A statistical report showed that around 8% of men felt guilt and shame after masturbating. Now, the expression of a “single-digit” number might not seem alarming, but when you consider the global male population, the expression is relatively high.
Masturbation, albeit a natural form of s*xual expression and self-exploration, is an act that’s often frowned upon. In most cases, the cultural and societal stigma is to be blamed. However, as specialists in men’s s*xual health, we prioritise patient education at Prime Purush.
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Hence, this article will explore the positive and negative effects of masturbation to let better the world’s male population assess what’s good for them and what’s not.
What are the Advantages of Masturbation?
Before we explore some of the “rare” side effects of masturbation, let us walk you through the benefits first because there are quite a few to look through.
A lot of clinical and scientific evidence proves that masturbation offers both physical and mental health benefits, provided that you are being safe and conscious about the whole ordeal.
Following are a handful of benefits worth looking into:
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s*xual Satisfaction and Pleasure
Let us start this with trivia for you.
Did you know that only humans and dolphins engage in s*xual intimacy for pleasure? The rest of the world does so for expanding their species and giving birth to offspring.
With the fact that, as human beings, we ought to prioritise personal s*xual pleasure and satisfaction, it isn’t surprising that we must reap the benefits of masturbation.
Masturbation allows individuals to explore their bodies, preferences, and s*xual desires in a safe and private manner. It can provide a reliable means of achieving s*xual satisfaction and pleasure, regardless of relationship status or availability of a partner.
Understanding one’s own arousal patterns and sensitivities can contribute to enhanced s*xual experiences and increased s*xual confidence.
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Stress Reduction and Relaxation
We know the body releases “feel-good” chemicals, or endorphins when we exercise.
But did you know that those same chemicals are also released in the body when you masturbate? That’s one of the reasons why many feel relaxed and calm after masturbation.
The release of endorphins in the bloodstream counteracts and reduces cortisol levels, thereby reducing the stress and the constant anxiety that you are feeling in your mind.
Masturbation acts as a form of self-care and can provide a temporary escape from daily pressures. However, regulation is key. One must be being safe when practising masturbation for relaxation. It should never be used as a crutch every time one is stressed and wants to relieve it.
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Improved Sleep
Having trouble sleeping? Well, studies suggest that masturbation can help. As weird as it sounds, it’s true. This whole process also involves the interaction of a few hormones. Let us explain things a bit better.
When you masturbate, the body releases two critical hormones – oxytocin and prolactin, both of which promote relaxation and helps a person get to sleep quicker and get quality sleep throughout the night.
When released during orgasm, oxytocin can induce a state of calmness and relaxation, which can facilitate the onset of sleep.
Another hormone released after orgasm is prolactin. Prolactin is responsible for the refractory period experienced by males, during which a temporary loss of s*xual interest and arousal occurs. Prolactin is also associated with feelings of satiety, relaxation, and drowsiness.
By increasing the prolactin levels in the body, masturbation can contribute to a more rapid onset of sleep and improved sleep quality.
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Reduced Risks of Prostate Cancer
Engaging in masturbation has also been associated with reduced risks of prostate cancer in men. According to reports, prostate cancer ranks as the third most common type of cancer affecting men in India, showing its prevalence.
Several studies have suggested a potential link between regular ejaculation and a reduced risk of prostate cancer in males.
Since the prostate gland secretes and stores the seminal fluid, regular or frequent ejaculation empties and flushes out the potentially cancer-causing germs from the stored fluid and promotes prostate health in the male individual.
Research indicates that men who ejaculate frequently, whether through s*xual intercourse or masturbation, have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer later in life.
However, it is essential to note that more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk.
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Pain Relief
Although this might surprise many, one of the benefits of masturbation is pain relief. Engaging in masturbation offers temporary pain relief.
If you are wondering how let us explain.
When you engage in masturbation and eventually orgasm, it releases endorphins in the bloodstream, which acts as a natural painkiller. Studies have shown that this reduces headaches, minor aches, muscle cramps, muscle tension, etc.
