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Topics: Health, Life, Sex and Relationships, Dating, Women's Health, Science
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Health, Life, Sex and Relationships, Dating, Women's Health, Science
For many people, masturbation is a healthy part of life.
OK, so we know that the conversation around self-pleasure has always been a slightly taboo subject, but that doesn't stop millions from getting it on under the sheets (or wherever you do it) solo-style.
But what actually happens to your body if you decide to stop masturbating?
Well, there are a number of health and well-being benefits to masturbating, and while we're on the subject, it's also important to note that, despite the myths, there are actually no physically harmful side effects of touching yourself intimately.
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However, sometimes, excessive or compulsive masturbation may be considered harmful or lead to other mental health concerns. Masturbation is also commonly discussed in the same conversations as pornography usage - which is a whole other kettle of fish.
Healthline notes that sexual stimulation (which is a pretty key factor in masturbation!) brings on a number of benefits, which include:
So, the idea is that, if you refrain from sexual stimulation (be that self-pleasure or partner sex), you may not be experiencing the above health and well-being benefits in the same way.
While masturbation can be a healthy, pleasurable, and natural activity, some individuals may choose to abstain from masturbation when it becomes compulsive or begins to interfere with other activities or relationships.
Some may also decide to abstain from masturbation for personal or religious reasons.
Such people may be part of what is called the 'NoFap' movement - an anti-masturbation movement primarily aimed at and practised by heterosexual males.
According to NoFap.com, people can avoid compulsive sexual behaviour and break porn or sex addiction by avoiding masturbation.
Supporters of avoiding masturbation claim it:
Others say it has more extreme benefits, such as relieving depression or improving overall health.
However, as we say, no scientific evidence suggests that masturbation is harmful.
Additionally, no studies state that avoiding masturbation offers any specific benefit, per Medical News Today.
According to a sexpert who'd abstained from masturbation upon the suggestion of her therapist, she detailed what happened when her sex life with her partner of seven years 'started to feel like we were having sex next to each other instead of together', which led to the masturbation ban.
The anonymous sex writer penned a detailed breakdown of how her mind and body coped during the hiatus, in a candid article for InStyle.
Here’s what she found:
"Because I was hornier, I was genuinely excited from the get-go during partner sex, instead of taking my usual 20 minutes to warm up and decide this was more fun than watching Project Runway after all," she shared.
"Pre-masturbation ban, I frequently took over the controls to climax, but strict adherence to the letter of the law meant I was now had to relax and leave that shizz to my man.
"And while I used to have some occasional trouble getting off, now I finished quickly and easily."
Even though she enjoyed masturbating, she agreed that the ban 'was the kickstart her relationship needed' as it opened up the option to have a 'shared experience'.