Is Masturbation Healthy? The Science Says No.
updated February 16, 2017 by Andrew Michell
updated February 16, 2017 by Andrew Michell
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Masturbation associated with greater prostate specific antigen levels and prostate abnormalities Corona G, Ricca V, Boddi V, Bandini E, Lotti F, Fisher AD, Sforza A, Forti G, Mannucci E, Maggi M. Autoeroticism, mental health, and organic disturbances in patients with erectile dysfunction. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2010;7:182–91. link |
Higher rates of depression
Husted J, Edwards A. Personality correlates of male sexual arousal and behavior. Archives of Sexual Behavior 1976;5:149–56. link
Frohlich P, Meston C. Sexual functioning and self-reported depressive symptoms among college women. Journal of sex research 2002;39:321–5. link
Cyranowski JM, Bromberger J, Youk A, Matthews K, Kravitz HM, Powell LH. Lifetime depression history and sexual function in women at midlife. Archives of Sexual Behavior 2004;33:539–48. link
Risk factor for breast cancer
Le MG, Bachelot A, Hill C. Characteristics of reproductive life and risk of breast cancer in a case-control study of young nulliparous women. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 1989;42:1227–33. link
Husted J, Edwards A. Personality correlates of male sexual arousal and behavior. Archives of Sexual Behavior 1976;5:149–56. link
Frohlich P, Meston C. Sexual functioning and self-reported depressive symptoms among college women. Journal of sex research 2002;39:321–5. link
Cyranowski JM, Bromberger J, Youk A, Matthews K, Kravitz HM, Powell LH. Lifetime depression history and sexual function in women at midlife. Archives of Sexual Behavior 2004;33:539–48. link
Risk factor for breast cancer
Le MG, Bachelot A, Hill C. Characteristics of reproductive life and risk of breast cancer in a case-control study of young nulliparous women. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 1989;42:1227–33. link
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Masturbation associated with decreased volume of seminal plasma, sperm count, sperm motility, and healthy sperm.
Sofikitis NV, Miyagawa I. Endocrinological, biophysical, and biochemical parameters of semen collected via masturbation versus sexual intercourse. Journal of Andrology 1993;14:366–73. link |
Has masturbation ruined your life, health, or relationships?
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Worse prostate function, less semen volume, worse quality sperm, lack of elimination of waste products.
Purvis K, Magnus O, Morkas L, Abyholm T, Rui H. Ejaculate composition after masturbation and coitus in the human male. International Journal of Andrology 1986;9:401–6. link
Increased use of immature psychological defense mechanisms.
Brody S, Costa RM. Vaginal orgasm is associated with less use of immature psychological defense mechanisms. The journal of sexual medicine 2008;5:1167–76. link
Masturbation correlated with worse blood pressure reactivity.
Brody S. Blood pressure reactivity to stress is better for people who recently had penile-vaginal intercourse than for people who had other or no sexual activity. Biological psychology 2006;71:214–22. link
Less physiological satisfaction.
Brody S, Kruger THC. The post-orgasmic prolactin increase following intercourse is greater than following masturbation and suggests greater satiety. Biological psychology 2006;71:312–5. link
Purvis K, Magnus O, Morkas L, Abyholm T, Rui H. Ejaculate composition after masturbation and coitus in the human male. International Journal of Andrology 1986;9:401–6. link
Increased use of immature psychological defense mechanisms.
Brody S, Costa RM. Vaginal orgasm is associated with less use of immature psychological defense mechanisms. The journal of sexual medicine 2008;5:1167–76. link
Masturbation correlated with worse blood pressure reactivity.
Brody S. Blood pressure reactivity to stress is better for people who recently had penile-vaginal intercourse than for people who had other or no sexual activity. Biological psychology 2006;71:214–22. link
Less physiological satisfaction.
