A doctor has revealed how someone can tell that they are self-pleasuring themselves too much.
No-nut November is just around the corner, so many men are gearing up to go a month without ejaculating.
Self-pleasure can offer benefits such as stress relief, improved sleep, and enhanced mood.
However, there are downsides to it as well, as some people can overdo it when it comes to having a bit of personal time.
I'm sure we're all aware that people can become addicted to adult films, but how do we know when it's really getting out of hand?
According to psychosexual therapist Chris Brett-Renes, it only becomes a concern when it starts affecting daily life, via Healthymale.org.
Brett-Renes compares problematic m*sturbation to substance abuse, noting: “It becomes problematic when it impacts aspects of your life, your income, and your relationships.”
He also cautions against using it as a way to manage stress or anxiety, as this can indicate deeper issues.
“If a guy was m*sturbating every day for five to 10 minutes and he’s having sex with his girlfriend that night, that might impact being able to reach orgasm, but it’s not an issue,” Brett-Renes explains. “If he’s using it to deal with stress or anxiety, that’s an issue.”
He further warns that excessive habits - such as spending hours online - can be detrimental: "If someone was logging onto Po*rnhub at 11:00PM and m*sturbating until 4:00AM and having to go to work the next morning, and it’s impacting their work, that’s when it’s problematic."
It all seems pretty self-explanatory when he puts it like that.
In short, if watching adult films and pleasuring yourself is impacting other areas of your life, then it might be time to seek help.
There are other issues with too much self-pleasure too.
According to the British Association of Urological Surgeons, up to 50% of adult men experience some degree of ED (erectile dysfunction).
While this is often connected to health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, Dr. Donald Grant warns that PIED (p*rn-induced erectile dysfunction) may also be a significant factor.
Speaking via the Daily Mail he said: "Overall, there’s no strict rule or guideline on how much people should m*sturbate. But when m*sturbation gets out of hand, there’s a variety of ways it can impact sexual and physical health.”
“PIED is a type of erectile dysfunction that stems from an unhealthy consumption of p*rnography,” Dr. Grant noted.
“This unhealthy p*rn usage can lead to desensitization, making it more difficult for men to achieve and maintain an erection, as they’re used to more intense sexual activity seen on screen. It can lead to reduced interest in sex with actual partners as men prioritize p*rn and m*sturbation instead.”
Dr. Grant also highlighted the potential physical consequences of compulsive m*sturbation, particularly reduced sensitivity in the genital area.
“Compulsive m*sturbation can lead to reduced sensitivity in the genital area, making it more difficult to achieve sexual pleasure or stimulation,” he said.
This loss of sensitivity, Dr. Grant explained, occurs when nerve endings become damaged from overactivity, and it can be worsened by rough handling, which may cause friction damage. Fortunately, this condition is usually temporary.
"Taking breaks or using lubricants can help restore sensitivity," he advised. "And there are a range of treatments available to men struggling with ED, helping them manage a healthy sex life and achieve erections with ease."
