Is Masturbation Healthy? Benefits, Myths and When It Can Be a Problem
Masturbation is a normal, healthy part of sexuality for most people and does not cause physical harm. Here is what research says about its benefits, the myths, how much is too much, and when to talk to a doctor.
Masturbation is one of the most common sexual behaviours, yet it is still surrounded by myths, guilt and confusing advice, especially online. So, is masturbation healthy, or is it bad for you?
Quick answer: for most people, masturbation is a normal, healthy part of sexuality and is not harmful. Mainstream medical bodies, including the UK's NHS, describe it as a normal activity that does not cause physical harm. It can help with stress relief, sleep and understanding your own body. It becomes a problem only if it feels compulsive, interferes with your daily life, work or relationships, causes physical soreness, or leaves you feeling very distressed. In those cases, talking to a doctor or counsellor can help.
Is masturbation good or bad?
Neither "good" nor "bad" is quite the right way to think about it. Medically, masturbation is:
Common: surveys around the world consistently find that most men and many women masturbate at some point in their lives.
Safe: it carries no risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
Optional: some people masturbate often, some rarely and some never. All of these are normal.
What matters is how it fits into your life. If it is something you enjoy and it doesn't cause you problems, there is no medical reason to stop.
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Possible health benefits
Research on masturbation itself is limited, and much of what we know comes from studies of sexual activity and orgasm in general. With that caution, these are the commonly described benefits:
Stress relief and relaxation
Sexual arousal and orgasm release chemicals such as dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins, which are linked with pleasure and relaxation. Many people find masturbation relieves tension.
Better sleep
The relaxation that follows orgasm helps some people fall asleep more easily.
Knowing your own body
Masturbation helps people learn what they find pleasurable. This can make it easier to communicate with a partner and enjoy sex, and sex therapists sometimes suggest it for people who have difficulty reaching orgasm.
Relief from period cramps
Some women report that orgasm eases menstrual cramps, possibly because of muscle contractions and the release of endorphins.
Possible link with lower prostate cancer risk
A large, long-running study of US health professionals, published in European Urology in 2016, found that men who reported ejaculating 21 or more times a month had a lower risk of prostate cancer than men who reported 4 to 7 times a month. This shows an association, not proof that ejaculation prevents cancer, and other factors may explain it.
Myths vs facts
Myth | Fact |
Masturbation causes blindness, hair loss or acne | There is no scientific evidence for any of these |
It causes weakness or "loss of energy" | Masturbation does not weaken the body. Feeling tired afterwards is just normal relaxation |
It causes infertility or reduces sperm permanently | It does not cause infertility. The body continuously produces sperm |
It shrinks or damages the penis | Normal masturbation does not damage the genitals |
It causes erectile dysfunction | Masturbation does not cause ED. ED has other causes, such as stress, anxiety, diabetes, heart disease or certain medicines, and should be checked by a doctor |
Only men masturbate | People of all genders masturbate |
People in relationships shouldn't masturbate | Many people in happy relationships masturbate. It is a personal choice |
Beliefs from culture, religion or family can make people feel guilty about masturbation. Those values are personal, and it is fine to make choices that fit them. From a medical point of view, though, masturbation is not a cause of physical illness.
Can masturbation be bad? When it may be a problem
Masturbation is not harmful in itself, but a few situations need attention:
It feels out of control. If you feel unable to stop even when you want to, or it takes up hours of your day, it may be part of compulsive sexual behaviour. This is treatable.
It interferes with your life. Missing work, college, sleep or time with people because of it is a sign to seek help.
It causes physical soreness. Very frequent or rough masturbation can cause chafing, swelling or skin irritation. Being gentler, using a suitable lubricant and taking a break usually helps.
It affects sex with a partner. Some people find that a particular style of masturbation, or heavy pornography use, makes it harder to enjoy sex with a partner. A doctor or sex therapist can help.
It causes strong guilt or anxiety. If you feel very distressed about it, talking to a counsellor can help you sort out your feelings.
How much is "too much"?
There is no medical number for how often is too often. Daily masturbation can be normal for one person, while a few times a month is normal for another. The useful question is not "how often" but "is it causing problems?" If it isn't affecting your health, relationships, responsibilities or mood, frequency alone is not a concern.
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Simple hygiene and safety tips
Wash your hands and genitals with plain water or a mild soap.
Use a suitable lubricant if you need one; avoid harsh soaps or products that irritate the skin.
Keep any sex toys clean, and don't share them without cleaning them or using a fresh condom.
Stop if you feel pain, and give sore skin time to heal.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you notice pain, blood in your semen or urine, a lump, a curve or injury of the penis, changes in your periods or vaginal discharge, or erection problems. These are not caused by normal masturbation but can be signs of other conditions that need checking. You can also see a doctor, a sexologist or a counsellor if you feel your sexual behaviour has become hard to control or is affecting your mental health. Our article on anxiety symptoms and causes explains when worry becomes something to treat.
Also read: Side Effects of Masturbation, which looks at the common myths in more detail and the situations that do need medical advice.
FAQs
Is masturbation healthy?
Yes, for most people masturbation is a normal, healthy activity with no physical harm. It may help with stress, sleep and knowing your body. It is a problem only if it becomes compulsive or interferes with daily life.
Is masturbation good or bad?
Medically it is neither good nor bad in itself; it is a normal, optional part of sexuality. What matters is whether it causes you any problems, such as soreness, distress or loss of control.
Is masturbation bad for your health?
No. It does not cause blindness, weakness, infertility, hair loss or erectile dysfunction. Frequent rough masturbation can cause skin soreness, which settles with rest.
How often is it okay to masturbate?
There is no medically correct frequency. As long as it doesn't interfere with your work, relationships, sleep or mood, how often you masturbate is a personal choice.
Filed under Health & Fitness
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