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Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, NHS, Mental Health
Jess Battison
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, NHS, Mental Health
Sure, it might seem great at the time, amazing in fact, but getting off just that bit too much could be unhealthy.
Yep, it’s time to pack in acting like a teenage boy cooped up in your dark and dingy bedroom, games console remote in one hand and well, your d*ck in another.
That’s because a GP has warned excessive masturbation is causing a rise of a male health problem. In moderation, it’s a pretty good thing to do has it helps to reduce levels of stress and improve your mood and quality of sleep.
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But too much of it can potentially trigger a form of erectile dysfunction – and no one wants that.
GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, Dr Donald Grant, told MailOnline: “Overall, there's no strict rule or guideline on how much people should masturbate.
“But when masturbation gets out of hand, there's a variety of ways it can impact sexual and physical health.”
And the big worry is the increase of watching porn as the doctor links this to the rise of porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED).
The NHS explains that erectile dysfunction is very common, particularly in men over 40 and is usually nothing to worry about, but you should see a GP if it persists.
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Typically, it can be caused by high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes, depression or anxiety and hormone problems.
But Dr Grant says PIED can be a lesser-known culprit.
“This unhealthy porn usage can lead to desensitisation, making it more difficult for men to achieve and maintain an erection — as they're used to more intense sexual activity seen on screen,” he said.
“It can lead to reduced interest in sex with actual partners as men prioritise porn and masturbation instead.” Plus, it can lead to you having wider problems in the bedroom.
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“Compulsive masturbation can lead to reduced sensitivity in the genital area, making it more difficult to achieve sexual pleasure or stimulation. It can occur when nerve endings become damaged from too much activity, creating a loss of sensitivity,” Dr Grant explained.
Taking breaks or using lube can help with this.
Also, excessive masturbation can cause men and women to become ‘hyper-focused on their own pleasure, meaning when the time comes for sexual intercourse with a partner, individuals could experience performance anxiety, which directly impacts sex drive’.
He also added that too much masturbating can lead to people experiencing ‘mental distress due to guilt or shame relating’ to it.
The doctor concluded: “Overall, while masturbation comes with a variety of health benefits, I believe it's also important to manage activity to avoid some short and long-term health risks.”