From the Guidelines
Masturbation is generally considered a safe and healthy practice, and there is no evidence to suggest that it has any significant negative side effects.
Potential Side Effects
- None have been consistently reported in the literature, however, it is worth noting that overstimulation or excessive masturbation may lead to temporary physical discomfort, such as:
- Soreness or irritation of the genital area
- Fatigue or decreased sensitivity
Evidence
The provided evidence does not specifically address the potential side effects of masturbation, but rather discusses its potential benefits for improving sexual response in individuals with cancer 1.
Benefits
The evidence suggests that regular stimulation, including masturbation, may be beneficial for improving sexual response, regardless of the stimulation used 1.
Important Considerations
It is essential to note that the evidence is based on studies focusing on individuals with cancer, and the results may not be generalizable to the broader population. However, in the context of real-life clinical medicine, masturbation is generally considered a safe and healthy practice, and no significant negative side effects have been consistently reported.
From the Research
Physical Side Effects
- Medical complications associated with masturbation include penile injury and self-asphyxial behavior 2
Psychological Side Effects
- Masturbation has been linked to depression, anxiety, immature defenses, hypersexuality, guilt, poor body self-image, and stress in the workplace 2
- Men may use masturbation as a way to reduce anxiety and stress, with deriving pleasure and decreasing sexual tension being among the top motives 3
Sociological Side Effects
- 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
- Higher frequency of masturbation has been associated with lower sexual and overall relationship satisfaction 4
Spiritual Side Effects
- Masturbation is highly positively correlated with pornography consumption and negatively with religion and religiosity 2
Demographic Factors
- There is a higher rate of masturbation in homosexuals and bisexuals than in heterosexuals 2
- Men and women may have different perceptions of masturbation, with men recognizing the beneficial aspects for healthy sexual development and women often struggling with the contradiction between stigma and pleasure 5