Brody S, Kruger THC. The post-orgasmic prolactin increase following intercourse is greater than following masturbation and suggests greater satiety. Biological psychology 2006;71:312–5. link
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Masturbation frequency is so often associated with impaired sexual function in men
(Brody&Costa, 2009; Das, Parish,&Laumann, 2009; Gerressu, Mercer,Graham, Wellings,&Johnson, 2008; Lau,Wang, Cheng, & Yang, 2005; Nutter & Condron, 1985) link |
What is the Worldwide Masturbation Survey? |
Masturbation frequency is often associated with impaired sexual function in women
(Brody &Costa, 2009;Das et al., 2009;Gerressu et al., 2008;Lau,Cheng, Wang, & Yang, 2006; Shaeer, Shaeer, & Shaeer, 2012;Weiss& Brody, 2009). link
Poorer physical and mental health, which include anxious attachment
Costa, R. M., & Brody, S. (2011). Anxious and avoidant attachment, vibrator use, anal sex, and impaired vaginal orgasm. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8, 2493–2500 link
Less arousal.
Brody S, Laan E, Van Lunsen RHW. Concordance between women's physiological and subjective sexual arousal is associated with consistency of orgasm during intercourse but not other sexual behavior. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 2003;29:15–23. link
Masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex predictors of less satisfaction in relationships.
Brody S, Costa RM. Satisfaction (sexual, life, relationship, and mental health) is associated directly with penile-vaginal intercourse but inversely with other sexual behavior frequencies. The journal of sexual medicine 2009;6:1947–54. Link
Less mental health satisfaction.
Brody S, Costa RM. Satisfaction (sexual, life, relationship, and mental health) is associated directly with penile-vaginal intercourse but inversely with other sexual behavior frequencies. The journal of sexual medicine 2009;6:1947–54. Link
Less love.
Costa RM, Brody S. Women's relationship quality is associated with specifically penile-vaginal intercourse orgasm and frequency. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 2007;33:319–27. link
Increased prostate cancer
Bosland MC. The etiopathogenesis of prostatic cancer with special reference to environmental factors. Advances in Cancer Research 1988;51:1–106. Link
it is penile/vaginal frequency that is specifically associated with reduced risk or prostate cancer, whereas masturbation frequency is more often related to increased risk of prostate cancer.
Brody, S. (2010). The relative health benefits of different sexual activities. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7, 1336–1361. Link and Link
Less happiness
Das A. Masturbation in the United States. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 2007;33:301–17. Link
Masturbation associated with schizophrenia
Macdonald S, Halliday J, MacEwan T, Sharkey V, Farrington S, Wall S, McCreadie RG. Nithsdale Schizophrenia Surveys 24: Sexual dysfunction: Case-control study. The British journal of psychiatry 2003;182:50–6. Link
Clayton AH, Balon R. The impact of mental illness and psychotropic medications on sexual functioning: The Evidence and Management. The journal of sexual medicine 2009;6:1200–11. Link
Much less analgesic properties compared to PVI
Whipple B, Komisaruk BR. Analgesia produced in women by genital self-stimulation. Journal of sex research 1988;24:130–40. Link
Masturbation associated with a range of negative health indicators.
Langstrom, N, Hanson RK. High rates of sexual behavior in the general population: correlates and predictors. Archives of Sexual Behavior 2006 Feb;35(1):37-52. Link.
(Brody &Costa, 2009;Das et al., 2009;Gerressu et al., 2008;Lau,Cheng, Wang, & Yang, 2006; Shaeer, Shaeer, & Shaeer, 2012;Weiss& Brody, 2009). link
Poorer physical and mental health, which include anxious attachment
Costa, R. M., & Brody, S. (2011). Anxious and avoidant attachment, vibrator use, anal sex, and impaired vaginal orgasm. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8, 2493–2500 link
Less arousal.
Brody S, Laan E, Van Lunsen RHW. Concordance between women's physiological and subjective sexual arousal is associated with consistency of orgasm during intercourse but not other sexual behavior. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 2003;29:15–23. link
Masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex predictors of less satisfaction in relationships.
Brody S, Costa RM. Satisfaction (sexual, life, relationship, and mental health) is associated directly with penile-vaginal intercourse but inversely with other sexual behavior frequencies. The journal of sexual medicine 2009;6:1947–54. Link
Less mental health satisfaction.
Brody S, Costa RM. Satisfaction (sexual, life, relationship, and mental health) is associated directly with penile-vaginal intercourse but inversely with other sexual behavior frequencies. The journal of sexual medicine 2009;6:1947–54. Link
Less love.
