Ayurveda on Masturbation: 12 Side Effects, Causes, Myths

There are several misconceptions about men's sexual health. That is to say, erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual health problems among men. In fact, they are more curious about learning if masturbation is one reason causing it. 

So, is this a misconception, or does masturbation result in erectile dysfunction? Does it add to one's sexual well-being? Get all the answers to your questions here. 

It is often common for men to find it difficult to have or maintain an erection. While this kind of sexual issue affects an individual's psychology, there's always the right treatment available. Moreover, one should know that this isn't something they must be embarrassed about. Reaching out to a medical professional can get you the right help. 

Let's look at how masturbation impacts a man's sexual health and if it may lead to erectile dysfunction.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a medical disorder in which men have difficulty achieving and maintaining a natural erection long enough for sexual fulfilment.

Erectile dysfunction is not a common problem among men, yet it can afflict any man at any age. In essence, its symptoms may be suggestive of underlying health problems. These symptoms may arise due to other medical disorders.

It's critical to understand that erectile dysfunction isn't simply a solitary illness; it can also be a warning indication of other health issues.

According to statistics, one out of every ten males has erectile dysfunction. If you have erectile dysfunction after age 65, it may be due to the normal ageing process. 

If you have ED at a younger age, you mustn't disregard it. While it is natural to feel embarrassed and dejected, obtaining medical attention is critical. In extreme circumstances, you may even need a surgical intervention.

List of Erectile Dysfunction Causes

The brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels are all involved in the complex process of male sexual arousal.

Erectile dysfunction can result from problems with any of these components. Furthermore, stress and mental health difficulties can induce or worsen erectile dysfunction.

In certain circumstances, erectile dysfunction may be the cause of a mix of physical and psychological reasons. A small physical problem, for example that impacts your sexual response time may cause concern about sustaining an erection. This anxiousness, in turn, can cause or exacerbate erectile dysfunction.

Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Often, erectile dysfunction may be the result of certain physical factors. Typical underlying causes encompass:

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol and blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome 
• Tobacco use
• Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
• Sleep disorders
• Low testosterone

Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

The brain plays a pivotal role in initiating the sequence of physical processes leading to an erection, commencing with sensations of sexual arousal. Several factors can disrupt sexual sensations and contribute to or exacerbate erectile dysfunction. These factors encompass:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• Stress 
• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns

Does Masturbating Cause ED?

The resounding answer is no. If you use the appropriate technique, masturbating will not harm your penis. It will not hinder your ability to engage in sexual activity. In fact, it offers some health advantages.

It's important to understand that scientific research has not found a direct link between masturbation and erectile dysfunction (ED). The notion that masturbation alone leads to ED appears to be a baseless belief. It is much like several other misconceptions about masturbation and various health conditions.

Similarly, masturbation cannot cause blindness, palm hair growth, or any side effects or health issues you may have heard about. Do check our guide on what are the real side effects of daily masturbation.

What does Ayurveda say on Masturbation? 

According to extensive studies in Ayurveda, masturbation is a potential cause of various physical, mental, and emotional issues. Some commonly reported problems include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, boredom and sadness, and misconceptions about how actual sexual intercourse might feel.

In addition to the emotional and mental strain, there is a risk of injuring or infecting the penis through frequent handling.

This is especially true when one uses unclean or unhygienic methods of masturbation. Touching the penis with dirty or infected hands can lead to infections in that area and increase the risk of serious diseases or allergies.

What the Research Says about ED and Masturbating?

People often confuse certain conditions with erectile dysfunction (ED). For instance, following masturbation and achieving orgasm, there is a period called the refractory period. During this period, it temporarily inhibits an erection or ejaculation. This is entirely normal, and one should treat it as ED.

It's important to note that masturbation has not been proven to cause ED directly. However, specific methods and techniques of masturbation can have adverse effects on erections. For instance:

• Masturbating too vigorously can make your penis less sensitive. This might make it difficult to get an erection or reach climax during sex with a partner. It is because your body gets used to intense stimulation. To prevent this, experts recommend not applying too much pressure when you masturbate.
• Using particular masturbation methods may cause you to become accustomed to a particular way of achieving orgasm. This makes it harder for you to climax with a partner. It is beneficial to use your masturbation methods and keep them closer to the sexual excitement you'd experience with a partner.
• Excessive pornographic masturbation might cause one to have a mistaken idea of what sex is. This might cause a lack of arousal or performance anxiety while you're with a partner.
• In addition to methods or practices of masturbation, psychological stress can also affect your ability to achieve erection. 

For instance, depression and erectile dysfunction might occur if you experience guilt or shame after masturbating.

