Dr. Sunil - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Sunil

Is Masturbation Bad For You?

Also Known As: jacking off, fapping, self pleasure


Grade

B+


Short answer

Masturbation is healthy, normal, and generally good for you.

Grade

B+


Long answer

You won't grow hair on your hands if you masturbate too much. Nor will you go blind, impotent, or to hell, based on the research we have so far.

Masturbation is, for the most part, a normal and healthy habit. It's a common practice with both women and men to relieve sexual tension and achieve release. Many people feel shame when they masturbate - Planned Parenthood says about one in two do. Feeling ashamed is normal, too, although you should understand that there's nothing shameful about masturbation.

Masturbating on a regular basis will generally leave you happier and more relaxed. It'll trigger the release of reward chemicals in your brain, which should leave you feeling good. Masturbation can help you sleep. It can also help you to relax. You can learn more about your body and your sexuality through masturbation. You can also ensure that everything down there is working properly - providing blood flow to your sexual organs and ensuring that nothing down there is blocked off.

There are a few risks associated with masturbating too much. Too tight of a grip or too little lubrication can cause friction that might leave your genitals irritated or potentially break the skin. Masturbating too much with a particular technique, or to particular genres of pornography, can potentially make it more difficult to achieve arousal or orgasm with a partner - they might not be able to do for you what you've been doing for yourself.

Compulsive masturbation is a tricky topic. The DSM 5 - the bible and official manual of mental health professionals - does not recognize sex addiction as a mental health disorder. Compulsive behaviors, however, are recognized; do anything too much, including masturbation, and you'll start to change the architecture of your brain.

How, then, do you recognize if masturbation has become a harmful compulsive behavior in your life? The rule of thumb is whether or not it's interfering with your relationships, your work, your other responsibilities, or your mental health. If you think this is the case, you should speak to a qualified mental health professional about strategies to get that behavior under control.

Potential concerns:

  • Excessive masturbation can cause friction or irritation without proper lubrication
  • Masturbation habits may have an effect on your sex life
  • Compulsive masturbation can disrupt your work, personal relationships, or other areas


Benefits

  • relieve tension
  • relieve stress
  • relieve headache
  • fight certain medical conditions
  • calms nerves
  • feels good
  • no chance of an std
  • a sign of good health



Thank you for your feedback!

View Sources | Written by Sean McNulty
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 01-22-2017

Thank you for your feedback!

View Sources
Written by Sean McNulty
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 01-22-2017




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