Costa RM, Brody S. Women's relationship quality is associated with specifically penile-vaginal intercourse orgasm and frequency. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 2007;33:319–27. link
Increased prostate cancer
Bosland MC. The etiopathogenesis of prostatic cancer with special reference to environmental factors. Advances in Cancer Research 1988;51:1–106. Link
it is penile/vaginal frequency that is specifically associated with reduced risk or prostate cancer, whereas masturbation frequency is more often related to increased risk of prostate cancer.
Brody, S. (2010). The relative health benefits of different sexual activities. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7, 1336–1361. Link and Link
Less happiness
Das A. Masturbation in the United States. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 2007;33:301–17. Link
Masturbation associated with schizophrenia
Macdonald S, Halliday J, MacEwan T, Sharkey V, Farrington S, Wall S, McCreadie RG. Nithsdale Schizophrenia Surveys 24: Sexual dysfunction: Case-control study. The British journal of psychiatry 2003;182:50–6. Link
Clayton AH, Balon R. The impact of mental illness and psychotropic medications on sexual functioning: The Evidence and Management. The journal of sexual medicine 2009;6:1200–11. Link
Much less analgesic properties compared to PVI
Whipple B, Komisaruk BR. Analgesia produced in women by genital self-stimulation. Journal of sex research 1988;24:130–40. Link
Masturbation associated with a range of negative health indicators.
Langstrom, N, Hanson RK. High rates of sexual behavior in the general population: correlates and predictors. Archives of Sexual Behavior 2006 Feb;35(1):37-52. Link.
Masturbation related to decreased happiness. link (click picture below to enlarge)
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It's funny how people say that masturbation is so good for you when there are so many people suffering from prostate cancer, depression, ruined relationships, headaches, fatigue, weak erection, premature ejaculation, reduced orgasm, increased feelings of loneliness, and massive guilt after they masturbate. Religion has nothing to do with it because non religious people experience the same pains and negative side effects. Eating an apple or drinking orange juice or riding your bicycle does not make you feel guilty. Nothing "healthy" makes you feel guilty except for masturbation. Why? Why is masturbation the ONLY "healthy" activity in the world that is associated with so many health problems? Because we are designed for sex with a partner. The truth is that masturbation is unhealthy but people want to hear good things about their bad habits so they try so hard to numb their conscience with absurd justifications like “it’s normal” and “everybody does it.” 70 years ago they said the same thing about cigarettes, “Hey smoking is healthy, See, everyone else is doing it.” Everybody is not doing it, there is research showing that Masturbation Is "nonexistent" Among Primitive People.
"If 50 million people believe a foolish thing it's still a foolish thing."
The good news is that you can now educate yourself about the increasing research about the possible negative effects of masturbation. You don't have to wait until you experience the side effects and addiction before you obtain self-control in your life. You don't have to remain ignorant and suffer the loss of your health and relationships. You don't have to blindly follow the popular opinion that leads to sickness. You do not have to be a victim. You can profit from the benefits of health, self-control, and a sound mind.
About the author: At the age of 16, Andrew Michell was arrested by the police for seven kidnappings and armed robberies and sentenced to almost 13 years in prison from 1995-2008. It was during the first two years in solitary confinement when Andrew realized the value of living a life of self-control. After spending 10 years in prison Andrew experienced an amazing answer to prayer and was released from prison early in 2005 when the Governor of Washington commuted his sentence. Since his release Andrew has found great joy in helping others and has volunteered in schools, prisons, orphanages, and youth detention centers in different countries around the world. Because of his volunteer work the United States government granted a full pardon to Andrew in 2015. He is married and lives in Manila, Philippines. Prison video found here.
September 14 Someone from Asia said: All side effects are true im doing it for last 10 or maybe 12 years I have become very weak and I'm addicted t9 it I don't know how to stop it anyone can help ...
