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What are the benefits and disadvantages of masturbating?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a teenager. I have a few questions regarding masturbation.

1. I wanted to ask if it really drains your energy and makes your hair fall out, etc.

2. Does playing with my penis without any sexual intent count as masturbation? For example, fixing its position, squeezing it, etc.

3. Does masturbating for two seconds before stopping count as masturbation?

4. Or does it count as masturbating only when you ejaculate?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sharath Kumar. C

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sharath Kumar C is a renowned Sexologist and Infertility Specialist with expertise in sexual health counseling, male and female infertility management, reproductive endocrinology, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) including IVF, hormonal evaluation, contraception guidance, erectile dysfunction, menstrual and ovulatory disorders, and patient-centered fertility care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query.

Masturbation in Men: Myths, benefits, and harms.

Masturbation is a kind of topic that is normally avoided by people, as they consider it taboo. However, masturbation is a 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 of 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 with his or her hands manually and using sex toys. It is normally done solo but also performed in relationships to get orgasms and sexual arousal. It is a completely normal activity of humans that has no harmful physical or emotional effects. Masturbation has so many benefits for the human body. Excessive masturbation can lead to a few harmful effects.

Myths:

  1. Masturbation minimizes sexual performance and libido later in life.

  2. Masturbation reduces the quantity of semen.

  3. Masturbation badly affects the quality of semen.

  4. Masturbation makes semen thin in texture, making it watery.

  5. Masturbation causes blindness.

  6. Masturbation causes mental illness.

  7. Masturbation causes infertility.

  8. Masturbation causes the growth of hair on the palms.

Benefits:

  1. Manages your premature ejaculation.

  2. Reduces the risk of prostate cancer.

  3. Makes your pelvic muscles strong to prevent erectile dysfunction.

  4. Improves sperm quality and motility.

  5. Helps your sexual intercourse to enhance by increasing your sexual longevity.

  6. Reduces nasal congestion during cold and flu.

  7. Reduces stress and depression.

  8. Enhances your mood.

  9. Helps to get good sleep for insomnia patients.

  10. Makes you aware of your sexuality.

  11. Enhances your immune system.

  12. Satisfies your sexual desire and strengthens your relationships.

  13. Controlled masturbation will not affect height.

  14. Eat more vegetables and fruits.

Harmful Effects:

  1. Masturbation can cause parasympathetic nervous functions, which lead to the overproduction of sex hormones and neurotransmitters, which cause side effects like fatigue, memory loss, hair loss, groin pain, and blurred vision.

  2. Cause obsessive-compulsive behavior like addiction to masturbation.

  3. Cause bruises if stroked too vigorously.

  4. Leads to the hardening of the penis skin.

  5. Causes desensitization of the penis skin.

  6. Can cause seminal leakage.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 24, 2023
Reviewed At June 9, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sharath Kumar C is a renowned Sexologist and Infertility Specialist with expertise in sexual health counseling, male and female infertility management, reproductive endocrinology, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) including IVF, hormonal evaluation, contraception guidance, erectile dysfunction, menstrual and ovulatory disorders, and patient-centered fertility care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Companion

Masturbation Benefits and Disadvantages Companion

How it works

Masturbation is a normal and healthy sexual behavior, yet many myths surround it. This section helps you understand the facts, benefits, and potential concerns.

1

Understanding
Masturbation

2

Debunking
Myths

3

Health
Benefits

4

Potential
Harms

5

Seeking
Advice

6

Sexual
Normalization

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sharath Kumar C is a renowned Sexologist and Infertility Specialist with expertise in sexual health counseling, male and female infertility management, reproductive endocrinology, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) including IVF, hormonal evaluation, contraception guidance, erectile dysfunction, menstrual and ovulatory disorders, and patient-centered fertility care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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