what is side effects of masturbation - #25293
I am really confused and kinda worried about this. I’ve been reading some stuff online about what is side effects of masturbation, and honestly, some of it makes me feel like I’m doing something totally wrong. Like, I've been doing it for years. I'm in my late 20s and thought it was a normal thing everyone does, right? I mean it helps with stress, but now I’m questioning it because I heard that what is side effects of masturbation could lead to things like anxiety. I did notice lately I’ve been feeling kinda lethargic and unfocused, like it’s affecting my energy levels. Is that a thing? I also read somewhere that some people say it can mess with your mental health in ways I didn’t even think about. What is side effects of masturbation really? Are there physical symptoms I should be looking out for? Sometimes I feel a bit shameful about it but I have no idea if that's a normal reaction or I should be freaking out. Like, could it be connected to my overall well-being? I just wanna know if it’s totally safe or if I should seriously consider cutting back, ya know?
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Doctors' responses
Masturbation is a quite common activity and generally considered a normal part of sexual behavior for a lot of people. From a medical perspective, it’s not inherently harmful and doesn’t typically cause negative physical or mental health effects. It’s normal to have questions about whether it’s affecting your well-being, but let’s go through it. First, regarding energy levels and mental clarity, masturbation shouldn’t significantly impact these in a healthy individual. Feelings of lethargy and lack of focus could be linked to other factors such as sleep quality, stress, nutrition, or overall lifestyle habits. It’s worth evaluating these areas to see if adjustments need to be made. In terms of mental health, while masturbation itself doesn’t cause anxiety or depression, if you’re feeling guilt or shame around the activity, that could affect your mental well-being. It’s common for societal or personal beliefs to impact how you perceive and feel about masturbation, influencing emotions like regret or embarrassment. If these feelings are prevalent, it might be helpful to explore these thoughts further, possibly with a mental health professional. Physically, frequent masturbation could potentially lead to minor skin irritation or soreness, which usually resolves with a short break. There’s no scientific evidence linking masturbation to systemic health issues or lasting negative impacts on mental health. However, if it interferes with your daily life or responsibilities, that might be a sign to rethink its role in your routine. As with any behavior affecting personal well-being, moderation is key. If you’re still unsure or if these concerns persist, speaking with a healthcare professional who can provide individualized insights tailored to your lifestyle and emotional concerns would be beneficial. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor or therapist in this context if you feel it’s affecting your mental health.
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