Does daily masturbation (self-stimulation) have an impact on overall health?

From the Guidelines

Masturbating daily does not have a significant negative impact on overall health, and it can be considered a normal and healthy part of sexual behavior. According to the American Urological Association (AUA) guideline on erectile dysfunction 1, a comprehensive evaluation of men with ED should include an assessment of their sexual history, which may involve discussions about masturbation. The guideline suggests that the presence of masturbatory erections can provide insight into the underlying causes of ED, and it may indicate a psychogenic component to the condition.

When considering the impact of daily masturbation on health, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against any potential risks. Some studies suggest that regular masturbation may have benefits such as improved mood, reduced stress, and better sleep. However, if masturbation becomes excessive or interferes with daily activities, relationships, or work, it may be worth reassessing frequency. The AUA guideline emphasizes the importance of a thorough medical, sexual, and psychosocial history in evaluating men with ED, which may include discussions about masturbation and its potential impact on overall health 1.

Key points to consider when evaluating the impact of daily masturbation on health include:

• The potential benefits of regular masturbation, such as improved mood and reduced stress
• The importance of balance and not allowing masturbation to interfere with daily activities or relationships
• The need for a comprehensive evaluation of sexual history and function in men with ED, which may include discussions about masturbation
• The potential for masturbation to provide insight into underlying causes of ED, such as a psychogenic component.

Overall, the available evidence suggests that daily masturbation is not likely to have a significant negative impact on overall health, and it can be considered a normal and healthy part of sexual behavior, as long as it does not interfere with other aspects of life.

From the Research

Impact of Daily Masturbation on Overall Health

• There is limited research on the direct impact of daily masturbation on overall health, but studies suggest that masturbation is a normal and healthy sexual practice 2, 3.
• A study on German women found that masturbation is a common practice, with 94.5% of women reporting having masturbated at least once in their life, and 85.9% describing it as "genital self-stimulation until reaching orgasm" 3.
• Another study found that abstinence from masturbation is often recommended as a strategy to improve one's sexual self-regulation, despite a lack of evidence for negative health effects of masturbation 4.
• Research on the relationship between masturbation and prostate cancer risk has yielded mixed results, with some studies suggesting a protective effect of ejaculation through masturbation 5.
• A nationally representative survey in the US found that masturbation is a common practice, with significantly more men than women reporting lifetime masturbation, past month masturbation, and greater masturbation frequency 6.

Physical and Mental Health Effects

• Some studies suggest that masturbation can have physical and mental health benefits, such as stress relief and relaxation 3, 6.
• However, other studies have found that masturbation can be associated with negative effects, such as sexual dissatisfaction, psychological dependency, and erectile dysfunction, although these findings are not universally accepted 2.
• The relationship between masturbation and mental health is complex, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of daily masturbation on mental health.

Social and Cultural Factors

• Masturbation is often stigmatized and taboo in many cultures, which can affect individuals' attitudes and behaviors towards masturbation 2, 4.
• Social and cultural factors, such as relationship status, openness to new experiences, and body acceptance, can influence an individual's masturbation frequency and attitudes towards masturbation 3.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of masturbation as a means of sexual expression and relief during times of social isolation 6.