your closest friend/family along to visit a psychologist or therapist.

• Discipline

Self-discipline is important. Say a conscious 'NO' to pornography To divert energy and boost spirits, resolve to nurture hobbies, avoid explicit content, and embrace new activities.

• Regular Exercise

Running, swimming, or walking for 30 minutes per day improves mental strength, raises positivity, reduces stress, and promotes clarity of thought, boosting overall well-being.

• Reaching Out to Your Social Circle

Isolation breeds such acts of self-pleasure. Engaging in social activities can help to focus and divert from unwanted ideas. Spending time with loved ones or exercising should be prioritized for better productivity.