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Home » Blogs » Male Masturbation: Side Effects, Benefits, and Myths

Is Daily Masturbation Harmful? Potential Side Effects for Men

UPDATED ON 24 JAN. 2025

Masturbation is a common activity among men and women in which they stimulate their genitals for sexual arousal or pleasure. It is a natural and safe way to explore your body, feel pleasure, and develop sexual tension. It also plays an important role in developing sexual health.

However, you will not have any harmful physical side effects if you masturbate. But excessive masturbation or daily masturbation can have several side effects and may also affect your personal life.

Male Masturbation Side-Effects, Benefits, Myths

AUTHOR

Dr Jay Mehta

Scientific Director & IVF Specialist with 10+ years of experience

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Side Effects of Daily Masturbation in Men

Although masturbation is not harmful, if you’re releasing sperm daily or masturbating daily, then you may experience tender skin or slight swelling in the penis, which is also known as Edema. However, these side effects may go away in a couple of days. But there are other potential and harmful side effects of masturbation that you may undergo.

Here are some of the potential side effects of male masturbation mentioned below:

Feeling Guilty – It is mostly seen that if you are masturbating daily, at some point in time you may start feeling guilty that you’re hurting your own religious and spiritual beliefs. However, this is just a misconception, you’re not doing anything wrong if you’re masturbating. Self-pleasure is not something to be ashamed of.

If you’re feeling any sense of guilt after masturbating, then make sure you consult a doctor, friend, healthcare specialist, therapist, or counselor. He or she will help you to move the feelings of guilt.

  • Prostate Cancer – This is a serious disease that may occur due to excessive masturbation. However, several types of research have been done to determine whether daily masturbating increases the risk of prostate cancer or not.

In the year 2003, a study showed that if you’re ejaculating more than five times in a week and your age is around 20 years, then you’re less likely to encounter prostate cancer. So, it was explained that if you ejaculate daily, then it will prevent the cancer cells from building up.

However, in 2016, the same condition was discovered. This study stated that if you ejaculate 21 times every month, then it will reduce your chances of developing prostate cancer.

But a group of researchers did depth research in the year 2008 and discovered that if you’re releasing sperm daily or masturbating daily, it will increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

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  • Reduced sexual sensitivity – If you’re releasing sperm daily and masturbating aggressively then this may lose your sexual sensitivity. It means while you’re masturbating you hold your penis with a tight grip which reduces the sensation. However, a change in your masturbation technique may resolve this issue.
  • Effects on personal life – In some cases, you may start masturbating more frequently as your desire to attain pleasure will start increasing. This may have a bad effect on your personal life in the following ways:
      • You may start missing your school or office and other social events and may also forget to give time to your family and your partner.
      • Your daily life routine will get affected.
      • It will harm your personal relationships as you won’t be able to give time to them.
      • You will start running away or escaping from your responsibilities.
  • Addiction – Masturbating daily can lead you to develop an addiction, and you will spend most of your time masturbating. This addiction can be very harmful to your mental health as well as physical health. It may also ruin your relationships and your daily life routine.

Moreover, you will start running away from your responsibilities, work, and studies. The addiction will also affect your mind because you won’t be able to concentrate on any other work. You will start hurting your family, friends, and your life partner as you will not give them time and attention.

If you want to reduce your addiction, make sure you consult a health specialist or a counselor. They will suggest several therapies that will help you to reduce the addiction.

Health Benefits of Masturbation

Masturbation is a common and natural activity for men, and it offers several health benefits:

  • Prostate Health: Regular ejaculation through masturbation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Studies suggest that frequent ejaculation may help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation in the prostate.
  • Improved Sexual Function: Masturbation can enhance sexual performance by helping men learn about their bodies. It can improve control over ejaculation and increase confidence in sexual situations.
  • Stress Relief: The release of endorphins during masturbation helps relieve stress and promotes a sense of well-being, contributing to better mental health.
  • Better Sleep: Masturbation can lead to relaxation and help with falling asleep, thanks to the hormonal release that occurs during the process.
  • Boosted Immunity: Some studies suggest that regular sexual activity, including masturbation, may boost the immune system, helping the body fend off illness.
  • Pain Relief: The endorphins released during masturbation can also act as natural painkillers, alleviating headaches and muscle tension.
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Daily Masturbation: Myths vs. Reality for Men

Myth 1: Daily Masturbation Causes Infertility

Reality: There is no scientific evidence that masturbation leads to infertility. While frequent ejaculation may temporarily lower sperm count, the body continuously produces new sperm. For men with normal reproductive health, masturbation does not impact fertility in the long run.

Myth 2: Masturbation Leads to Erectile Dysfunction

Reality: Masturbation does not cause erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, moderate masturbation can help maintain erectile function by promoting blood flow to the penile tissues. However, excessive pornography consumption and dependence on artificial stimulation may lead to difficulty in achieving arousal during real-life intimacy.

Myth 3: Masturbation Depletes Testosterone Levels

Reality: Masturbation has a temporary and negligible effect on testosterone levels. Studies indicate that ejaculation may cause a brief dip in testosterone, but levels quickly return to normal. Masturbation does not cause long-term hormonal imbalances.

Myth 4: Excessive Masturbation Leads to Weakness and Fatigue

Reality: Masturbation itself does not cause physical weakness. However, excessive masturbation, especially if it interferes with daily activities, can lead to fatigue due to energy expenditure. A balanced lifestyle, including proper sleep, diet, and exercise, mitigates any such effects.

Myth 5: Masturbation is Harmful to Mental Health

Reality: Masturbation is generally considered a healthy and stress-relieving activity. However, if it becomes compulsive or interferes with daily life, work, or relationships, it may indicate an underlying psychological issue such as addiction or anxiety that requires professional support.

Myth 6: Daily Masturbation Causes Hair Loss

Reality: There is no proven link between masturbation and hair loss. Male pattern baldness is primarily driven by genetics and hormonal factors, not sexual activity.

Myth 7: Masturbation is Unhealthy and Should Be Avoided

Reality: Masturbation is a normal and safe practice that offers several health benefits, such as stress relief, improved sleep, and enhanced mood. It only becomes a concern if it disrupts daily life or relationships.

When Should You Be Concerned?

  • If masturbation interferes with work, relationships, or daily responsibilities.
  • If you feel guilt or anxiety after masturbation.
  • If you experience physical discomfort or injury due to excessive masturbation.
  • If you struggle to engage in real-life sexual relationships due to over-reliance on masturbation.

While many people enjoy the benefits of masturbation, it is important to be aware that it can also lead to certain side effects in some cases. If you are experiencing any such side effects, consider talking to a therapist. They can offer a safe space for you to discuss your feelings and experiences, helping you navigate any challenges you might be facing in a constructive manner.

It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and the experience of masturbation can vary greatly from person to person.

AUTHOR

Dr Jay Mehta

Scientific Director & IVF Specialist with 10+ years of experience

CALL US 24/7 FOR ANY HELP

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