Health3 min(s) read
Published 16:22 18 Jun 2026 GMT
Mindblowing study shows what happens to your body if you stop masturbating forever
.webp_SmgFsc?tr=cr-292.0.1244.952,f-webp,q-70,w-100)
Masturbation is often discussed in terms of doing it too much, but researchers have also examined what can happen when people stop altogether.
Experts say going long periods without any form of sexual stimulation may have a range of effects on both physical and mental health. Research has explored everything from stress levels and sexual frustration to potential links with certain medical conditions.
According to sex and relationship expert Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, a lack of sexual stimulation can have negative consequences for both men and women. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she explained that masturbation and sex place importance on affection, touch and sexual connection, and going without these experiences may contribute to anxiety, depression and higher stress levels.
.jpg_TDbLaC?tr=cr-0.0.6000.4000,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
Sexual frustration may affect mental wellbeing
Dr Suwinyattichaiporn also said that stopping masturbation can lead to frustration, which may contribute to increased aggressive behavior.
Her comments align with findings from a 2021 study, which concluded that sexual frustration could increase “the risks of aggression, violence, and crime associated with relief-seeking, power-seeking, revenge-seeking, and displaced frustration."
Researchers have suggested that sexual frustration may have wider psychological impacts, particularly when people lack healthy outlets for intimacy and sexual expression.
Research points to possible physical effects
There is also evidence suggesting that men with an inactive sex life, whether through a lack of partnered sex or masturbation, may face a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
A 2016 study published in the journal European Urology found that men who ejaculated at least 21 times per month had a lower risk of prostate cancer than those who ejaculated only four to seven times monthly.
Researchers believe the connection may involve carcinogens building up in the prostate over time. According to the Urology Care Foundation, regular ejaculation may help flush harmful chemicals from semen, potentially reducing cancer risk.
For women, a prolonged lack of sexual activity can contribute to vaginal atrophy, a condition in which vaginal tissues become thin and dry. In some cases, it can also shorten the vaginal canal.
Meanwhile, Tobias Kohler, assistant professor of urology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, previously warned that a lack of regular erections could affect penile elasticity.
"If [men] don't do anything to maintain normal erections, they will get shortening of the penis," he told WebMD.
Testosterone study found a temporary spike
One frequently cited study involving 28 male volunteers in China examined hormone levels during a period of abstinence following ejaculation.
The researchers monitored testosterone levels daily and reported a significant increase on the seventh day.
The authors explained: "The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in sex hormone level in men after ejaculation.
"The serum testosterone concentrations of 28 male volunteers were investigated daily during abstinence period after ejaculation.
"We found that fluctuations of testosterone levels from day 2 to day 5 of abstinence were minimal. On day 7 of abstinence, a peak of serum testosterone appeared, reaching 145.7% of the baseline (P<0.01). After the peak, no regular fluctuation was observed.
"Ejaculation was the premise and beginning of the 7 days' periodic phenomenon. If there was no ejaculation, there was no periodical changes in serum testosterone level. These results indicate that the periodic change in serum testosterone level is caused by ejaculation."
The study found a temporary rise in testosterone after seven days of abstinence, although researchers noted that no regular fluctuations were observed after that peak.