In this day and age, the taboo surrounding masturbation is slowly fading away as society is becoming more open and accepting of the nature of masturbation and the benefits that it can bring.

Consider whether there is such a thing as overindulging in one’s sexual proclivities. At least once in our lives, we feel terrible for masturbating more than we normally would.

With that being said, is there such a thing as excessive masturbation and how do we know if we have crossed the limit when it comes to the human body limit of masturbation? Not to be afraid, excessive masturbation will not cause any physical harm that is potential to your health nor the myth that excessive masturbation will cause death. However, too much masturbation will have side effects as well and it could impact your sex life with your partner. What you need to know is as follows:

What are the benefits and the health effects of masturbation?

The Health Benefits Of Masturbation

The benefit of masturbation is that it provides health benefits to people. Do not take in people’s words if they say that masturbation can cause bodily harm. Many studies have fact-checked that the cause of it says otherwise. According to a sex educator and founder of GoLove CBD, Sadie Allison, explains that masturbation provides a lot of health benefits such as releasing stress and anxiety. How does it help when you masturbate? During masturbation, your brain will release chemicals such as:

• Oxytocin
• Prolactin
• Endorphins

How does this brain chemical help? For example, when an individual masturbates, their body releases endorphins. This chemical helps to improve mental health as endorphins block the pain receptors in the brain and thus, can make you feel happier.

All of your body’s essential substances can assist you in relaxing and falling asleep. Besides just helping you to fall asleep better, it can also enhance your sense of self-worth and self-confidence while having sexual relations, according to Allison.

To add on, masturbation also helps you to learn more about your sexual preference and kinks as you discover your sensitive spots which you never knew that you will like, thus, leading up to better sex life. Masturbation will help to lead up to a better sex life as you and your partner get to explore your sensitive areas which will spice up your sex life.

The Health Effects Of Masturbation

Possibility of desensitisation

When there are pros, there are also cons. Now, to the health effects of masturbation. According to sex therapist and psychologist, Kate Balestrieri, explains that excessive masturbation can desensitised an individual to other kinds of touch. To give an example, if an individual has been using the same vibrator during their solo session, they may have gotten used to that particular sensation and their partner may have difficulty replicating the same type of sensation it offers compared to the vibrator. Thus, this will make it harder for the individual to achieve climax/orgasm. That is because the human touch cannot replicate the same sensation that a vibrator can. However, the good news is that the effects of desensitisation are not permanent. As long as you put your vibrators aside for a few weeks, you will regain all the lost sensation that you have lost. Additionally, Balestrieri also suggests that one should also change techniques every now and then to avoid desensitisation.

Impact on relationship

According to research, masturbating excessively can have a negative impact on your relationship with your partner. If you have unrealistic expectations, you may find yourself feeling less enthused about your partner as a result of this. As a result, you will be dissatisfied with your sexual experience.

The fact that your spouse perceives you as being unsatisfied sexually around them, or that your excessive masturbation is beginning to have an impact on your sexual life, indicates that you have been masturbating excessively. But not to worry, when it comes to communication, it is preferable to talk things out with your spouse and share your sex life with them.

Is there such a thing as too much masturbation?

Is there such a thing as too much masturbation? Some people engage in masturbation often – every day or more than once a day. Some people do it once a week, some do it once every few weeks, or every now and then. In fact, some people never masturbate as some do not see the use of it or because of religious purposes. It is all normal.

What can be considered as too much masturbation is when it begins to affect your daily life. This can potentially be a masturbation addiction. If you begin to feel that it is starting to affect your daily life – seek a counsellor or a therapist immediately.

Lastly, occasionally, people learn while they are young that masturbation is immoral or harmful, and as a result, they feel terrible about it. If you find yourself in this situation, try to remember that the majority of individuals masturbate. Everything about it is entirely normal, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Always do things in moderation

Everything in life needs to be done in moderation. Even though masturbating may provide health benefits, it can also bring in side effects if done excessively. Fortunately, the side effects of excessive masturbation are not life-threatening – so you should not worry about it. You can still enjoy masturbating as long as it is done in moderation. With that being said, there is nothing to worry about and one can continue the act of self-pleasure not only for the pleasure but also for the health benefits that were listed.