Does masturbation have positive or negative effects on the brain?
Publicado: 2023-01-30 15:02:32
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There is a lot of conflicting information – including some myths and rumors – about whether masturbation is bad for you. Know this: if you masturbate, it's up to you and only you. If you do this, be assured that it will not cause any physical harm. And if you do not do this, there is no harm, no fault, for you either. Here's what you need to know.
Masturbation releases hormones
Masturbation causes your body to release a series of hormones. These hormones include:
- Dopamine. This is one of the “happiness hormones” that is related to your brain's reward system.
- Endorphin. The body's natural pain reliever, endorphins also have anti-stress and mood-boosting effects.
- Oxytocin. This hormone is often called the love hormone and is associated with social bonding.
- Testosterone. This hormone is released during sex to improve stamina and arousal. It is also released when you have sexual fantasies.
- Prolactin. A hormone that plays an important role in lactation, prolactin also influences mood and the immune system.
Masturbation can cause you to release healthy amounts of the above hormones, which is why it can positively affect your mood and physical health.
It affects your mood
Dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin are all called “happiness hormones” associated with stress reduction, bonding and relaxation. Sometimes masturbation can help you feel a little better when your mood is down.
Focus and concentration
You may have heard of “post-nut clarity” – a situation where your brain suddenly feels focused after having an orgasm. In fact, many people find that masturbation helps them focus better. As such, they may masturbate before working, studying, or taking a test.
There is no scientific explanation for this as it has not been specifically studied. However, this sense of clarity and focus can be a result of feeling relaxed and happy after an orgasm.
May help relieve stress and anxiety
While oxytocin is commonly known as the “love hormone” and associated with social bonding, it is also associated with relaxation and relaxation. As a 2005 study points out (V&R eLibrary), oxytocin plays an important role in stress regulation and anxiety reduction.
It does this by lowering your blood pressure and lowering your cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress. So if you're hoping to relieve some tension after a hard day at work, masturbation can be a good relaxation technique!
May help you fall asleep
Interestingly, many people use masturbation to fall asleep – and it's no wonder. Oxytocin and endorphins are associated with relaxation, so it makes sense that masturbation can help you sleep, especially if stress and anxiety are keeping you from getting some sleep.
Can also have an effect on your self-esteem
For some, masturbation can be a way to practice self-love, get to know your body, and spend quality time alone. Because you are learning to appreciate your own body and discover what is pleasurable for you, masturbation can increase your self-esteem.
All this can improve your sex life
Many sex therapists suggest masturbating regularly - whether you're single or not. In addition to the physical benefits derived from masturbation, an increase in self-esteem combined with relaxation can be great for your sex life.
As for your libido, there is some evidence that masturbation can help you maintain a healthy sex drive. For example, this 2009 study (The Journal of sexual medicine)
The effects are not always positive
While there are proven benefits, some people have negative experiences with masturbation. You may not like the feeling, or it may be against your belief system, or you may simply not be interested in it. Whether you choose to masturbate or not is up to you. If masturbation is difficult for you and this difficulty is bothering you, consider seeing a doctor or therapist.
Some people experience negative feelings related to social or spiritual expectations
Masturbation is considered a sin in some religions. There are also many social stigmas attached to masturbation: some people believe that women shouldn't masturbate, or that masturbation is immoral. Not to mention the anxiety-inducing myths surrounding masturbation.
Many of us have heard the rumors that masturbation causes you to go blind, or that it can cause hair to grow on your hands - both completely false claims that seem to circulate widely among pre-teens! If you believe these things and masturbate, you may experience feelings of guilt, anxiety, shame or self-loathing afterwards. It's okay to abstain from masturbation because of your personal beliefs, but if you want to work through feelings of guilt and masturbate without anxiety, talking to a therapist can help.
Certain underlying conditions may also play a role
In addition to social and spiritual difficulties, underlying health conditions can make masturbation difficult. For example, masturbation can be frustrating if you try:
- erectile dysfunction
- low libido
- vaginal dryness
- dyspareunia, which involves pain during penetration of the vagina
- post-orgastic illness syndrome, a little-known condition in which individuals who have a penis can become sick after ejaculation
Also, masturbation can be upsetting if you have experienced sexual trauma. If you think you have an underlying condition that makes masturbation difficult and you're uncomfortable, talk to a doctor you trust. Likewise, if you are struggling to masturbate due to emotional distress, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist.
