Many people say that masturbation is safe and it is good for your health. But too much masturbation can cause some minor side effects.
Addiction to masturbation
Some people can and do develop an addiction to masturbation. You may be spending too much time masturbating if masturbation causes you to:
skip your chores or daily activities
miss work or school
cancel plans with friends or family
miss important social events
Masturbation addiction can harm your relationships and other parts of your life. Masturbating too much may interrupt your work or studies, which can lower productivity.
It may also hurt your romantic relationships and friendships because you don’t spend as much time with your loved ones as you used to or ignore their needs.
If you’re worried you may have a masturbation addiction, speak with your doctor or a counselor about ways to cut down on masturbating.
Talk therapy can help you manage your addiction. You could also cut down by replacing masturbation with other activities. Next time you have an urge to masturbate, try:
going for a run
writing in a journal
spending time with friends
going for a walk
As per 2009, studies found that vibrator use among women and men has been linked to increased desire, arousal, and overall sexual function. According to the studies, women also reported an increase in lubrication, while men reported better erectile function.
Masturbation can affect sensitivity during sex for men because of their technique. Research has shown that too tight of a grip on a penis during masturbation can decrease sensation.
Guilt
Some people who worry that masturbation conflicts with their religious, spiritual, or cultural beliefs may experience guilt. However, masturbation is not immoral or wrong, and self-pleasure is not shameful.
Discussing feelings of guilt with a friend, healthcare professional, or therapist specializing in sexual health might help a person move past feelings of guilt or shame that they connect with masturbation.
Decreased sexual sensitivity
If men have an aggressive masturbation method that involves too tight a grip on their penis, they can experience decreased sensation. A man can resolve this over time with a change of technique.
Enhanced stimulation, such as using a vibrator, may increase arousal and overall sexual function in both men and women.
Women who use a vibrator have reported improved sexual function and lubrication, while men experienced improved erectile function.
Hormone and chemical release
Research shows that masturbation and other sexual activities leading to sexual 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 many behavioral and physiological effects, such as promoting sexual, 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 trusted Sources 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/noradrenalin: This is a stimulating neurotransmitter that increases and regulates dopamine transmission, a substance linked to happiness levels.
Adrenaline: Adrenaline lowers stress by helping regulateTrusted Source heart rate, blood vessel and airway diameters, and aspects of metabolism.
The release of these various hormones can, in turn, lead to the following health benefits:
Conclusion:
Masturbation is a healthy, natural, and safe way to practice self-care and improve your health.
Masturbating may have many benefits for your mind and body. Despite the possibility of addiction, there are no harmful side effects.
Feel free to enjoy self-pleasure without guilt or shame. Speak with a therapist or someone you trust about any negative feelings you have.
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