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Andrew said:
do not give up. We want to help you obtain self-control and escape your addiction. Keep reading articles on this website to help you find tips and resources to increase your self-control. |
September 14 Someone from Australia said: I started masturbating in 2010 and it is almost 7 years and it is really hard to live without it..Please write to me how to stop it..Personal contact is, (email removed)
September 13 Someone said: I have to avoid it...i hv been masturbating for the last ten years.I am 22 of age from #Kenya After doing it i just felt fatigue,regrets in my thought.Recently i just found myself difficult to be sexually aroused by my girlfriend...when urge to masturbate knocks i quickly open a porn web and go on...i need to return to a normal sex habit.I am willing to stop this prior to positive advice and coaching.Somebody help! (email removed)
July 28 Someone said: Hi sir thanks for helping me to learn important things from my habit but every time when i get to urge masturbating my mind changes even i think that person is not me and my mind makes me don't care about sicknesses and cancer and etc please help me it is been 3 years I am doing it I am 13 years old i want to leave this habit before i get 14
June 26 Someone from India said: Thank you I'm doomed due to this addiction now I will stop it hope its not too late
June 18 Someone said: I've been masturbating since I was 13 and I am 18 now..... Now I have become very week and thin..... Life has become a burden to me... Mastrubation has taken away my happiness and youth.... I won't let it win over me again .... Its a painful thing to imagine someone in his/her deathbed and wish that they had done something good in their life and had won over masturbation..... Guys I will tell you one thing.... When you feel like masturbating if you masturbate you'll feel good for a few minutes but it takes a lot of of time for your mind and body to heal.... Your soul can't heal.... But when the urge comes if you win the battle against it..... If you kill the evil side of your mind.... You'll feel too damn great about yourself...And masturbation takes away everything in your life ... Like happiness self confidence..... Hopes... The depth of Feelings you used to have before.... And the true love for anything and everything... If you mastrubate you feel numb throughout your life.... Nothing really matters much.... Neither happiness nor love r any thing.... I beg you all to quit masturbation for once and for all!!!! You just have to make a firm mind! The enthusiasm you had the will to do anything!! Where is it now? Will you let go of your inner child to masturbation? Will you give up your pure soul and will power to the masturbation?? If no .... Friends let's change our lives.... Let's change the world... Remember if you want the change to happen you have to change!!! So the next time Mr masturbation comes through your head kill it with a sword.
June 9 Someone said: I have being suffering from masturbation for years I tried to stop but couldn't but I have cut it from daily to once a week...pls help me I want to stop completely my email (email removed)
April 2 Someone said: masturbating is a disease killing me slow I wanna stop koz I am starting to c the side effects plus ecry tym I masturbate the pleasure lasts 4 seconds then guilt slaps me I know I try but I have failedby tyms but I have decided to giv this waan last trial ma best God help guys pliz hold ma hand thru the journey back to life email address.. (email removed)
March 2 Someone said: Correlation does not imply causation.
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Andrew said:
Confetti does not imply a celebration. Some celebrations have no confetti. People with a phobia for confetti should probably avoid celebrations unless they are designated confetti-free. Funerals however almost always have no confetti but there is always a possibility like this one HERE |
January 12, Someone from Europe said: When I finish masturbating I feel like crap.
February 15 Someone from the USA said: All the side effects that has been faced by most of the masturbator who shared their view is true and i also have faced as i still masturbating for last ten years i have become very weak short less interested in living life. I want to escape from it. anyone can help me please..
May 14 Someone from Asia said: everyday i masturbate and now i see this never to do this again
May 20 Someone from Europe said: After masturbating i feel like not doing anything...i always thing of going to sleep cause i get tired after doin'it....and also pimple become wild on my face and left me with darkspot...from now on i hve 2 stop masturbating...i've lost many chicks cause i nevr thought dat masturbation is a course of all...well....i quit...may'll be blessed
June 5 Someone from Canada said: Very powerful paragraph. Really thought provoking. And thank you for the nice compilation of journal articles to support your points :)
June 27, Someone from the USA said: Wow! Those are all peer reviewed scientific research journals.
June 29 Someone from Africa said: Masturbation is practicing sex with the same sex and it makes people into homosexuals. Homosexuality is a disease.
February 15 Someone from the USA said: All the side effects that has been faced by most of the masturbator who shared their view is true and i also have faced as i still masturbating for last ten years i have become very weak short less interested in living life. I want to escape from it. anyone can help me please..
