What Happens To Your Body If You Stop Masturbating
Masturbation may be considered an uncomfortable or taboo subject to some, but the truth is, more people are doing it than you think. Columbia University reports that 84% of people in the U.S. are engaging in self-love, with 91% of men and 78% of women taking matters into their own hands. Globally, 78% of people masturbate, according to a survey conducted by the sexual health and wellness company TENGA.
However, there is some negative stigma attached to masturbating, which can be problematic for some people. According to Bedbible, 53% of people feel shame about masturbation, and 47% feel guilty even discussing the topic. In addition, the use of and addiction to pornography are on the rise. According to FHE Health, 70% of men ages 18 to 34 visit porn sites each month, and one in six women is struggling with porn addiction. In addition, movements such as NoFap claim physical benefits to ceasing masturbation, such as increased testosterone and improved mental focus. Keeping these thoughts in mind, here is what you could expect if you decide to keep your hands to yourself.
Your stress levels could rise
When we masturbate, a number of hormones are released that can boost our mood (via Healthline). These include endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, which is also known as the "love hormone." A 2019 study published in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing shows that oxytocin release can lower levels of the so-called "stress hormone" cortisol in our bodies. In addition, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine showed that masturbation to orgasm can release endocannabinoids, which help reward certain behaviors, such as eating and, yes, sexual activity. When these endocannabinoids are released, pleasure centers in the brain are released, triggering good feelings and, of course, making us want to do it again.
"There are many documented health benefits to orgasms, which is one of the reasons we love them—pleasure is good for us!" says Kindra Medical Advisory Board Member Dr. Juliana Hauser in an interview with Health Digest. "Orgasms can contribute positively to mental and physical well-being, promote relaxation, reduce stress, increase connection to yourself and others, and enhance mood."
Your sleep could be impacted
The hormones that accompany an orgasm can not only give you a boost of good feelings; they can also help you get a good night's sleep. A 2002 study published in the Journal of Sleep Research showed that sexual activity in rats increased the time they spent in slow-wave sleep immediately following. The relaxation effect that accompanies both sexual intercourse and masturbation is also being studied, according to a 2011 study published in Sleep Medicine, as being able to provide relief for restless legs syndrome.
"There are some unique benefits to orgasm, like the hormone cocktail released during orgasm — vasopressin and oxytocin, which aids in stress reduction and promotes quicker sleep onset," says Dr. Juliana Hauser. "Subsequently, norepinephrine and serotonin contribute to a flow of REM sleep cycles, ensuring a more comfortable and sustained sleep.Though not the only way to receive pleasure — orgasms sure are powerful ones!"
There could be risks for men
For men, having more sex or masturbating more might actually prove to be a life-saving decision. A 2016 study published in European Urology showed a direct link between the frequency of ejaculation and prostate health. "Individuals with prostates who ejaculated fewer than seven times a month showed a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated approximately 20 times a month," according to Dr. Juliana Hauser.
While it isn't yet entirely clear why ejaculation may be good for the prostate, the Urology Care Foundation speculates that a male orgasm may help flush harmful chemicals out through the semen. Or, they posit that it could just be that men who have a more active sex drive may also be simply living healthier lifestyles. So, while there is no guarantee that masturbating (or abstaining from it) is guaranteed to increase or decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer, the research suggests that it certainly can't hurt.
There could also be risks for women
For women who are going through menopause in particular, masturbation can be a good thing. Menopause can lead to a number of sexual side effects that can be difficult for women to deal with, including vaginal dryness and painful sex (via Chiavaye). "Especially for those experiencing menopause, extended periods without regular intercourse may contribute to the tightening of the vaginal canal, potentially resulting in thinning of vaginal tissue and an increased predisposition towards tearing and bleeding during sex," says Dr. Juliana Hauser. "Using a daily vaginal moisturizer like Kindra's Daily Vaginal Lotion can reduce vaginal dryness or discomfort, making sexual activity (solo or partnered) more comfortable and pleasurable."
Masturbating, and sexual activity in general, can help to maintain the length and width of the vaginal canal and keep the vagina's tissues well lubricated (via the North American Menopause Society). Additionally, Chiavaye notes that using a vibrator internally can help increase blood flow to the pelvis, keeping the muscles of the vagina working and preventing atrophy.
