Masturbation is a common practice among men, particularly those who are single. Research indicates that it has numerous advantages for mental health and can positively influence married life. Nevertheless, excessive masturbation can lead to negative consequences on various aspects of a man’s daily life and overall health.
This article was written under the professional guidance of doctors from the Center for Women's Health and Reproductive Support at Vinmec International General Hospital.
1. What is masturbation?
Masturbation is the act of self-stimulation, either with hands or with tools, to achieve orgasm and fulfill sexual needs. This behavior is prevalent among most men aged 15 and older, primarily due to the increased production of the hormone testosterone, which drives the desire for sexual satisfaction.
However, this behavior is not restricted to young men; many adult men, including those who are married, also engage in masturbation.
Masturbation in men is a normal and healthy aspect of sexual life. Particularly during puberty, men often experience heightened sexual urges, and masturbation can serve as a way to manage these desires. When practiced in moderation, it can help men become familiar with ejaculation and sexual experience, thereby preparing them for a healthy sex life as adults.
2. Benefits of masturbation
For adult and single men, masturbation is an effective way to relieve sexual needs and offers numerous benefits, including:
- Reduce stress, fatigue, and anxiety while providing pleasure similar to sexual intercourse.
- Stimulation of the cardiovascular system, which enhances breathing and improves metabolism in the body.
- Control and limitation of sexual desire.
- Stimulation of the brain to secrete serotonin, leading to better sleep.
- Reduced risk of prostate cancer.
- Strengthening of pelvic floor muscles.
- Boosting the immune system when practiced correctly.
- Improvement of overall sexual life.
3. Does frequent masturbation cause infertility in men?
There have been many studies examining the link between masturbation and infertility in men, but conclusive results are still lacking. Most experts agree that frequent masturbation does not lead to infertility.
However, couples trying to conceive may want to limit masturbation, as frequent activity can decrease the volume of semen during ejaculation, potentially affecting conception. If a man reduces masturbation but the woman still struggles to conceive, it is advisable to consult a fertility specialist for proper guidance and treatment.
4. Negative effects of frequent masturbation
4.1. Psychological impact:
Excessive masturbation can lead to addiction, making some men constantly think about sex and pleasure. If not addressed, frequent masturbation may result in sexual health issues, including deviant behaviors, as individuals may focus solely on self-satisfaction and neglect their relationships.
High-frequency masturbation can also affect the central nervous system, leading to mental health problems such as physical weakness and forgetfulness.
Additionally, many men may experience guilt, especially if they believe their behavior contradicts societal norms. While society’s views on this topic are becoming more open, those engaging in masturbation may still feel guilty about their actions.
4.2. Reduced interest in sex:
Frequent masturbation can diminish a man's interest in having sex with a partner. This occurs because men may grow accustomed to self-stimulation for personal satisfaction. If this situation continues, it can severely impact relationships and marital life.
4.3. Effects on the quality of sex
Excessive masturbation or addiction can negatively impact not only psychological well-being and interest in sex but can also lead to issues such as premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. These problems directly influence the quality of sexual life.
When men masturbate too frequently, their mental state can become overly excited, which inhibits the sexual sensation center. This heightened sensitivity of the genitals means that even minimal stimulation can result in premature ejaculation. Consequently, individuals who masturbate often may reach orgasm too quickly, leaving their partners unsatisfied, which can harm the overall quality of sex and potentially cause rifts in marital relationships.
Frequent manual masturbation can damage male genital organs and is recognized as a contributing factor to men’s health issues. This habit not only adversely affects men's psychological health but also their overall quality of life and physical well-being.
4.4. Reduced sexual and reproductive function
Long-term excessive masturbation can lead to a greater need for intense stimulation to ejaculate, resulting in difficulty with ejaculation and potentially leading to erectile dysfunction or impotence.
Moreover, excessive masturbation can decrease sperm count, often reducing it to about half of the normal level. The rate of live sperm and their mobility also seriously decrease, reducing sperm quality, and negatively impacting male fertility.
4.5. Cause urinary system and prostate diseases
Masturbating frequently may allow bacteria from the hands to spread to the genitals, leading to urinary system problems such as urinary tract infections and chronic prostatitis. Common symptoms of these conditions include frequent urination, cloudy urine, and pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen and genitals.
Additionally, frequent ejaculation may severely impact kidney function. Since the kidneys play a crucial role in sexual development and activity, frequent masturbation raises the risk of developing serious kidney diseases.
5. Advice for men regarding Masturbation
According to Andrology experts, men should consider the following guidelines to ensure safe masturbation practices:
- Maintain a reasonable frequency, ideally about 2-3 times per week.
- Clean your genitals and hands before masturbation.
- Engage in the act gently and carefully to avoid injury to the genital organs.
- Only masturbate when feeling comfortable and relaxed; avoid it when feeling anxious or worried about being caught.
- Choose positions and techniques that are most comfortable.
- Ensure privacy when engaging in this activity.
- Limit or avoid watching pornography while masturbating.
- Incorporate masturbation into a balanced lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, rest, and exercise.
- If you notice any unusual symptoms during masturbation, seek immediate consultation with a reputable medical facility or an andrology clinic for examination and treatment.
Masturbation at a moderate level is generally not harmful and can benefit men’s sexual and mental health. However, if practiced excessively, it may lead to issues such as fatigue, reduced sexual desire, psychological stress, and reproductive health concerns. Therefore, men should maintain an appropriate frequency and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any unusual symptoms.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
