Beyond providing sexual pleasure, masturbation can support your overall well-being by improving sleep, lifting mood, and reducing stress, among other advantages.
Masturbation refers to touching the genitals or other erogenous zones of the body to achieve sexual arousal or gratification.
It’s a natural, safe way to learn about your body, experience pleasure, and relieve built-up sexual tension. People of all sexes, ages, and backgrounds engage in it.
One study in older adults estimated that between 27% and 40% of women and 41% and 65% of men reported masturbating within the past month.
Contrary to many myths, masturbation does not produce harmful physical effects. In some cases, however, very frequent or compulsive masturbation can be problematic and be linked to mental health concerns.
Benefits of masturbation
Masturbation is a healthy sexual behavior that can promote both physical and emotional health.
While direct research specifically on masturbation is limited, evidence from studies on sexual stimulation and intercourse suggests similar benefits.
Research and personal accounts indicate that sexual stimulation, including through masturbation, may help you:
- ease accumulated stress
- improve sleep quality
- enhance mood
- reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms
- relax
- experience enjoyment and pleasure
- alleviate menstrual cramps
- release sexual tension
- build self-confidence
- improve partnered sex
- gain clearer insight into your desires and needs
A 2015 study of married women found that those who masturbated reported more orgasms, higher self-esteem, stronger sexual desire, and greater satisfaction with their marriage and sexual life.
Partners may also masturbate together to discover preferences or to prevent pregnancy. Solo sexual activity, compared with intercourse with a partner, also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Masturbation and prostate cancer
Some studies indicate that frequent ejaculation might be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer, though the exact reasons remain unclear.
A 2016 cohort study that followed 31,925 men for 18 years found an inverse relationship between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk. A 2016 review of the literature noted that 44 percent of analyzed studies observed a similar association.
However, there isn’t conclusive evidence that regular ejaculation protects against advanced prostate cancer, so additional research is necessary.
Masturbation during pregnancy
Hormonal shifts in pregnancy can increase sexual desire for some people. Masturbation is generally a safe means to relieve sexual tension while pregnant.
Self-stimulation may also ease pregnancy-related discomforts like lower back pain. Mild, irregular cramping or Braxton-Hicks contractions can occur during or after orgasm.
These sensations usually subside. If contractions persist or become more painful and frequent, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Individuals with high-risk pregnancies are sometimes advised to avoid sexual activity because orgasm may theoretically increase the chance of preterm labor, although the evidence is mixed.
Side effects of masturbation
Masturbation is not associated with harmful side effects for most people. Still, some experience guilt about the practice or may struggle with compulsive habits.
Masturbation and guilt
Feelings of guilt about masturbation are common and often stem from cultural, spiritual, or religious teachings.
Masturbation itself is not immoral or wrong, yet many receive messages that self-pleasure is “dirty” or “shameful.”
If guilt affects you, consider talking with someone you trust about the reasons behind these feelings and how to move beyond them.
Therapists specializing in sexual health can be helpful resources for addressing shame or guilt related to masturbation.
Compulsive masturbation
Masturbation may be excessive if it leads you to:
- neglect household responsibilities or daily tasks
- miss work or school
- cancel plans with friends or family
- skip significant social events
When masturbation harms relationships, impairs work or study, or interferes with daily life, it may be labeled as problematic.
Excessive self-stimulation can strain romantic and platonic relationships because you might spend less time with loved ones or fail to attend to their needs.
If you’re concerned about your habits, speak with a healthcare professional or counselor about strategies to reduce the behavior.
Talk therapy can help, as can substituting masturbation with other activities when urges arise. Alternatives to try include:
- going for a run
- writing in a journal
- spending time with friends
- taking a walk
Myths about masturbation
There are many widespread myths about masturbation that lack scientific support.
For instance, masturbation does not cause:
- infertility
- dehydration
- hormonal disruptions
- changes in penis size or shape
- reduced sperm count
- vision loss
- acne
- hairy palms
- erectile dysfunction
- lowered libido
Some people think masturbation harms relationships or signals sexual dissatisfaction in a partner.
Yet, while excessive masturbation can have drawbacks, many individuals find that solo or mutual masturbation can improve their sex lives.
Masturbation is linked with various health advantages and is among the safest sexual practices because it carries no risk of pregnancy or STIs. For related concerns, see does masturbation cause acne.
Does masturbation reduce sexual sensitivity?
For individuals with sexual dysfunction, increased stimulation — including masturbation — can actually boost sexual desire and sensitivity.
A 2018 review in Sexual and Relationship Therapy found that vibrator use may help treat erectile or ejaculatory issues and anorgasmia (difficulty achieving orgasm).
The review also associated vibrator use with improvements in sexual desire and overall sexual functioning.
Masturbation can influence sensitivity during partnered sex for people with a penis depending on the technique used. Research from 2022 indicates that excessive or very intense stimulation of the penis during masturbation may blunt sensation.
Often called “death grip” syndrome, this pattern can make achieving orgasm during intercourse more difficult.
If you tend to use a very tight grip, try varying your technique during masturbation to help regain sensitivity during partnered sex.
Other frequently asked questions
What are the effects of masturbation?
Sexual activity, including masturbation, is connected to brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin, which influence mood and feelings of pleasure.
Sexual satisfaction has also been tied to numerous benefits, including reduced stress, greater self-esteem, and improved life satisfaction in older adults.
Sexual activity, including masturbation, is connected to brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin, which influence mood and feelings of pleasure.
Sexual satisfaction has also been tied to numerous benefits, including reduced stress, greater self-esteem, and improved life satisfaction in older adults.
Are there reasons to avoid masturbation?
Although masturbation is often healthy and pleasurable, some people may choose to refrain if it becomes compulsive or interferes with relationships or daily responsibilities.
Others may abstain for personal, cultural, or religious reasons.
Although masturbation is often healthy and pleasurable, some people may choose to refrain if it becomes compulsive or interferes with relationships or daily responsibilities.
Others may abstain for personal, cultural, or religious reasons.
What is a healthy frequency of masturbation?
The International Society for Sexual Medicine states there is no single “normal” frequency for masturbation. Some people masturbate daily, others weekly or monthly, and some not at all.
As long as it doesn’t negatively impact relationships or interfere with activities like work or school, masturbating at the frequency you prefer is considered safe and healthy.
The International Society for Sexual Medicine states there is no single “normal” frequency for masturbation. Some people masturbate daily, others weekly or monthly, and some not at all.
As long as it doesn’t negatively impact relationships or interfere with activities like work or school, masturbating at the frequency you prefer is considered safe and healthy.
The bottom line
Masturbation can offer many mental and physical benefits and is generally safe without harmful side effects.
Feel free to enjoy self-pleasure without guilt. If negative feelings persist, consider talking with a therapist or someone you trust.
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