May 14 Someone from Asia said: everyday i masturbate and now i see this never to do this again
May 20 Someone from Europe said: After masturbating i feel like not doing anything...i always thing of going to sleep cause i get tired after doin'it....and also pimple become wild on my face and left me with darkspot...from now on i hve 2 stop masturbating...i've lost many chicks cause i nevr thought dat masturbation is a course of all...well....i quit...may'll be blessed
June 5 Someone from Canada said: Very powerful paragraph. Really thought provoking. And thank you for the nice compilation of journal articles to support your points :)
June 27, Someone from the USA said: Wow! Those are all peer reviewed scientific research journals.
June 29 Someone from Africa said: Masturbation is practicing sex with the same sex and it makes people into homosexuals. Homosexuality is a disease.
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June 29 Someone said:
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June 30 Someone from the UK said: So, if you have sex many times a day, you are saying that is okay? Yet the stimulation caused by friction during sex is exactly the same as that caused by masturbation. You ********* ******* it is the same thing!
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Andrew said:
No, that is a myth. Masturbation and sexual intercourse are NOT the same. Hormone secretion following intercourse is %400 greater than masturbation. That is significant. And that is just one indicator of the difference. You can find the study for that research HERE. In another study of more than 2400 men and women those who masturbated more often have more negative health indicators that those people have sexual intercourse. Check out the graphs on pages 11-12 of this study HERE to see how masturbation has the opposite effect of intercourse. |
July 3 Someone from Europe said: these studies are all fake, it's all lies
July 12 Someone from Canada said: Years ago they scared children from doing it now they encourage it why ? Some kids don't have a solid self image and don't make good decisions. If they pick up on this habit they may do it and hurt them selves physically (vericocele and impotence). So why not warn them if there fate if they continue this practice. Cause if they don't know consequences why not do it or why stop even if they feel it is bad. We warn kids about drugs we don't have to do that the strong kids with a good foundation wouldn't hurt them selves with drugs. Tell kids not to start before age 14 or so and no more then once a week I mean come on what a stupid habit and what a dumb way to ruin your life
July 25, Someone from Uganda said: Thanks a lot. I'm committing myself to stop this bad habbit. Need your support. Email: **********************
August 12, Someone from India said: Over the years I've seen people becoming tired and weak and lacking charm after masturbation.
September 9 Someone from Asia said: Very helpful articles.
September 18 Someone from the USA said: Thank you so much for this website!! It helps me a lot to decide for my future life!! Of course with the help of God!!
October 4 Someone said: You forgot to cite rapper 50 Cent's medical scientific diagnosis for his horrible pitch at the Mets/Pirates baseball game...he said that masturbation causes skeletal muscle injuries
July 12 Someone from Canada said: Years ago they scared children from doing it now they encourage it why ? Some kids don't have a solid self image and don't make good decisions. If they pick up on this habit they may do it and hurt them selves physically (vericocele and impotence). So why not warn them if there fate if they continue this practice. Cause if they don't know consequences why not do it or why stop even if they feel it is bad. We warn kids about drugs we don't have to do that the strong kids with a good foundation wouldn't hurt them selves with drugs. Tell kids not to start before age 14 or so and no more then once a week I mean come on what a stupid habit and what a dumb way to ruin your life
July 25, Someone from Uganda said: Thanks a lot. I'm committing myself to stop this bad habbit. Need your support. Email: **********************
August 12, Someone from India said: Over the years I've seen people becoming tired and weak and lacking charm after masturbation.
September 9 Someone from Asia said: Very helpful articles.
September 18 Someone from the USA said: Thank you so much for this website!! It helps me a lot to decide for my future life!! Of course with the help of God!!
October 4 Someone said: You forgot to cite rapper 50 Cent's medical scientific diagnosis for his horrible pitch at the Mets/Pirates baseball game...he said that masturbation causes skeletal muscle injuries
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Andrew said:
To my knowledge 50 cent has not yet come out with a peer reviewed journal. Nevertheless it would be instructive to quote him in full from his reddit post. When asked why his pitch was so terrible 50 cent replied "I have a skeletal muscle injury on my left shoulder from excessive masturbation so take it easy lol." An animated GIF of his pitch can be SEEN HERE. In addition to medical journals noted above one can add famous rap stars that link masturbation to severe health problems. |
October 13 from South Africa: Thank you so much for the webpage, been masturbating since i was 15 and now I'm 24, i want to cut this bad habit. i would love your support My e-mail is ***********@*****.com. God bless you