Additionally, the pleasurable sensations and increased blood flow associated with masturbation can help reduce pain sensitivity and promote well-being.
What are the Disadvantages of Masturbation?
Now that you understand the advantages of masturbation let us walk you through the disadvantages. There are quite a few we have to touch over:
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Unrealistic Expectations
In most cases, men that engage in masturbation leverage viewing adult films to reach their climax. While it’s good to self-explore and learn about one’s s*xual fantasies, likes, and dislikes, too much exposure to pornography has completely different impacts. It leads to the development of unrealistic s*xual fantasies.
Embedding these unrealistic expectations often lead to performance anxiety, as individuals may feel pressure to replicate the scenarios or experiences they have seen or imagined.
While masturbation might seem pleasurable at that moment, those unrealistic expectations often ingrain into one’s mind and can interfere with one’s s*xual enjoyment and partner satisfaction in the long run.
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Developing an “Addiction”
Now, we used quotation for the word addiction because the act itself isn’t recognised as an “addiction.” Instead, engaging in “too much” masturbation is often considered a compulsion for men.
Compulsive s*xual behaviour, or hypers*xuality, involves a persistent urge to engage in s*xual activities that can interfere with daily life and relationships.
Since such compulsive behaviour can happen with masturbation, the act can lead to various negative consequences, including withdrawal from social interactions. We have worked with patients with similar experiences at Prime Purush and have effectively helped them overcome the challenges of such mental compulsions.
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Guilt, Shame, and Cultural Stigmatization
As we discussed at the beginning of the article, the act of masturbation is natural. However, it is stigmatised in parts of the world and society, in general, due to cultural and religious stigmas.
These societal stigmas often lead to shame and guilt in the male individuals who engage in this self-pleasure.
The guilt and shame associated with masturbation can harm self-esteem, create a negative body image, and contribute to psychological distress. Challenging and addressing these stigmas is crucial to foster a healthy and positive attitude towards s*xuality.
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Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Not many men know this, but excessive or vigorous masturbation, particularly with a tight grip or aggressive technique, may lead to temporary erectile dysfunction (ED).
Sounds painful, doesn’t it?
Engaging in too much or too frequent masturbation often leads to desensitisation of the penis, which makes the penis have reduced sensitivity to touch, making it difficult to get and maintain an erection while engaging in s*xual intercourse with a partner.
At Prime Purush, our specialists can effectively reverse the signs and symptoms of ED with holistic and combined treatment therapy using the power of Allopathy and Ayurveda. Our clinically formulated medications, Prime Purush Plus and Prime Purush Max are developed by doctors to assure guaranteed results in treating ED within 3 months.
Conclusion
Masturbation implies a series of physical and emotional benefits that most men aren’t even aware of. While there are a few risks in masturbation, there’s no point villainising the act. This article discusses all that you need to know regarding masturbation and its positive and negative implications on one’s health for better understanding.
If you are struggling with s*xual concerns, including or unrelated to masturbation, our specialists at Prime Purush are here to help you navigate the challenges. Kindly reach out to us via a call or WhatsApp at +91-8800701967.
FAQs
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Can masturbation affect my s*xual performance with a partner?
In hindsight, masturbation is a great way to explore what you like and dislike regarding s*xual intimacy. However, too much of anything can have adverse effects, and that holds true for masturbation as well. Excessive masturbation or reliance on unrealistic s*xual fantasies may create unrealistic expectations and performance anxiety during partnered s*xual encounters. Hence, striking a balance is key to getting a satisfying experience for you and your partner.
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Does masturbation affect fertility or reproductive health?
One of the most common myths that people have is thinking that infertility in men stems from masturbation. That is generally not true. Infertility is a direct consequence of a variety of underlying physical or mental complications in the patient, one of which may or may not be masturbation.
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How to ensure a healthy approach to masturbation?
To maintain a healthy approach to masturbation, it is vital to prioritise consent, communication, and self-care. Avoid excessive or compulsive behaviours, develop a positive mindset towards s*xuality, and seek professional help if you have concerns about your s*xual behaviours or well-being.
