Side Effects of Masturbation: Separating Myths from Facts

Let’s be real — most of us have tried masturbating at some point. Whether you’re single, dating, married, or somewhere in between, it’s something many people explore. It’s private, it’s natural, and honestly, it can be a pretty good stress-buster. But even though it’s so common, [1] we’re rarely taught how to talk about it openly. And when no one talks about it, that silence often gets filled with shame, myths, and confusion. So, it’s totally normal to have questions like: Is it harmful? Can it affect my mental health or relationships? Are there long-term side effects of masturbation I should worry about? If you’ve ever wondered about these things — or just wanted to feel a little less weird about something that’s completely normal — know this: you’re not alone. You’re not wrong. And it’s okay to explore, ask questions, and figure out what feels right for your body and mind. This article will explain the truth about masturbation. We’ll talk about how it can affect your mind, body, and emotions. We'll also address common myths, when masturbation might become a concern, and what to do if it starts interfering with your life.

Is Masturbation Harmful?

For most people, masturbation is not harmful. In fact, even for teenagers it is a natural part of growing up and exploring your own body. [2] During puberty, your body goes through lots of changes — emotionally, physically, and sexually. Feeling curious or experiencing sexual urges is completely normal. But like anything — chocolate, Netflix, scrolling social media — when it becomes too frequent or starts interfering with your daily life or relationships, it might be time to pause and reflect.

Physical Side Effects of Masturbation

For most people, masturbation doesn’t leave any physical “side effects.” But sometimes, especially if it’s done too often or a little too rough, a few things can show up:

• Soreness or irritation: Especially if there’s little lubrication or rough stimulation.[3]
• Sleepiness or temporary fatigue: orgasms release prolactin, which can make you feel drowsy. [4] [5]
• Reduced sensitivity: Overstimulation can lead to temporary desensitization of the genitals.[3]
• Minor injuries: Though rare, overly aggressive techniques may cause bruising or, in extreme cases, injury such as penile fractures.[3]

These effects are not experienced by everyone and are typically reversible with changes in behavior.

Psychological and Emotional Effects of Masturbation  

Psychological effects of masturbation are largely shaped not because of the act itself, but because of how we feel about it. Imagine growing up in a space where touching yourself was whispered about like it was sinful or shameful. That messaging can stay with you, even as an adult. Here are some emotional side effects people sometimes face:

• Guilt or shame: especially if you were raised with negative views around masturbation.[6]  
• Anxiety or depression: not caused by masturbation, but by feeling out of control or conflicted about it. [6]
• Low self-esteem: some people feel “weak” or disappointed in themselves if they’re trying to stop but can’t.
• Addiction: When someone turns to masturbation to cope with stress, boredom, or difficult emotions, it can slowly start to feel more like a habit they can't break. [7]

Again — none of this happens to everyone. But it’s good to know your body and recognize the signs if something starts to feel “off”.

Masturbation isn’t a moral failure or a medical crisis. It’s just a part of human sexuality. If it’s bringing up guilt or anxiety, that’s a sign to explore your beliefs, not punish yourself.

Can Masturbation Affect Your Sex Life?

The answer varies from person to person. In some cases, especially when masturbation is very frequent or involves intense or unique type of stimulation, it may affect satisfaction during partnered sex. 

• Many men who masturbate often, might find it harder to get aroused or reach orgasm with a partner—especially if they’re used to intense pressure or speed that real-life intimacy can’t match. [8] [9] Some men have also reported losing interest in sex with a partner because they were relying heavily on fantasy during masturbation. [6] 
• Women’s experiences are more varied — some report improvements in sexual confidence and self-awareness, [8] while others notice little to no change[10] or even feel less satisfied during real-life sex. [11]

Masturbation, in some contexts or patterns, has also been linked to sexual difficulties like premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Certain atypical (prone) masturbation habits—like lying face-down against a bed or pillow during masturbation can condition your body to need that exact pressure, making partnered sex feel less stimulating to get or maintain an erection.[12] Some studies also suggest that if your body gets used to rushing to climax during masturbation—it might spill into your sex life by conditioning your body to ejaculate quickly. [9] Still, more research is needed to confirm this.  So, while masturbation can help you learn about your body and boost arousal, doing it too often—or using it to avoid real connection—can sometimes create problems. That’s why it’s best when done in balance. For many others, it doesn’t hurt their sex life at all. It really depends on how it fits into your life and relationships.

Common Myths of Masturbation

Let’s set the record straight: all of the following are myths — they have no scientific basis or truth. These beliefs often arise from cultural taboos, misinformation, and outdated ideas about sexuality. Sadly, they can lead to guilt, anxiety, and confusion. Let’s unpack them one by one:

• Hormonal imbalance - masturbation does not disrupt hormonal levels in a healthy body, including testosterone or estrogen levels.
• Penis curvature or shrinkage - excessive or aggressive habits may temporarily affect appearance, it does not permanently change the size or shape of the penis.
• Only people without partners masturbate - People in relationships often masturbate — some even do it together to deepen intimacy. [2]
• Infertility due to reduced sperm count - masturbation does not cause infertility. Semen volume may decrease temporarily after multiple ejaculations in a short period, but sperm production continues normally.
• Lower back pain due to calcium loss from seminal fluid - The amount of calcium lost through ejaculation is minimal and does not impact bone health or cause pain.
• Premature ejaculation - people believe that masturbating from a young age—especially in secret or with guilt—can make you rush and get used to finishing quickly. In fact regular, mindful masturbation can actually help improve ejaculatory control.[13] Premature ejaculation usually happens because of stress, anxiety, or other body-related reasons.
• Speeds up aging due to loss of vital fluid during masturbation - This myth is based on outdated beliefs about "vital energy". There is no medical or biological evidence linking masturbation to premature aging.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) - Masturbation does not cause UTIs when done hygienically. Infections typically arise from poor hygiene or preexisting health issues — not the act itself.
• Mental weakness - Masturbation does not weaken the mind. If you’re feeling mentally low or anxious afterward, it’s likely due to societal guilt or misinformation — not the physical act itself.

None of these myths are backed by science. They often originate from fear, shame, or lack of proper sex education. The more we talk openly and honestly about masturbation, the easier it becomes to separate facts from fiction — and to feel comfortable with our own bodies and choices.

Cultural and Social Influences on Masturbation

Our beliefs about masturbation are shaped by so many things — family, religion, school, even the internet. In some cultures or communities, it’s still a taboo topic. That can lead to a lot of internal conflict. A study in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that people from more conservative or religious backgrounds were more likely to believe masturbation was harmful, even when there was no scientific proof. [14]  Even online, there are mixed messages. Movements like “NoFap” — where people choose to stop masturbating for personal reasons. But they can also create unhealthy fear or shame for others. In some cases, they portray masturbation as a moral failure, which can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety—especially when the conversations become judgmental or aren’t based on science. [15]  If you're thinking about taking a break from masturbation, make sure it’s your choice—not because someone online said you’re weak. It's always better to trust doctors, sex educators, and real science when it comes to your body.

When Masturbation Might Be a Concern

Masturbation may become problematic when:

• You skip work, school, or social time to do it
• You feel like you can’t stop even when you want to
• You constantly feel guilt, shame, or sadness afterward
• You hurt yourself physically (like soreness or injury) 
• It is affecting your relationship or sex life

If this feels familiar, a trained sex therapist or mental health expert can help you understand what’s going on and create healthy patterns. A sex therapist can support you in understanding your habits, managing urges without guilt, and building a healthier relationship with your sexuality — all in a safe, judgment-free space. Eventually making you feel more in control and at ease.