Side Effects of Masturbation

Masturbation is defined as the sexual stimulation of a person’s genitals. It involves all acts of stimulation that are not covered under the definition of penetrative sex. Masturbation often involves the use of the hands and may also involve rubbing against furniture or upholstery. Masturbation is generally performed to the point where orgasm is achieved. It is often conducted solo and is a way for people to release their built up sexual energy as well as to enjoy their fantasies. Masturbation can be an activity undertaken by couples as well and is often a part of a sexual relationship between two partners. Masturbation has often been the subject of taboo and lots of false information. It is, on the whole, a healthy and completely normal practice.

In general, there are no side effects of masturbation. People may associate guilt and other social issues with the practice, but the practice per se does not cause any physical problem. Excessive masturbation is the condition where a person spends too much time masturbating and does so beyond his or her physical limitations. Like all parts of the body, the genitals are prone to suffering from fatigue if they are overused. This is not much of an issue for women because masturbation may be less strenuous for them. For men, masturbation, particularly till orgasm, is more physical and involves the continuous handling of the penis. This can cause injuries, ruptures and other problems that cause pain to the penis and the surrounding sexual organs. It is not uncommon for a man to suffer from post masturbation weakness. This is because masturbation uses energy and also lowers the blood pressure, making the man feel weakened. While this is normal, it may be exaggerated in men who are masturbating more than 2 or 3 times a day over a period of time. Among other side effects impotence is one of considerable concern to men. This may be caused by continuous masturbation over a period of time which is aggressive and potentially damaging to the penis.

Another side effect of masturbation is the social aspect of the condition. People who masturbate excessively may be continuously preoccupied with their fantasies and this may affect their sexual relationships as well, especially if they choose self masturbation over stimulation involving the partner as well. There is little evidence to suggest that masturbation is linked to fuzzy vision. This link only exists if a person is excessively tired after masturbation and that is fatigue related rather than masturbation related.