The Reality of Masturbation: Is It Really Addictive?

August-30, 2022

Do you think people once thought they were turned on by masturbation? Self-pleasure has a poor reputation that dates back centuries, reaching its height in the Middle Ages and the Victorian era.

Today's medical professionals no longer treat young people who have a masturbating habit. We are aware that self-pleasuring is a typical and healthy sexual behavior. But is there any basis for the notion that masturbation addiction might exist?

Does Everyone Masturbate?

It's quite odd how that masturbating works. Most people do it, but few openly discuss it.

Here are some details: A significant global survey done in 2018 found that 78% of adults engage in it. In the US, 76% of women and 92% of males acknowledged engaging in self-pleasure. You are not the only one who does it.

Can You Get Addicted to Masturbation?

The term "masturbation addiction" has become more common in recent years because of the growth of internet groups urging people, primarily men, to give up self-indulgence and quit watching porn.

Although the authors of these websites no longer warn men that touching their penises can cause blindness, they nonetheless propagate unfounded notions. Some of their assertions, such as the one that watching pornography causes ED, are not supported by science.

Masturbation addiction doesn't exist, according to the consensus among professionals. The American Psychiatric Association's DSM-V diagnostic handbook does not include the phrase.

A position statement on sex addiction has also been released by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). The definition of sex addiction or porn addiction as a mental health illness is not supported by enough empirical evidence claims this institution.

Also read: What Causes Tight Foreskin and How Is It Treated?

The distinction between compulsion and addiction

Regardless of official categorization, people who seek sex therapy all around the world often report having a problem with masturbation. Self-pleasure addiction is a contentious issue in the counseling profession. Instead of "masturbation addiction," most sexuality practitioners refer to this condition as "compulsive masturbation."

The process of being reliant on a specific substance or activity is referred to as addiction, which is a broad phrase. Compulsion is more specifically defined as a strong want to act.

Masturbation may develop into one of these compulsions. It's possible that those that participate aren't doing it for fun, and it can interfere with their daily life. Rarely, frequent masturbation can cause physical injuries like skin abrasions.

Also read: Facts about male infertility that you should know

Is Erectile Dysfunction a Result of Excessive Masturbation?

Contrary to popular perception, masturbation does not cause erectile dysfunction, as scientific research has shown. According to a 2008 Finnish study, males who had frequent intercourse were less likely to acquire ED.

The physical mechanics underlying intercourse and masturbation are the same, even though researchers looked at the effects of sexual activity more broadly rather than just masturbation specifically.

Men's sexual confidence might benefit from self-gratification too. You can be confident that your male organ is working properly if you regularly get hard. Using sex toys can help you treat erectile dysfunction, which is an interesting fact.

Also read: How to keep your Sex life healthy?

How Much Masturbation is Too Much?

I used to respond to inquiries from worried teenagers daily when I worked as a sex educator. "X times a day, I masturbate. One of the main questions was, "Is this normal? Even though I now solely work with adults, I sometimes get messages from guys who are concerned about their masturbation practices.

Is there such a thing as excessive masturbation or "too much"? It depends. You cannot quantify the "correct quantity" of self-pleasure in your life, which is true.

A teenage boy who is at the height of puberty could feel the need to do it frequently throughout the day. As an adult, the same man might perform it a few times each week before periodically resuming a more regular pattern. For instance, he might become single again, his spouse might be away, or he might have stress at work.

What connection does the latter have to masturbation? Orgasmic stimulation is a self-soothing technique. If this is not your only option for calming down, it is not harmful in and of itself. Consider feeling anxious after having a difficult conversation with your boss and finding that the only way to relax is to masturbate. Not very convenient, right?

Also read: Does Watching Porn Together Really Help You Have a Better Sex Life?

When to Get Help if You Masturbate Often

Self-pleasuring beyond puberty is not a cause for alarm. Even after you meet a committed partner, you can carry on doing it. Not being a sexual being on your own does not prevent you from making love to someone. In what circumstances should you worry about masturbation and seek counseling? Two circumstances demand attention.

When Masturbation Takes Over Your Life

Recall that instance of workplace stress? You may be dealing with compulsive behavior if you need to hurry to the bathroom or skip work because you feel the need to masturbate so intensely as your only method of stress relief.

It is not the frequency that matters, as I already stated. Talk to a sexuality professional and receive assistance if you feel that masturbation is causing you to ignore your social, career, and family duties.

When You Experience Problems with Partnered Sex

Your body could become accustomed to a particular form of stimulation if you engage in solo sex frequently and in the same way every time (like a strong hand squeeze).

Your erection may weaken, and your sensations may change when it's time to have sexual contact with a real person. This is not a serious problem, and a sex therapist or coach can assist you in changing some patterns so that you can once again enjoy both solo and partnered sex.

Also read: 5 Yoga Poses for Erectile Dysfunction

How Nextlevel Telemed Can Help

Regardless of the underlying cause, you may occasionally be able to manage your erectile dysfunction symptoms with a brief course of medications like Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis. Visit our ED medication guide for more information about erectile dysfunction and the pharmaceutical choices we have available or call us to schedule a private medical consultation right away.