Therefore, in this instance, your erectile dysfunction is not due to masturbation. Instead, it may be due to the psychological stress you experience.  

Masturbation with ED Treatment

If you seek counseling or sex therapy for your ED, your therapist might recommend masturbation. Therapy can also teach you different ways to reduce stress related to sex. It helps to communicate with your partners and find more sexual pleasure.

Other ED treatments include medications, vacuum erection devices, and penile implants. They can assist you in achieving a healthy erection for sexual activities with a partner or self-pleasure.

Many men find it difficult to discuss about ED. But having sex, whether with a partner or while masturbating, is essential to living a healthy life. The sooner you can talk to a doctor about your erection issues and begin researching solutions, the sooner you might have more fulfilling sex.

Treating Erectile Dysfunction

The good news about erectile dysfunction is that, for the most part, it is treatable. There are a variety of lifestyle adjustments you may make depending on the cause of your ED, and if they don't help, there are medical therapy choices as well.

First things first, though. Let's speak about ED prevention before we discuss how to treat it.

Preventing Erectile Dysfunction

In general, leading a healthy lifestyle will aid in preventing erectile dysfunction from occurring. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Get 30 minutes of exercise every day
• Refrain from using tobacco or other drugs
• Reduce or stop drinking
• Keep a healthy weight
• Reduce stress using mindfulness and meditation or other relaxation techniques.
• Get adequate sleep

It's always better to get medical counsel from a doctor if you have a health issue that may hurt your ability to achieve or sustain erections.

Treatment 

If you suspect you may have a masturbation addiction, it's important to understand that there is hope for treatment and the possibility of leading a better life. Ayurvedic treatments and therapies offer a path to recovery.

It is possible to reverse the negative effects of excessive and prolonged masturbation with medications like Vajikarna Rasayana. It uses natural ingredients following Ayurvedic principles to restore sexual libido.

When dealing with a masturbation issue, it's crucial to seek guidance from a trusted Ayurvedic specialist and follow the correct treatment plan based on their expert advice.

Tips to avoid excessive Masturbation

Try the following strategies to break the habit of masturbating for the greatest results: 

• Make a constant effort to be occupied and attentive. Participate in social events, pursue your interests, play games, go on trips, etc. You won't be thinking about masturbating as much, and eventually, the urge will pass.
• Don't leave the bedroom alone yourself. Just go to bed to sleep.
• When using your phone and computer in public, keep them tidy.
• Take away anything that might encourage you to see sexually explicit material in any way.
• If you have a strong need to masturbate, distract yourself by going for a walk, talking to your counsellor, indulging in your favourite dessert, etc.
• Maintain an active lifestyle so that you feel exhausted when the day is over and would rather sleep than indulge in self-indulgence.
• Remain inspired and never experience guilt.
• Maintain your health by eating well.
• Learn more about masturbation's negative effects.
• Engage in yoga or meditation to maintain mental clarity and concentration.

What are the Side Effects of Masturbation?

Dosha imbalance

In Ayurveda, the three doshas need to be in harmony. Overindulging in sexual activity can cause an imbalance in these doshas, which can then show up as mental and physical illnesses. For example, excessive sexual activity can increase body heat, or Pitta, and this can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and other Pitta-related issues.

Guilt and shame

Excessive masturbation can cause guilt, shame, or anxiety if it violates one's culture or personal beliefs.

Loss of vital vitality (Ojas)

Excessive masturbation has been linked to "Ojas," or the loss of vitality, in Ayurveda. Ojas is considered the vitality and immunity of the body. Frequent and excessive sexual action, including masturbation, is thought to deplete ojas and can result in fatigue, weakness, and an impaired immune system.

Escalation of behaviour

In an attempt to discover more intense forms of stimulation, some people may intensify their patterns of masturbation, which can have even more harmful consequences. This is a side effect of excessive masturbation.

Erectile dysfunction

Sometimes, excessive masturbation desensitises the genitalia, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. One of the effects of masturbating is this.

Social isolation

Since some people prefer solitary sexual activity over social connection, extreme masturbation can occasionally lead to social isolation.

Relationship problems

An excessive amount of time spent masturbating may cause one to overlook interpersonal relationships, which may lead to conflicts or emotional distancing.

Mental health

Ayurveda acknowledges the connection between the body and mind. Ayurvedic teachings state that excessive sexual activity can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, restlessness, and confusion. One of the major consequences of masturbating on the body is this.

Neglect of responsibilities

An excessive amount of time spent masturbating could cause one to neglect daily responsibilities such as work and schooling.

List of 7 Common Masturbation Myths

People are starting to realize that masturbation is not just a surface-level way of pleasing oneself; it's an activity that can offer some health and fitness benefits.

