Side Effects of Masturbation: Myths, Facts, and What You Really Need to Know
Masturbation can appear to be one of those topics wrapped in mystery, myths, and misconceptions. People have been worried or dazzled by tales of the side effects of masturbation. Even now, there is a lively debate around its side effects, but what is fact and what is fiction?
At Jagruti Rehab, we want to be upfront and open and have a discussion about masturbation. This blog will cover the side effects of masturbation, the causes of masturbation, and really what masturbation does to your body and mind. We will separate fact from fiction, so all you have to worry about is your thoughts and feelings about masturbation.
Masturbation Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction
Before we discuss the actual side effects of masturbation, let's bust some of the most common myths. These myths are largely due to cultural stigmas toward these natural behaviors.
Myth 1: Masturbation causes blindness or kidney failure.
Nope! None of these claims are scientifically supported. Your eyes and kidneys are just fine.
Myth 2: Masturbation causes infertility.
Again, no. Masturbation has no impact on your ability to have children. Masturbation is a safe sexual outlet with no negative risk to fertility.
Myth 3: Masturbation is addictive and can harm mental health.
It is true that compulsive sexual behavior can be problematic, but masturbation is not addictive by nature. Most people masturbate regularly without negative consequences.
Myth 4: Masturbation decreases your energy or weakens your physical body.
Another old wives' tale without evidence to support it. While excessive masturbation may leave a person somewhat fatigued, it is not a drain on your energy at moderate levels.
These myths have long caused unnecessary guilt and shame in people, but the reality is a bit more even. Masturbating remains a natural behavior with unclear and / or mostly positive or neutral impacts if carried out safely.
Causes of Masturbation: Why Do People Masturbate?
Recognizing the reasons why people participate in masturbation helps in normalizing the act as a natural behavior. Here are six reasons:
- Biological Need: Just like food or sleep, sexual desire is a natural part of being human. Masturbation is one mechanism to satiate that need.
- Stress Reduction: Masturbation releases endorphins and other pleasurable hormones, which contributes to the decrease of stress and anxiety.
- Introspection and Exploration: Often, during the age of adolescence, masturbation is a form of intimacy with oneself and a way to learn what pleases one's body.
- Boredom or Habitual Response: For a portion of the population, masturbation is a way to fill time, or a habitual way to respond to triggers.
- Loneliness or Lack of Partner: Masturbation is a safe sexual outlet when a partner is not available.
- Physical Sexual Health: Masturbation helps maintain some level of sexual health and performance.
As you can see, the reasons are just as varied as the people who masturbate: a mix of biology, psychology, and circumstance.
Side Effects of Masturbation: What Science Says
Now, to the core of the question: what is the risk of side effects to masturbation? The reality is that masturbation is an activity that is either safe or healthy when done in moderation (and from a medical perspective similar to any activity, there can be side effects if done excessively, or under a certain context.
1. Physical Side Effects
- Soreness and Irritation: Some people will develop mild irritation, redness, or soreness of their genitals after frequent or rough masturbation, but using lubrication and/or gentle techniques can prevent this from happening.
- Temporary Fatigue: Often, people will feel tired or lethargic after some people orgasm because they are releasing relaxing hormones. This passes quickly.
- Injury (Rare): Although very rare, extreme aggression with improper technique can lead to injury, such as skin tears or Peyronie's disease (scar tissue in the penis) for men.
- Changes in Sensation: Overstimulation of genitals may cause temporary changes in sexual sensations and the inability to achieve orgasm immediately after.
2. Psychological Side Effects
- Guilt and Shame: In short, guilt is a psychological side-effect created by our cultural or religious beliefs, which leads to guilt. This ultimately disrupts our mental health.
- Compulsive Behaviour: Masturbation really is not an issue, unless it is compulsive behaviour, which impairs your daily life, work or relationship obligations.
- Relationship Problems: Masturbation can present issues in relationships if it replaces intimacy with our partners and goes undetected by them.
3. Effects on the Brain
Masturbation excites the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. These neurochemicals encourage pleasure and relaxation. It can only have an effect on dopamine sensitivity in excessive doses, and ultimately it could affect our motivation and mood like anything else that is pleasurable.
4. Does Masturbation Affect the Kidneys?
No, masturbation has no impact on our kidney function. Kidney functions involve filtering your blood. Sexual components have 0 physiological connections to kidneys. Facts about masturbation harming our kidney health are a myth.
Related Learning: Hasthamaithun Karne ke Nuksan
The Causes of Masturbation: Deeper Psychological and Physical Triggers
Knowing the reasons for the desire to masturbate may assist in addressing any concerns about frequency or habit.
- Hormonal Changes: Especially during puberty, surges of hormones will increase sexual desire.
- Psychological Triggers: Stress, anxiety, boredom, and loneliness can all trigger the desire to masturbate as a coping mechanism.
- Physical Sensation: Sexual arousal can happen naturally, when a person is sexually aroused, there is tension that develops, and masturbation relieves that tension.
- Environmental Triggers: Being exposed to sexual stimulation (images, sounds, or thoughts) can trigger the desire to masturbate.
Understanding these causes helps normalize masturbation, and identify when it may be reflective of emotional stress or unhealthy coping habits.
Related Learning: Benefits of Masturbation
What Are the Side Effects of Masturbation on Females?
Women experience many of the same side effects as men, with the inclusion of some unique issues:
- Vaginal Irritation: Repeated or vigorous masturbation without lubrication may result in dryness, soreness, or infections.
- Strain on the Pelvic Floor Muscles: Excessive or heavy stimulation could potentially lead to temporary discomfort in and around the pelvic area.
- Guilt and Emotional Distress: The stigma of society can definitely hit women harder, and generally they will experience more psychological side effects.
- Improved Sexual Awareness: The good news is masturbation improves body awareness and confidence over an individual’s own sexual abilities for women.
Related Learning: How to Stop Masturbating
Why Choose Jagruti Rehab for Addiction Support?
Masturbation is a completely normal behavior and is generally a healthy one, but like anything, when it veers into compulsive behavior or interrupts your life as you know it, it becomes necessary to reach out for help to get your life back on track.
Jagruti Rehab understands the implications of sexual behavior and sexual associated addiction. You will receive respectful and professional care at a level and frequency that considers your individual needs related to compulsive masturbation or whatever type of addiction you are facing.
Reach out for addiction help through Jagruti Rehab — where recovery, compassion, and hope converge. Because it is important that you have the care and support you need for a balanced life free of shame or struggle.
Learn How to Quit Porn Addiction today.
Frequently asked questions
No, masturbation does not affect the kidneys, which function separately from sexual behavior.
The side effects of masturbation can include minor genital soreness, fatigue, and emotional guilt, among others. If done excessively, it can become compulsive.
Masturbation releases happiness-associated brain hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin to produce pleasurable feelings of relaxation. However, there is little evidence to suggest that extensive masturbation affects the brain in an ongoing way, but it can temporarily alter dopamine sensitivity and affect mood.
Releasing sperm from ejaculation is part of normal human function and is safe when it isn’t excessive or compulsive. In moderation, ejaculation also may relieve prostate problems and boost your mood.
Urges to masturbate may develop from a variety of biological motivations, hormonal responses, needs for stress relief, psychological conditions, and environmental stimuli.
Potential side effects of masturbation on females could include irritation of the vagina or a strain to the pelvic muscles, along with psychological effects of feeling stigma; however, masturbation can also promote sexual health and sexual confidence.
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