Masturbation in men is a common sexual activity. This activity is carried out by stimulating one's genitals to achieve sexual pleasure or orgasm. By manually stimulating the genitals, men can engage in this sexual activity, resulting in pleasure or orgasm. Masturbation is a natural part of the sexual experiences for numerous men, regardless of age or cultural differences.
Despite masturbation being a normal aspect of sexual exploration and stress relief, there are unsubstantiated claims that it may increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, is there any truth to this claim?
Is it true masturbation causes prostate cancer?
The prostate gland, which is located just below the bladder, is responsible for producing seminal fluid. After orgasm, the majority of semen is found in the ejaculate, linking masturbation and prostate cancer a significant concern.
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, masturbation does not appear to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Further studies are required to explore the potential connection.
Various factors, including genetics, age, dietary habits, obesity, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures, influence the development of prostate cancer.
Read more: Is It True That Often Masturbation Can Cause Erective Functions?
The benefits of masturbation
Masturbation can offer various benefits, including:
- Helps release stress
- Promote better sleep quality
- Improves mood
- Prevents anxiety and depression
- It makes the body relax
- Provides fun and enjoyment
- Relieves cramps
- Release sexual tension
- Increase self-confidence
- Provides better sex
Read more: Myths About Masturbation, What Are The Facts?
What happens when one masturbates excessively?
Masturbation, while offering various advantages, should not be practiced excessively or too frequently. Masturbating too often has a negative impact on health, significantly if this activity interferes with daily life and causes problems with your partner.
Excessive masturbation can have several unfavorable consequences, including:
- Excessive masturbation can cause feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety, especially if it is difficult to control the habit
- Interferes your relationship with your partner
- Irritates the skin of the penis and the potential for abrasions or wounds due to excessive friction
- Interferes with the normal sexual response, resulting in difficulty obtaining an erection during sexual relations with a partner.
- Although there is no strong evidence yet, excessive masturbation may affect hormonal balance. Further research is needed regarding the relationship between masturbation and hormonal balance disorders.
The question of how often masturbation is beneficial for one's health remains unanswered definitively. People's requirements for sexual activity, including masturbation, differ significantly.
If you feel that masturbation is interfering with your daily life, your relationship with your partner, or your physical and mental well-being, you should take the time to consult a doctor or psychologist. Experts can help evaluate the problems and complaints you experience and provide the advice you need.
If you have concerns about masturbation or indications of prostate cancer symptoms, our health consultation services offer the opportunity to consult with our doctors using the Ai Care application. This app can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim
PharmEasy (2023). Does Masturbating Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer or Vice Versa?. Available from: https://pharmeasy.in/blog/diagnostics-does-masturbating-increase-risk-of-prostate-cancer-or-vice-versa/
Planned Parenthood. Masturbation. Available from: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/sex/masturbation
Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD (2022). Masturbation — How Does It Affect Your Health?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/masturbation-side-effects
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Masturbation. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24332-masturbation
WebMD (2023). What Is Masturbation (Male)?. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-is-masturbation-male
Mayo Clinic (2022). Prostate cancer. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
R. Morgan Griffin (2022). Can Sex, Masturbation Affect Prostate Cancer Risk?. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/ejaculation-prostate-cancer-risk