Masturbation is the self-stimulation of your genitals or other sensitive areas of your body for sexual arousal or pleasure. It may involve the use of your hands, fingers, sex toys or other objects. There are many myths and misconceptions related to masturbation. People say it causes impotence, reduces sperm count, erectile dysfunction, and so on. All of these are not true. Masturbation can actually be healthy. But there are side effects as well. The side effects of masturbation outweigh the few advantages it may have and have caused serious problems for people.
Masturbation can be a healthy sexual activity when done occasionally. It can benefit your physical and mental health. It can kill stress, improve sleep, and help relax the body. Experts believe it can lower the risk of prostate cancer. People who masturbate regularly are at a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who do it once in a while or not at all.
Dangers of Masturbation
- Masturbation instils attitudes that are totally self-centred. For example, when masturbating, a person is immersed in his or her own body sensations.
- Masturbation causes one to view those of the other sex as mere objects, or tools, for self-gratification.
- The selfish thinking that is instilled through the practice of masturbation can make satisfying sexual relations in marriage difficult to achieve.
- Masturbating causes harm to your relationships and other parts of your life and can interrupt your work or studies.
- You may feel guilty or shameful about masturbating. This may be due to religious, spiritual or cultural beliefs.
- Sometimes masturbation can become compulsive or excessive. A person can become addicted.
- Masturbation can lead to skin irritation and even infections. It’s possible to masturbate so vigorously or frequently that you rupture the skin of your genitals.
What could you rather do?
Rather than resort to masturbation to relieve pent-up sexual urges, strive to cultivate self-control. Try the following:
Analyze your entertainment.
Do you watch movies or TV programs or visit websites that are sexually stimulating? One of the first things that you’ll have to do on your journey to stop masturbating is to stop watching pornography. The brain works with what it is being fed. If we feed our minds with healthy thoughts, we will carry out healthy actions. Conversely, if we watch sexual films, we might begin to get weird ideas for sexual satisfaction. You could try using filters on your electronic devices that block certain types of content, such as pornographic material.
Force your mind to focus on other matters
Engaging with regular hobbies can also help keep you distracted from masturbating. Many people take up their masturbation habit as a result of boredom. If there’s nothing to do, then you’re naturally going to want to seek out something simply to fill your time. Filling your time with enjoyable activities can help to prevent you from falling into this boredom trap.
Avoid being alone
To avoid masturbation, when the thought arises, it is important that you change the circumstances to avoid being alone. By doing this, the thought of masturbating will cease. Try to decipher when you usually have the urge. Is it after you’ve eaten to satisfaction? Is it after you’ve had a drink? Is it when you let your imagination go the sexual route? Whenever these happen, ensure you’re not alone.
Exercise
Exercise is an effective way to both lower tension and positively focus energy. Activities such as running, swimming, and weight lifting can strengthen the body and release endorphins that promote feelings of well-being. Feeling happier and more relaxed may reduce the urge to masturbate as frequently
Make a firm determination
If you want to stop masturbation, then it is important to have a firm determination. Even if you make the mistake once or twice, as long as you have made an unwavering decision, the circumstances will support you.
Talk to someone about the problem.
There are lots of professionals who are specifically trained for helping people manage masturbation addiction. When masturbation is negatively affecting a person’s life, it may be helpful to seek advice from a professional.
Summary
Even though masturbation is widely regarded as a normal and healthy sexual activity, there are numerous side effects to the habit. It can become an addiction, and negatively affect a person’s sexual life, mental health, and productivity. It is possible to quit, and if a person is determined, and follows the suggestions in this article, they can gradually drop the habit.
