what happens if we don't masturbate - #24729
I am really curious about what happens if we don't masturbate because I never thought this would be an issue for me. Last year, I was feeling overwhelmed with stress from work and personal life, and I kinda just lost interest in everything, including masturbation, believe it or not! For months, I didn't give it a second thought, but now I keep readin’ about the effects and I'm feeling confused. I used to think it was just something people do for pleasure, ya know? But now I'm worried—could it be affecting my health or mood in some way? I mean, I have a friend who swears he gets all these benefits from it, but I've been feeling kinda detached lately. Like, is there a real connection between not masturbating and how I’m feeling? Also, I’ve heard that holding back can lead to physical issues too. What happens if we don't masturbate for a long time? Am I risking anything like hormonal issues or anything weird like that? I'm tempted to ask my doctor about it but I feel kinda embarrassed. Would love to hear any thoughts or experiences from the group, and I’m just trying to figure this out, ya know?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
When it comes to masturbation, it’s important to recognize that it varies a lot from person to person. Not masturbating isn’t generally considered dangerous or harmful to your physical health. For most, it doesn’t lead to any noticeable hormone imbalances or physical problems over time. Masturbation is often about personal comfort and well-being. Many people incorporate it into their routine for releasing stress or exploring their own bodies, which in turn, may help them understand sexual preferences and needs. However, these are subjective experiences and vary largely for individuals.
If you’re feeling detached or stressed, it could be due to other factors in your life such as work pressure or personal issues. It’s important to consider mental health aspects too, like how stress, anxiety or mood can contribute to your current feeling. Studies suggest masturbation might provide temporary relief from stress through the release of endorphins, but it’s certainly not the only way to manage stress. There aren’t any solid clinical findings proving that refraining from it will necessarily cause mood swings or depression.
If you’re feeling particularly concerned or notice a persistent detachment or mood alterations, it might be worthwhile to talk about this further with a healthcare professional. They can guide you through possible reasons behind what you’re experiencing, maybe even helping identify stressors or underlying health issues, if any. Remember that mental health plays a massive role in our overall well-being, so any changes should be considered from a holistic standpoint. If you’re feeling uneasy discussing this, know that doctors are trained to talk about these subjects without judgment, offering you the most informed perspectives possible.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.