Side Effects of Daily Masturbation in Males

Key Takeaways

• Benefits of masturbation: Moderate masturbation can improve sleep, lower stress levels, and increase sexual satisfaction and self-awareness.
• Possible Adverse Consequences of Overindulging in Masturbation:

• • Physical: May result in rashes, penile injuries, lower back pain, minor injuries, hurting genitalia, and decreased sensitivity.
  • Psychological/Social: May result in anxiety, a disorganised mindset, low self-esteem, social disengagement, and addictive behaviour.

• Related Conditions:
  • Dhat Syndrome: Excessive masturbation is associated with anxiety and premature ejaculation.
  • Nightfall Issue: nocturnal discharges or frequent wet dreams.
• Erectile Dysfunction: In addition to other considerations, excessive masturbation may be a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction.

Other issues that can come up:

• Sperm Count: If excessive masturbation is performed without sufficient recovery time, it may momentarily lower the sperm count.
• Healthy Frequency: Generally speaking, 5-7 times per week, or up to 21 times per month, is regarded as a healthy range.
•  Warning Signs of Unsafe Masturbation: When it interferes with everyday life, causes physical harm, or results in compulsive behaviour.

Masturbation is generally known as a sexual activity performed by both men and women. It is not a bad habit; rather, it is regarded as a healthy practice when done in moderation. However, that doesn’t mean there is no con to it all. Excessive masturbation can have a couple of negative psychological and physical implications. There is no hard and fast rule to determine what’s normal; however, it is crucial to comprehend the possible negative effects. Let’s understand the basics first!

What is Masturbation?

Masturbation, which frequently results in an orgasm, is the act of stimulating one’s own genitalia for sexual pleasure. Semen, which contains sperm, is ejected from the penis during this process.

Questions like “How often should a man release sperm?” are normal. 

There is no harm in masturbating daily, but it’s vital to be aware of any possible negative effects. For instance, because masturbation releases endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, it can lower stress and enhance the quality of sleep. These “feel-good” hormones promote calmness and well-being, which is helpful for mental health. But, at the same time, when it is done frequently, it can result in fatigue, headaches, and more.

What Exactly Is Sperm?

Sperm are male reproductive cells that are essential for fertilisation. They are produced in the testes and mature over a period of about 2-3 months. Sperm make up a small part of semen, which also contains fluids from the prostate gland and seminal vesicles.

Benefits of Masturbation

Some of the primary benefits of masturbation include:

• Stress reduction: Masturbation can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins. It is the same “feel-good” hormones your body produces during exercise. These hormones help you feel relaxed and calm.
• Better sleep: After an orgasm, the body releases oxytocin and dopamine – feel-good hormones that promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and help improve sleep quality.
• Sexual self-awareness: Masturbation teaches people what makes them happy, which can help them be more sexually satisfied in relationships.
• Enhanced sexual desire: Self-stimulation can help sustain or increase libido, especially during times when people may not be having frequent sex with a partner.

Even though there are benefits to masturbation, we need to understand our own body and accordingly balance out our actions.

Is Masturbation Bad or Harmful?

Masturbation is not considered a bad practice. However, excessive or obsessive masturbating can be detrimental to one’s health. Masturbation can have a number of negative medical, psychological, and social repercussions that impair a person’s quality of life when it develops into a compulsion or an escape mechanism. Those who want to maintain a balanced, healthy attitude to masturbation must be aware of these possible negative effects and comprehend how they occur.

How Often Should a Man Masturbate?

The frequency of sperm release varies from person to person and depends on several factors, such as:

• Age: Younger men generally masturbate more often compared to older men. As men age, ejaculation frequency generally decreases because of a natural decline in sexual activity and physical changes.
• Sexual health: Men with good sexual health can ejaculate more frequently without significant adverse effects. However, those with underlying health issues may need to adjust their ejaculation frequency based on medical advice.
• Overall health: Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress levels can influence the frequency of masturbation.

There is no “right” number of times a man should masturbate. Some men may ejaculate daily, whereas others may do so less frequently. It’s important to listen to your body and masturbate accordingly.

Physical Side Effects of Daily Masturbation

• Aching genitals and swollen penis (oedema)

• • • It is a disorder in which the penis is swollen due to excessive masturbation. Popularly known as Oedema, it is a result of fluid retention in the tissues. When masturbating extensively, the genitalia gets irritated and is not given enough time to heal.

• Reduced sexual sensitivity

• • • Over time, aggressive or regular masturbation can desensitise the penile nerves, which lowers sexual sensitivity. This may affect sexual satisfaction by making it more difficult to experience an orgasm during sexual activity with a partner. It is advised to use moderation, avoid undue pressure, and vary tactics in order to prevent this.

