Many myths and misconceptions continue to spread the idea that masturbation is somehow harmful to health. However, masturbating may have several health benefits.
Deciding whether to masturbate or not is a personal choice. However, masturbating may have several positive effects, including boosting hormones and chemicals that promote positive emotions, feelings, and sensations.
Meanwhile, most negative effects associated with masturbation focus on how someone feels about the act itself, rather than the physical implications on the body.
Read on to learn how masturbation affects the brain, as well as what masturbation addiction is, treatment and prevention methods, and when to see a doctor.
Positive effects on the brain
There are numerous potential health benefits of masturbation.
Hormone and chemical release
Research shows that masturbation, as well as other erotic activities leading to erotic pleasure or orgasm, trigger the release of hormones and chemicals involved in the brain’s pleasure-reward center. These include:
Dopamine:Known as the “happiness” hormone, dopamine is an important neurotransmitter involved in motivation, movement, and reward-seeking.
Oxytocin: The “love” hormone oxytocin has a wide range of behavioral and physiological effects, such as promoting erotic, social, and maternal behaviors associated with happiness. The hormone also helps support well-being, positive social interaction, growth, and healing.
Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps mediate happiness Trusted Source, optimism, and satisfaction. There is also a link between higher serotonin levels and an increase in mood.
Endorphins: Endorphins are known as “feel-good” chemicals that reduce pain better than morphine. They are responsible for the pleasurable rush or high associated with exercise.
Prolactin: Prolactin is a hormone that promotes Trusted Source physiological responses to reproduction, stress management, and emotional regulation.
Endocannabinoids: These neurotransmitters are vital to Trusted Source rewarding behaviors such as exercise, social interaction, and eating. They also help regulate Trusted Source processes such as pain, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular function, learning and memory, anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Norepinephrine/noradrenaline: This is a stimulating neurotransmitter that increases and regulates dopamine transmission, a substance linked to levels of happiness.
Adrenaline: Adrenaline lowers stress by helping regulate Trusted Source heart rate, blood vessel and airway diameters, and aspects of metabolism.
Release of these various hormones can, in turn, lead to the following health benefits:
Reduced stress and anxiety
The release of oxytocin from erotic activities seems to lower stress hormones, such as cortisol, while promoting relaxation. Prolactin also helps regulate Trusted Source stress responses.
Improve sleep
Masturbation releases hormones and neurotransmitters to help reduce stress and blood pressure while promoting relaxation, which may make it easier to fall asleep.
A 2019 study that surveyed 778 adults found there was a clear perception of favorable sleep outcomes associated with orgasm. Many respondents felt masturbation helped reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality.
Reduced pain
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. Endocannabinoids are also known to help regulate pain and inflammation processes. These natural painkillers could also help ease menstrual pain.
A 2013 study, Trusted Source, found that erotic activity leads to partial or complete relief of migraines and some cluster headaches.
Improved immune function
Masturbation raises levels of prolactin and endocannabinoids, which help regulate the immune system. It also boosts the hormones and neurotransmitters that lower stress.
Improved mood
Masturbation may increase hormone levels associated with a positive mood, such as dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins.
Improve focus and concentration
By increasing levels of hormones and neurotransmitters involved in learning, memory, and motivation, masturbation may improve focus and concentration.
A 2020 study Trusted Source found that medications used to improve focus and concentration, such as Ritalin, may work by increasing circulating dopamine levels and increasing motivation to complete difficult tasks.
Improve self-esteem
Masturbation can raise adrenaline levels. Researchers Trusted Source associate higher levels of salivary and urinary adrenaline with higher levels of personal growth or a sense of life purpose. Learning how to pleasure oneself can also be empowering and improve body image.
Improve erotic function
Many of the hormones and neurotransmitters involved in the human erotic response cycle help regulate the cycle themselves by promoting the release of stimulating compounds at higher levels.
Improved cognition
Prolactin has a neuroprotective effect Trusted Source, reducing neural damage in response to stress. Dopamine also seems to contribute to healthy cognition. A 2016 in Trusted Source found that erotic activity increased recall and number sequencing in older males and recall in older females aged 50–89.
Reduced blood pressure
Oxytocin and endocannabinoids may also help reduce blood pressure.
Negative effects on the brain
While most people experience positive effects from masturbating, this is not true for everyone.
Some may be morally or religiously opposed to masturbation and feel guilty Trusted Source or shameful for engaging in masturbation or even thinking about it.
Excessive masturbation can also cause physical problems such as irritated or broken skin, swelling of the genitals, and cramps.
Masturbation is also difficult for some people to engage in positively, especially in those with erotic dysfunction or a history of misuse. These people may find it very embarrassing or even distressing to engage in masturbation.
Masturbation addiction
Currently, the American Psychological Association do not recognize masturbation or erotic addiction as a mental health condition. Hence, there is not enough evidence to support the classification of erotic addiction as a mental health condition.
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