Women could experience physical effects
Women who refrain from sexual activity, including masturbation, may find that the sensation in their clitoris is dulled. "The clitoris, which is thought to have nearly 10,000 nerve endings, is one of the most sensitive areas of all human bodies," says Dr. Juliana Hauser, who mentions that clitoral atrophy — a "temporary and slight shrinkage and reduced sensation" — may occur as a result of not engaging in sexual activity for a prolonged period. She quickly clarifies, however, that clitoral atrophy "is reversible and is nothing to fear or feel shameful about."
Clitoral atrophy can be treated in a number of ways, depending on the cause (via Medical News Today). In some cases, estrogen therapy or possibly application of topical testosterone could be a way to help alleviate the symptoms. In addition, stimulation of the clitoris can promote blood flow and reduce atrophy. As Hauser notes, "Engaging in sexual activity (by yourself or with others) more frequently helps the vagina regain elasticity, the body adjusts to touch, and the clitoris regain its sensitivity."
Your sperm count could improve
One of the biggest benefits of abstinence from masturbation espoused by the NoFap movement is an increase in sperm count. There may be some merit to this theory, as evidenced by a 2019 study published in Andrology. According to that study, men who abstained from ejaculation for anywhere from one to four days showed an improvement in sperm count, motility, and semen volume.
However, the jury is still out as to whether or not refraining from masturbating will actually improve your sperm count. But Planned Parenthood notes that, in general, masturbating will not lower your sperm count or impact your ability to have children. That said, Shree IVF Clinic does point out that excessive masturbation, up to three or four times a day, could impact the number of sperm per ejaculation. One orgasm produces approximately 300 million sperm, with a healthy man producing about 12 billion per month. So masturbating too much could impact those numbers. As with so many things in life, moderation is key.
Your mood may be lifted
Whether it's because of societal taboos or religious restrictions, there is a stigma around masturbation, and because of this, people who indulge in it can be afflicted with feelings of guilt and shame. A 2021 study published in Cureus reported the case of a 17-year-old young man who presented symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation as a result of guilt associated with masturbation. The report also made mention of an elderly patient whose guilt over his masturbation habits led to depression and even erectile dysfunction.
While there is no scientific evidence to suggest that abstinence from masturbating will improve your mood, giving up addictive behaviors can make a person feel as though they're taking control of their lives (via Allo Health). It can also improve your discipline and focus. Additionally, for those who rely on porn to fuel their masturbation habit, giving that up as well can improve a person's feeling of well-being and lead to a return to normal dopamine levels in the brain (via Brainbuddy).
Your sex life may improve
When we masturbate, we tend to our own sexual desires and needs, which can mean that, when the time comes to connect with our partner sexually, we may not feel the same level of desire. Refraining from masturbation builds up that desire, saving it all for our partner so that, when that moment comes, we can experience it more fully (via LovePanky). Additionally, not touching yourself repeatedly can make you more sensitive to the touch and stimulation from your partner, heightening your pleasure and possibly improving your overall performance in the bedroom (via Statcare).
However, Dr. Juliana Hauser says that you should not worry about your sexual performance or feel that you're somehow coming up short, whether due to masturbation or not. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you and your partner are connecting and experiencing intimacy together. "It's important to note the value our culture places on sex and orgasm, especially the pressure to be having 'great sex' and the 'right' amount—these we know to be extremely personal and individual," Hauser emphasizes. "Whatever amount is right for you is the right amount! This pressure to orgasm or thinking about the lack of orgasm can increase feelings of shame, worry, anxiety, and stress."
You and you partner can become more intimate
If you are finding yourself masturbating compulsively, it can make it harder for you to connect with your partner (via Wisdom Within Counseling & Coaching). You may find yourself being irritable when you can't find time to masturbate, and you may also isolate yourself from your partner in order to indulge in your habits. Additionally, if pornography addiction is what is fueling your masturbation habits, your partner may feel betrayed at the idea that you are using porn to satisfy your sexual needs. Taking a step back from masturbating and changing your focus from your own sexual needs can help you and your partner reconnect and be more open with each other about what you're wanting and needing from the relationship.
In the end, the most important thing is cultivating good health, from physical and mental health to sexual health. For some people, seeking out pleasure may involve experiencing orgasms, though that isn't necessarily the case for everyone. "For many, that also results in other acts both inside and outside of sexual connection," according to Dr. Juliana Hauser. "Pleasure looks and feels different for everyone — and not everyone is seeking out an orgasm or has the physical capability to orgasm. This doesn't have to take away from the pursuit of sexual fulfillment and a pleasure-filled life!"