• Minor injuries and infections

• • • Chafing, discomfort, or even tiny wounds like cuts or abrasions on the vaginal area can be caused by excessive or rough masturbation. Additionally, using the wrong lubricants or allowing bacteria from the anus to enter the urethra might also result in infection. Keeping oneself clean and using the right lubricant can help avoid these problems.

• Rash and redness

• • • Rashes and vaginal redness can result from vigorous stimulation or friction on dry skin. If there are underlying skin disorders, such as eczema, that make the skin more sensitive, this irritation may worsen. The risk can be reduced by using lubricants or moisturisers made especially for sensitive skin.

• Chronic fatigue

• • Feelings of exhaustion and lethargy might result from excessive masturbating. This is partially because many chemicals, including oxytocin and prolactin, are released during sexual stimulation and orgasm and can provide feelings of relaxation or tiredness thereafter. The cumulative effect of frequent masturbation might lead to chronic weariness that interferes with everyday activities and productivity.

Psychological and Social Consequences of Excessive Masturbation

• Social withdrawal- Some men who suffer from compulsive masturbation may begin to avoid social situations and stay at home. They choose to indulge themselves rather than participate in important activities. Over time, it can strain relationships with friends, family, and love partners.

• Low self-esteem and social anxiety- Sometimes people use masturbation as a coping strategy to deal with stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem. But relying too much on it as a way out can lead to guilt or shame, which can further lower self-esteem and exacerbate social anxiety.

• Decreased productivity and focus- Excessive masturbation can sometimes interfere with daily responsibilities, including work, studies, or personal goals. When it becomes a compulsive habit, it may lead to a lack of motivation, reduced concentration, and procrastination, ultimately impacting overall productivity and life satisfaction.

Specific Conditions Associated with Excessive Masturbation

1. Dhat syndrome – Dhat syndrome, prevalent in parts of South Asia, is characterised by symptoms such as premature ejaculation, anxiety, fatigue, and passing semen during urination. This condition is sometimes linked to excessive masturbation, leading to erectile dysfunction or persistent sexual performance concerns.
2. Nightfall problem- Increased nocturnal emissions, also referred to as “wet dreams” or nocturnal discharges, can be caused by excessive masturbation or sexual excitement. Even though nightfall is a natural occurrence, prolonged masturbation can make these events worse and cause discomfort or shame.

Can Masturbation Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Particularly through disorders like Dhat syndrome, excessive masturbation may be a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction and early ejaculation. It is not, however, the only reason for erectile dysfunction; lifestyle choices, psychological problems, and general health all play a big part.

Can Frequent Masturbation Affect Sperm Count?

Studies show that masturbating has no discernible effect on sperm count. In fact, by removing older sperm and creating space for fresh, healthier sperm, regular ejaculation may help sustain or even boost sperm production, according to some research.

Excessive masturbating (defined as several times per day) can cause transient decreases in sperm stores, although regular masturbation behaviours are unlikely to affect fertility. For example, ejaculating multiple times a day may reduce the amount of sperm available, which could have an impact on the volume and density of semen produced. However, with a brief time of abstinence, these consequences of excessive masturbation are typically transient.

What Are the Effects of Masturbation on Fertility?

Here are some ways in which sperm release may impact fertility:

• Advantages:
  • Regular ejaculation helps in eliminating old sperm cells and producing new, healthier sperm with better DNA integrity.
• Disadvantages:
  • Daily ejaculation can lead to temporary decreases in sperm count and motility, which can affect fertility temporarily.
  • Physical fatigue resulting from frequent ejaculation might indirectly affect fertility by reducing sexual performance and overall energy levels.

At What Age Does a Man Stop Masturbating?

Ejaculation frequency naturally decreases with age. While there is no specific age at which a man stops ejaculating entirely, the frequency and ability to ejaculate can significantly decline after the age of 60. A study revealed that the proportion of men having more than three ejaculations per week decreased to 5% at ages 60 years or older.

Recommendations for Healthy Practices

• Moderation: Masturbation varies greatly from person to person and there is no one “normal” frequency. Moderation is essential, though, and it could be time to reevaluate routines if the frequency of masturbation starts to adversely affect other aspects of life.
•  Awareness of technique: An injury can be avoided by paying attention to technique. Both physical well-being and sexual pleasure can be preserved by avoiding excessive force and using different approaches.
•  Seek expert advice: Speaking with a healthcare provider or therapist can offer assistance and coping mechanisms if worries about masturbation surface, regardless of whether they are related to emotional or physical discomfort.