From the Guidelines
Masturbation is a normal, healthy sexual activity with few side effects, and most people can engage in it without negative consequences. According to the most recent and highest quality study, 1, masturbation can have benefits including stress reduction, better sleep, and improved mood through the release of endorphins. Some individuals might develop minor skin irritation from friction, which can be prevented by using lubricant. Contrary to many myths, masturbation does not cause physical problems like blindness, hair growth, infertility, erectile dysfunction, or mental health issues.
For some people, excessive masturbation might interfere with daily activities or relationships, but this is uncommon. If masturbation causes pain, significant emotional distress, or compulsive behavior that disrupts normal functioning, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. These concerns are rare, and most people can engage in masturbation as part of normal sexual expression without negative consequences.
It's also worth noting that the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends discussing sexual health and dysfunction with patients, including the potential benefits of masturbation, as stated in 1. Additionally, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends providing risk-reduction counseling to prevent STIs in women participating in noncoital activities, such as mutual masturbation, as stated in 1.
In terms of specific guidance, the AUA/SMSNA guideline on disorders of ejaculation recommends that clinicians consider referring men diagnosed with lifelong or acquired delayed ejaculation to a mental health professional with expertise in sexual health, as stated in 1. However, this guideline does not specifically address the potential side effects of masturbation.
Overall, the evidence suggests that masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality, and most people can engage in it without negative consequences. If concerns or problems arise, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
Key points to consider:
- Masturbation is a normal, healthy sexual activity with few side effects
- Masturbation can have benefits including stress reduction, better sleep, and improved mood
- Minor skin irritation from friction can be prevented by using lubricant
- Excessive masturbation might interfere with daily activities or relationships, but this is uncommon
- Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended if masturbation causes pain, significant emotional distress, or compulsive behavior that disrupts normal functioning.
From the Research
Potential Side Effects of Masturbation
The potential side effects of masturbation can be categorized into several areas, including physical, medical, psychological, sociological, and spiritual.
- Physically, masturbation was found to be less sexually satisfying than intercourse 2.
- Medical complications include penile injury and self-asphyxial behavior 2.
- Psychologically, masturbation was found to be associated with depression, anxiety, immature defenses, hypersexuality, guilt, poor body self-image, and stress in the workplace 2.
- Sociologically, most studies indicate a negative correlation between masturbation and relationship satisfaction, quality, intimacy, relational happiness, emotional satisfaction with the partner, trust, passion, and love 2.
- Spiritually, masturbation is highly positively correlated with pornography consumption and negatively with religion and religiosity 2.
Perceived Effects of Masturbation
Health professionals and medical students in Tanzania perceived masturbation as potentially leading to multiple issues in adulthood, including sexual dissatisfaction with a spouse, psychological dependency, and erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual sensitivity in intercourse, premature ejaculation, and penis size reduction 3. In contrast, a study of older adults in four European countries found that solitary sexual activity, such as masturbation, is a free, safe, and accessible way to experience sexual pleasure, and that satisfaction with sexual activity and attitudes related to disapproval of sex without love were significant predictors of reported masturbation frequency 4.
Historical and Cultural Context
Historically, masturbation has been viewed as a taboo or immoral activity, with some medical professionals in the 19th century advocating for clitoridectomy to prevent the progression to masturbatory melancholia, paralysis, blindness, and even death 5. In recent years, there has been a shift towards recognizing masturbation as a normal and healthy sexual practice, with some studies highlighting its potential benefits for healthy sexual development and sexual health 4, 6.