Although masturbation seems to be a taboo topic for many people—something they hardly discuss openly, research has discovered that a high percentage of people engage in it. Masturbation involves using your hands or sex toys to stimulate your genitals for sexual pleasure. Some people masturbate for the sake of feeling pleasure, releasing tension, exploring their body or boosting their mood.
Even though lots of myths surrounding masturbation have been debunked, some masturbators still worry that the act may have some short-term or long-term consequences. And their fears are not totally unfounded because even though masturbation has many potential health benefits, it does come with certain side effects.
Bad Effects Of Masturbation
As long as you don’t use other people’s sex toys, masturbation won’t give you STDs or get you pregnant. It’s a “safe” way to have sexual fun, that’s why many people subscribe to it. However, masturbation becomes a problem when it.
Makes You Feel Guilty
With the feeling of guilt comes the feeling of low self-worth and shame. You may feel guilty after you masturbate because of your religious, spiritual or cultural beliefs. If masturbating makes you feel guilty, then it’s a problem for you. A problem you should discuss, if you can, with someone you trust.
Decreases Your Sexual Sensitivity
According to flo.health, when you stimulate your clit in the same way and at the same rate for a long period of time, it leads to temporary desensitization. Men who practice aggressive ‘handjobs’ can also experience decreased sensation in their penis. All of which can be corrected when you change your technique.
Affects Your Sexual Life
When your body gets used to reaching orgasm through the stimulation of a specific spot, it becomes hard for you to feel intense pleasure during sexual intercourse. Unless you direct your partner to those sensitive spots, you won’t be able to reach orgasm. For couples with communication issues, not being responsive during sex can result in infidelity and ultimately, break-up.
Interferes With Your Daily Life
Masturbation is disrupting your daily life if it causes you to skip school, work or important events or if it becomes an escape route from life issues for you. You start spending less time with your friends and other loved ones for the sake of masturbation. When this is the case, you’ve probably become addicted to masturbation and should seek help.
How You Can Deal With Addiction To Masturbation
Not everyone will be bold enough to speak to a therapist or doctor about their masturbation problems. However, if you can open up as doing so can help you control your addictions. You can also combat the addiction by engaging in outdoor activities like strolling, running or hanging out with friends whenever the urge to masturbate arises.
