An average Nigerian would say masturbation is demonic. Some persons believe a person who masturbates is under demonic influence.
The truth is that people who engage in masturbation, do so most times, secretly.
However, many do not bother to know the side effects or benefits.
Masturbation: Medico-Social Perspectives
Sometimes, masturbation is the first sexual experience many persons have.
Really, there are very few persons who have not engaged in it. The first sensation could even be triggered by the cloth that an individual wears.
Afterwards, the knowledge of this sensation drags the person on to try it again.
In Nigeria, men call it ‘soapy’ and it has been popularised by a popular musician, Naira Marley.
Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure.
Persons who engage in it often carry on to the point of orgasm or climax.
But are there side effects and benefits of this act?
Of course, you know there is a good and bad side to everything, masturbation inclusive.
Really, there are very unique ways that this act affects individuals.
Side Effects of Masturbation
1. Bruise of Sexual Organ
Depending on how frequent and how rough an individual goes, irritation of the skin could occur.
In ecstasy, a person could forcefully bend his penis and a rupture of the chambers that fill with blood could occur.
This condition known as penile fracture often requires surgical attention.
“Injury may occur if the perpetrator desires to be too adventurous,” a Consultant Family Physician, Dr. Ademola Orolu, warned.
2. Reduced Desire for Sex
Healthy heterosexual intercourse is known to improve friendliness and also helps to resolve rifts amongst partners.
According to Dr Orolu, those who masturbate are at a higher risk of having reduced desire for sex with the opposite partner.
“The chemistry that builds from natural heterosexual encounter helps to bond partners together,” Dr Orolu, the Medical Director of Nathaniel Health Consulting, emphasised.
Often, partners of persons who masturbate say they find it difficult to have quality sex together.
3. Impaired Relationship
Being able to get sexual satisfaction independent of an opposite partner may reduce the need for a healthy male-female relationship.
Some persons who independently achieve orgasm may not need another partner to experience that which heterosexual intercourse gives.
Health Benefits of Climax (as found in natural sex and masturbation)
Those who engage in masturbation do so for the euphoria climax gives. The climax in natural sex is not different from that of masturbation. The benefits of the climax are often as a result of the release of some hormones.
Some hormones which are released during climax include: Dopamine, Endorphins, Oxytocin, Testosterone and Prolactin.
As mentioned above, these hormones are released just before or during climax in either natural sex or masturbation.
Other Helpful Articles
- Men’s Sexual Health: How Not To Be A 2-Minute Man
- Easy Ways To Stop Masturbating
- What Is Normal Penis Size? How To Increase It
- Penis: How You Can Have Erection For Long
The dopamine hormones are happiness hormones. They are related to one’s brain’s reward system.
Endorphins, on the other hand, are natural pain relievers and they lower stress level. Also, they help improve the mood. This improved mood is evident in the way people feel when they masturbate. However, for some persons, the feeling of guilt sets in afterwards.
Also, oxytocin is a love hormone and it could reinforce social bonding.
A 2011 research highlighted that although masturbation is often a solitary act, it has the power to influence intimacy with others.
Testosterone which is released during sex. It improves stamina and arousal.
Also, testosterone release happens when you have sexual fantasies.
Apart from its role in breast milk production, prolactin also influences the mood and immune system.
As a result of the activities of the aforementioned hormones, masturbation, like sex, has the following benefits.
1. Reduction of Stress
Just like sex, masturbation can help one to relax. It reduces stress intensity.
2. Reduction of Tension
This also is a function of the dopamine and endorphins that are released by the body when sexual act occurs.
3. Alleviation of Pain
With the release of endorphin hormone, you get relief of pain.
4. Improved Sex
There are reports that engaging in masturbation an hour or two before sexual intercourse could lower the chances of premature ejaculation.
This is not peculiar to masturbation because some men have reported a longer duration before ejaculation in sexual acts after the first round with their partners that day.
It is important to note that there are medical diseases associated with premature ejaculation. Masturbation will not improve the problem until the diseases are addressed.
5. Enhanced Sleep Quality
With the stress and pain relief that the act provides, having a good sleep becomes more possible.
6. Improvement of Concentration
When the mind is happy, concentration becomes easier. Happiness hormones released during orgasm aid concentration.
7. Elevation of Mood
Happiness hormones help to make one feel elated. These hormones are often released during sex and masturbation.
8. Relief of Menstrual Cramps
This is also a form of pain that some women get relief from when they masturbate.
Masturbation And Talks About Prostate Cancer
There are different views about whether masturbation could lower or increase the risk of prostate cancer. A research found that “there was no association of prostate cancer with the number of sexual partners or with the maximum number of ejaculations”.
It further stated that men who averaged five or more ejaculations weekly in their 20s had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
Bottom Line
This article has not promoted masturbation practice. Of course, we know that there is an issue of religion and belief around these things.
Indeed, it is about your happiness at the end of the day, but whatever you will not be happy to let people know you do, why would you want to engage in it.