Furthermore, masturbation aids both men and women in gaining a better understanding of their own sexual behaviors, likes, and desires. It helps them feel more at ease with their bodies and connect with their inner thoughts.

In reality, there are several longstanding myths related to masturbation. Let's dispel these misconceptions.

1. Masturbation Can Damage the Genitals

Fact: Touching your genitals is highly unlikely to harm them. Sexual organs can endure friction, making them quite resilient. The most harm you might experience from masturbation is minor chafing, which one can prevent by using lubricants.

Therefore, masturbation is entirely normal, regardless of your gender or age. Now that we've dispelled these myths, you can confidently engage in them and inform without lingering doubts.You can also learn about sex myths & facts.

2. Masturbation Causes Hairfall 

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Fact: Our hair is an important part of how we see ourselves and our appearance. If masturbation were truly a cause of hair loss, it would mean having to choose between pleasure and our sense of self. Let's put this dilemma to rest once and for all.

The truth is masturbation does not lead to hair loss. No scientific evidence supports the idea that masturbation affects hair growth.

One major misunderstanding that contributes to this myth is the belief that masturbating influences the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the male body. DHT is a male sex hormone that plays a key role in male pattern baldness. However, there is no direct connection between masturbation and changes in DHT levels in the male body.

3. Masturbation Causes Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence

Fact: Certain individuals think that masturbation can lead to erectile dysfunction and, over time, impotence because they believe it exhausts the genitals. However, it's important to understand that human genitals don't have a predetermined number of orgasms from birth, nor is there a limit to the amount of sperm a man can produce in his lifetime. 

Consequently, masturbation does not deplete a man's sexual desire, orgasms, or seminal fluid. Therefore, this myth is just as groundless as the question of whether masturbation causes hair loss.

4. Masturbation Ruins Sexual Experience

Fact: Masturbation and sexual activity are not the same. Although masturbation is a surefire way to experience climax, this has never stopped anybody from engaging in sex. Thus, this myth is false once more. varied forms of sexual stimulation elicit varied responses in men and women. 

This is yet another unfounded misconception, aside from the fact that masturbation and partnered sex are not mutually incompatible. Masturbation may teach you what you want, which will make you more self-assured and a better communicator in bed.

5. People in a Committed Relationship do not Masturbate

Fact: Many people link religion with their mental well-being and may think that masturbating in a committed relationship is morally wrong. However, it's important to know that self-pleasure is not a wrongdoing or a form of betrayal.

That is to say, masturbating around three to four times a week can be healthy and usual. Couples who grasp this concept won't view it as cheating on their partner.

6. Masturbation Decreases Your Testosterone

Fact: Sexual activity of any kind does have some impact on testosterone levels in people of all genders, but it's a bit complex. There's no reason to think that masturbation or sex has a lasting effect on your testosterone levels.

Hormone levels go up and down throughout the day and month (especially for those with menstrual cycles). Here's how masturbation can affect your hormones: It's normal for testosterone levels to increase and then decrease after sexual activity.

However, the lack of a long-term effect means that regular masturbation doesn't cause a drop in testosterone. It also doesn't raise your testosterone enough to cause hair loss.

Remember, hair loss in men is due to testosterone, but it's mostly related to genetics. So, to put it simply, masturbation doesn't reduce your testosterone or lead to baldness.

7. People Who Masturbate Suffer Mental Health Issues

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Fact: The scientific data that supports the claim that masturbation may truly assist in relieving stress and sexual tension refutes this misconception. The only suffering that may come from masturbating is "guilt." Some people think that it might lead to mental health issues because of this guilt.

Simply said, some people mistakenly believe that masturbation is bad for their mental health because they feel bad about it. This is despite the fact that it is a healthy technique to release stress and sexual urges.

These myths exist because of societal taboos, a lack of accurate sex education, and cultural misunderstandings. It's important to provide correct information to break these myths. It will help to encourage a healthier and clearer concept of masturbation and human sexuality.

Also, do check our related guides:

• Impact of Masturbation on cognitive health
• Does Masturbation affect height

Importance of Debunking the Myths Associated with Masturbation 

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It is crucial to clarify the misconceptions around masturbation for a number of compelling reasons. In the first place, these beliefs frequently cause misunderstandings and stigmatization of a normal and healthy element of human sexuality. Such false information, especially for those who are discovering their own bodies and desires, can lead to unwarranted guilt and shame.

Furthermore, dispelling these stereotypes is crucial for promoting sexual wellness. By supplying correct information, we enable people to make responsible decisions regarding their sexual behaviour. For instance, eliminating the myth that masturbation affects fertility or creates health concerns might inspire people to embrace this secure and pleasurable act of self-exploration without hesitation.

