Negative Side Effects Of Masturbation

What many see as a taboo practice, performed only when in the shower or behind the privacy of a locked bedroom door, is actually a common and recommended activity. In addition to being a stress reliever, masturbation can also educate you on your preferences, your unique pleasure zones and the various strokes, pressures, sensations and masturbation techniques that send you sailing.




Regardless of whether you engage in mutual masturbation with a partner or simply on your own, engaging in sexual self-pleasure is an activity that's highly recommended by countless sex experts, considering how it can make you more comfortable and tuned-in to your own sexuality, and if you're in one, the sexual aspect of your romantic relationship.

As sex and relationship therapist Courtney Geter explains, "Masturbation is healthy in a number of ways. For the self, masturbation is a way to explore your body and sexual interests without the pressure of needing to 'perform' or please another person. This allows one to then share with a partner what sexually satisfies them, which can then improve communication and satisfaction in the relationship. When a partner is absent, masturbation also allows one to continue fulfilling sexual needs and desires. Finally, masturbation relieves stress and tension as well as improves our overall mood."

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As with any of the true pleasures in life, moderation is key. When you go overboard with masturbation, you could run the risk of infiltrating not only your daily routine but your overall perception of life and fulfillment, too. It all depends on your approach and your likelihood of exercising an obsessing mentality.

"People can have a negative relationship with masturbation, particularly if it means you are neglecting other areas of your life. If you masturbate in the morning and it makes you late for work, or if other relationships in your life feel neglected, that can be a challenge," explains sex expert, oral sex instructor and manager of operations and outreach at Self Serve Toys, Hunter Riley. "Masturbation and sex are two different practices, and so are porn and 'real life' sex. Porn is not a representation of how most people have sex in real life, so as long as you keep realistic expectations about what you see in porn vs. what you expect from partners in real life, there shouldn't be much of an impact to your sex life."

The only issue with masturbation is when it disrupts your lifestyle, your emotions, your relationship and your overall happiness. Here, a guide to the possible negative side effects of masturbation, and what to do if you find yourself in this situation:
1. How Masturbation Can Affect Your Physical Health

While your perception of masturbation might be the feel-good vibes it releases once you reach orgasm, Riley says there are plenty of other positive side effects of spending some time below your belt. "Masturbation has lots of positive health benefits including stress relief, help to get to sleep, reduced tension, boosted immunity and more," she says.

But if you're masturbating so fiercely and intensely, perhaps as a way to avoid other issues in your life that you don't want to deal with or accept, you might cause topical damage to your penis and balls. Coleen Singer, sexpert at Sssh.com, says if you're compulsive with your habits, you might experience rashes, redness and irritation to your genitals. This can be extremely painful, especially if you can't keep yourself from masturbating, even when you're raw or frankly, not in the mood. Though the obsessive-compulsive-must-touch-myself mentality is much more emotionally charged than physically inspired, the aftermath on your private areas could be extensive. That's why seeking the advice of a therapist is recommended, and if you notice any irritation, begin using a lube to ward off the symptoms while you recover.
2. How Masturbation Can Affect Your Psychological Health

You might take the time to study and pay close attention to the reactions of your partner as you navigate different erogenous zones of her body, but how much TLC do you give yourself? When used as a method of determining new ways to please yourself that can be translated into your sexual experiences with a partner, masturbation can actually build your self-esteem. "Masturbation can increase self-confidence because you don't have to rely on another person for sexual release and satisfaction. If you know how to please yourself, it can be easier to help a partner learn how to please you, which is a win for everyone," Riley explains.

But, if you have leftover guilty feelings from your childhood where your sexuality as suppressed, or if you feel dependent on your habits, you might find yourself struggling in the opposite direction. You might even rely so heavily on jerking yourself off, that you neglect to seek emotional assistance when you need it, or find other ways to manage your moods. "Since masturbation does improve mood and create a sensation of happiness, some people could begin to use masturbation too frequently and it could become an unhealthy stress reliever," Geter says.
3. How Masturbation Can Affect Your Sex Life

Typically speaking, when used as a part of your sex life and welcomed by an open-minded, curious and supportive partner, masturbation between both parties can be a great addition to your sexual toolbox. In fact, many couples utilize the positive benefits of masturbation in the bedroom, and perhaps even get turned on and aroused by watching their partner touch themselves — also known as mutual masturbation. "Masturbation can improve you and your partner's experience with sex, such as exploring and communicating what each other enjoys the most, increasing emotional connection between partners, and exploring other ways to experience sexual pleasure," Geter explains.

The only issue is when masturbation creates unrealistic expectations of what a sex life should be like, feel like, look like and taste like. It's true that porn and real sex stimulate different senses, and being able to differentiate between the dual realities is important. You also need to be aware that your partner doesn't have your hands, doesn't know your body and doesn't fully know every-which-way to touch you that will lead you to the grand finale. "Many men masturbate when they are single and don't have an sexual partner. During this time, they are mainly using their hand to masturbate and they can control the speed and grip. Once they have a new partner, men may experience trouble achieving orgasm and ejaculation since the vagina or rectum offer a different feeling than a hand. Even your partner's hand is not the same as your hand. Unconsciously, you are expecting a certain type of stimulation," Geter says. To rectify this, Geter recommends adding variety to your masturbation, such as using a masturbation sleeve or condom or using the opposite hand at times. She also says if you watch porn while masturbating, you should consider changing up the type of porn you watch as well.

Another way it can be difficult for your sex life and your relationship, is when you're weeding through a rough patch with your partner. If you're already fighting and bickering more than often, Geter says the act of masturbation could push your partner further away from you. "Couples need to work through the other areas of relationship conflict before trying to improve the sexual relationship. More times than not, resolving other areas of conflict can naturally improve the sexual relationship," she notes.

And if your partner is going through a period where they're just not in the mood? It mind seem like a no-brainer to take the pressure off of them by taking care of business yourself, but it might have a contrasting impact, according to Geter. "Masturbating could lead to feeling less connected with your partner, triggering low self-esteem in the other partner, or leading to lack of communication and partner sex if masturbating becomes more routine than partner sex," she shares. "Masturbation is not the problem, though finding ways to meet the needs of each partner for the benefit of the relationship and improve on communication of needs."

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4. How Masturbation Can Affect Your Life In General

In addition to what's happening behind closed doors and in your own head, too much masturbation can also be disruptive to your life, your routine and your attitude toward friendships and work. Though it's a rare, extreme case, Geter says if you're neglecting various parts of your life to spend more time masturbating, watching porn and touching yourself, then you have reason to feel concern. "If you find yourself neglecting other important areas of life such as work, relationships, or social life or if you feel shame or guilt when masturbating, it is time to seek therapy. Again, it's not ceasing masturbating [necessarily, just] finding ways to improve stress management such as adding other beneficial forms of exercise," Geter recommends.