Introduction:
Masturbation is a common activity that is natural for both men and women. It is a safe way to explore our body, sexuality, self-pleasure and to relieve tension. People of different races, backgrounds, and geographical locations commonly practice it
There are no harmful physical side effects of masturbation, but excessive masturbation causes trouble to our daily life and relationships. Masturbation addiction is one of the most common conditions that is widespread among the present young generation, and certain measures should be taken to reduce or stop masturbation.
Who Masturbates and When Does It Become a Problem?
As said earlier, masturbation is a normal, natural part of anyone’s sexual life. People who are single and need to relieve their sexual tension will masturbate; those who are in a relationship that does not provide satisfactory pleasure will masturbate, and sometimes even people who are in a satisfying sexual relationship also masturbate. For some people, masturbation is a part of their sexual life.
What Are the Myths, Benefits, and Harms of Masturbation in Men?
Masturbation is a kind of topic that is normally avoided by people as they consider it taboo. However, masturbation is healthy and completely normal sexual behavior. There are so many myths associated with masturbation that are really not true. Masturbation is not dirty and does not make you less as a person, so do not feel ashamed or bad about masturbation and activities related to it.
Masturbation is a process in which a person derives sexual pleasure and satisfaction by stroking or rubbing his or her genitals by his or her hands manually and using sex toys. It is normally done solo but also performed in relationships to get orgasm and sexual arousal. It is completely a normal activity of humans which has got no harmful physical and emotional effects. Masturbation has got so many benefits to the human body. But excessive masturbation can lead to few harmful effects.
Myths:
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Masturbation minimizes sexual performance and libido later in life.
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It reduces the quantity of semen.
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Masturbation can badly affect the quality of semen.
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It can make the semen thin in texture, making it watery.
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Causes blindness.
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Masturbation causes mental illness.
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It can lead to infertility.
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Masturbation causes the growth of hair on the palms.
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Masturbation affects the height of the individual.
Benefits:
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Manages your premature ejaculation.
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Reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
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Makes your pelvic muscles strong to prevent erectile dysfunction.
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Improves sperm quality and motility.
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Enhances your sexual intercourse by increasing your sexual longevity.
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Reduces nasal congestion during cold and flu.
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It reduces stress and depression.
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Enhances your mood and immune system.
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Helps attain good sleep especially in insomnia patients.
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Makes you aware of your sexuality.
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Satisfies your sexual desire and strengthens your relationships.
Harmful Effects:
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Stimulates parasympathetic nervous functions, which leads to overproduction of sex hormones and neurotransmitters, causing side effects like fatigue, memory loss, hair loss, groin pain, and blurred vision.
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Causes obsessive-compulsive behavior-like addiction to masturbation.
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Causes bruises if stroked too vigorously.
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Leads to hardening of the penis skin.
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Causes desensitization of penis skin.
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Can cause seminal leakage.
Masturbation is totally normal and safe sexual behavior for both men and women. So, masturbate weekly two or three times to stay healthy and keep enjoying.
Though masturbation has benefits, excessive masturbation can cause changes in our mental and psychological health. Hence, in some cases, masturbation can become problematic. This is identified when:
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You cannot control the urge to masturbate.
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Plan your activities and work so that you are finding time to masturbate.
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Skip work, school, or social activities so that you can masturbate.
What Are the Various Benefits of Masturbation?
Masturbation has a number of benefits for your mental and physical health. Researches have made analysis on the effects of masturbation and sexual stimulation, and the results show that it helps in the following ways:
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Relieves built-up stress.
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Boosts your mood.
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Gives pleasure.
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Relieves cramps and sexual tension.
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Relaxes and makes you sleep better.
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Your sexual life gets better and you can understand what your body wants and needs.
What Are the Side Effects of Masturbation?
Though masturbation has no harmful physical side effects, some people who masturbate regularly feel guilty and have issues with chronic masturbation.
Masturbation and Guilt - Some people feel guilty after masturbating since they feel like it is against the spiritual or religious practice. Even in some cases, if the person is in a relationship, he or she might feel guilty since they might think of it as cheating on their partner.
Chronic Masturbation - Some people get addicted to masturbation in such a way that they find it highly impossible to get through a day without touching themself. This will make the person lose their focus on important things such as work or studies, mingling with others and socializing, etc.
How to Stop Masturbating?
Learning to stop or reduce masturbation is a continuous process that many people find very difficult to overcome. This is because it requires controlling the urges and behaviors that have been followed for the last few months or, in some cases, even the last few years. Though it is difficult, it is not impossible. It requires a high level of willpower and support from friends or family to help you through the process. Some of the effective steps that have helped to stop masturbating are mentioned below.
1. Talking to a Therapist:
When a person feels like he or she needs to develop a healthier relationship by reducing or stopping masturbation, they might reach out to their doctor. The doctors will refer you to a therapist who might be a counselor, psychiatrist, or sexual health specialist.
These therapists are highly educated and are trained to help people overcome such addiction. Hence they do not judge people and will help you throughout the process by supporting you and remove any tempting factors from your mind.
2. Stay Busy:
Keeping oneself on a schedule and fully busy will reduce the time and the opportunities for masturbating. Hence indulge in activities apart from work or studies that are relaxing, exciting and engaging.
Some of the effective activities are exercise, yoga, going for a jog or walk, etc. Reduce the activities which require you to be alone such as reading books, watching television or mobile, etc. Socialize more and keep yourself surrounded so that the opportunity for masturbation is reduced.
3. Taking Care of the Body:
A healthy diet and regular workouts are essential and good for a healthy body. Hence those who need to stop masturbating, make sure you concentrate on your body so that it helps in controlling the urges and gives you the motivation to continue the process.
4. Find a Support Group:
There are various support groups for people who are out of control in their sexual behavior. Involve in such groups and find things others do in order to overcome their urges and know about their source of motivation. This might help you through the process and will help you find someone, to share your experience who is familiar with what you are going through. Also, accountability is significant for anyone who is trying to modify their behavior. Hence talking about it might make you feel accountable for the actions and help you control them.
5. Limit Your Alone Time:
As said earlier, many feel the urge to masturbate only when they feel private and alone. Hence make yourself surrounded by at least 3 people so that you do not think of masturbating. Shift the things that you usually do alone to a more public place.
6. Stop Watching Pornography:
Pornography addiction is the most important factor that is to be overthrown in order to stop masturbating. In our daily life, exposure to stimulating pictures and videos has become huge, and hence it is very easy to fall off the wagon. So restrict yourself from any kind of pornography such as magazines, movies, or pictures. Move your computer to a more public place and make use of porn blocking software.
7. Identify the Place and Time That Induce Your Urge:
Many people tend to masturbate when they take a shower. Similarly, more people masturbate at night when they are on their beds. Hence identify the situation which urges you the most and reach out to your doctor. With their help, you will be able to work around those scenarios.
8. Be Patient:
Stopping masturbation is a step-by-step process and requires time and willpower. Hence be patient and keep yourself motivated. Do not cave in to the urges and temptations. Masturbation addiction did not happen overnight, and similarly, stopping this also will not happen in a day or two. Be prepared mentally for all the challenges that you may encounter throughout the journey and keep yourself determined on the end result.
Conclusion:
Masturbation is a healthy and safe way to practice self-care and improve your sexual health. Though it has many benefits for the body and the mind, there is a huge chance of addiction. Hence make sure you do not get addicted to it and explore your body without any shame or guilt. If you have any negative feelings towards masturbation, reach out to a therapist and talk about it.
Consult a therapist online at icliniq.com.
