From the Guidelines
Masturbation is not a medical concern that requires treatment with medications like SSRIs or therapy such as CBT. Masturbation is a normal, healthy sexual behavior practiced by people of all genders throughout their lives. There is no medical need to prescribe medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft), or to recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce or eliminate masturbation. The only exceptions would be if masturbation becomes compulsive to the point where it significantly interferes with daily functioning, causes physical injury, or creates substantial distress for the individual. In these rare cases, the underlying issue is typically not the masturbation itself but rather an anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or another mental health condition that may benefit from professional support, as suggested by the most recent guideline on disorders of ejaculation 1. From a physiological perspective, masturbation has been associated with several health benefits, including stress reduction, improved sleep, decreased menstrual cramps in women, and reduced risk of prostate cancer in men. The historical view of masturbation as harmful or pathological has been thoroughly debunked by modern medical science. It's worth noting that the provided evidence on premature ejaculation and its treatment with SSRIs and other medications is not directly relevant to the question of masturbation as a medical concern, as the context and focus are different, and the most recent and highest quality study on the topic of ejaculation disorders does not address masturbation as a concern 1. Therefore, the focus should remain on the well-established understanding of masturbation as a normal and healthy behavior.
From the FDA Drug Label
Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction with SSRIs Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of a psychiatric disorder, they may also be a consequence of pharmacologic treatment. In particular, some evidence suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause such untoward sexual experiences
Masturbation is not directly mentioned in the provided drug labels as a medical concern that requires treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The labels discuss sexual dysfunction associated with SSRI treatment, including decreased libido and ejaculation failure, but do not address masturbation explicitly. Masturbation itself is not indicated as a condition requiring medical treatment with SSRIs 2, 2.
From the Research
Masturbation as a Medical Concern
- Masturbation is not typically considered a medical concern that requires treatment, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 3, 4.
- Research suggests that masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality, and it can have various benefits, including stress relief, relaxation, and improved sexual function 5, 6.
Associations with Mental Health
- Some studies have found associations between masturbation and mental health, such as higher levels of general anxiety/depression in individuals who masturbate more frequently 3.
- However, these findings do not necessarily imply that masturbation is a cause of mental health issues, and more research is needed to understand the relationship between masturbation and mental health 7, 4.
Treatment and Intervention
- There is no evidence to suggest that masturbation requires treatment with SSRIs or CBT, unless it is associated with other underlying mental health conditions 3, 4.
- In some cases, individuals may experience distress or guilt related to their masturbation habits, and therapy or counseling may be helpful in addressing these concerns 5, 6.