In addition, dispelling these stereotypes encourages inclusion and variety in sexuality discourse. Myths that support gender stereotypes or assert that members of specific groups shouldn't masturbate may be damaging and exclusionary. By dispelling these misconceptions, we foster a more accepting atmosphere where individuals from all backgrounds and genders may openly share and appreciate their own distinctive sexual experiences.

Therefore, dispelling masturbation misconceptions is essential for the spread of factual knowledge, de-stigmatization, and people's general wellbeing. It facilitates decision-making, lessens shame and guilt, and promotes a more welcoming and inclusive attitude towards a range of sexual experiences.

What Happens to Your Body During & After Masturbating? 

Masturbation can have various physical effects on your body. To begin with, it can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, which can reduce stress and elevate your mood. However, excessive masturbation can lead to physical exhaustion and discomfort, especially in the genitals or hands. It may also result in temporary soreness or numbness in those areas.

It's crucial to pay attention to your body and avoid overdoing it to prevent any adverse physical consequences. Also, proper techniques and lubrication are important to prevent unnecessary discomfort or injury.

Apart from the physical effects, masturbation can also offer psychological benefits. It enables individuals to explore their bodies, discover their sexual preferences and desires, and enhance sexual function and performance by becoming more at ease with their bodies and sexual responses.

However, it's worth noting that excessive masturbation can have negative psychological effects, such as addiction or compulsive behavior. Maintaining a healthy balance is essential, and seeking help when needed is important for your wellbeing.

Conclusion

Masturbation has no proven link to causing erectile dysfunction, and it can be a healthy aspect of your sex life. Maintaining an active lifestyle, a balanced diet, and effectively managing health conditions are all essential in preventing ED.

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, there are various solutions available. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable option for you. If you prefer natural alternatives, you can consider Ayurvedic remedies.

Some common Ayurvedic treatments for ED include ingredients like Indian ginseng, Shilajit, ashwagandha, Cassia cinnamon, Safed Musli, and asparagus racemosus. These Ayurvedic herbs are popular for enhancing the male reproductive system's performance. They help improve blood circulation, sperm count, fertility, and hormone regulation, among other benefits.

FAQs

1. Can masturbation daily ruin a person's sex life?

If masturbation involves too much stimulation, it can potentially lead to delayed ejaculation and difficulties with maintaining an erection during intercourse. Excessive stimulation and desensitization may make it challenging to keep an erection during sexual activity with a partner.

2. Does masturbating affect your sexual performance?

Many people believe excessive masturbation can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED) when a person struggles to achieve or sustain an erection. Masturbation itself does not directly cause erectile dysfunction in men.

3. Can masturbation before marriage impact one's sex life?

Masturbation is a natural sexual activity that both males and females engage in. It does not harm your current or future sexual health and is a form of self-stimulated sexual activity.

4. Will my sex drive increase if I masturbate less?

Masturbation and a person's sex drive are intricate and unique experiences that can differ from individual to individual. Whether you notice a change in your sex drive when you quit masturbating depends on various factors, such as age, general health, hormonal levels, and psychological aspects.

5. How can I change my masturbation habit to improve my sex life?

Watching pornography can stimulate the urge to masturbate. Individuals trying to quit masturbation should avoid explicit movies, images, and websites. Creating a barrier between oneself and pornography can assist in breaking the habit.

6. How often is masturbating healthy or not harmful to sex life?

There is no right or wrong answer to how often one should masturbate each week because it depends on the individual's general health conditions. Masturbation can occur up to three times per day, five times weekly, or even just once weekly for certain people.

7. How does excessive masturbation affect a man's sex power?

Usually, masturbating too much can make you less interested in having sex. To fix this, some suggest cutting back on it. But if that doesn't work, emotional problems like anger, anxiety, or stress might be the real reasons behind it.

8. How do I regain the libido that I lost due to excess masturbation?

You can either join a gym or gradually start running longer distances. Learning Yoga and meditation is another option. These methods can boost the levels of happy chemicals in your blood, helping you stay satisfied without relying too much on sex. Also, consider making changes to your diet.

9. How does frequent masturbation affect married life?

Masturbation and having sex are not identical. While masturbation guarantees reaching climax, it doesn't discourage people from having sex. So, the idea that they can't coexist is incorrect. Different types of sexual stimulation led to various reactions in both men and women. This is another baseless misunderstanding. 

Apart from that, masturbation and partner sex can work together. Masturbation can help you understand your desires, boosting your self-confidence and improving communication in bed.

10. How do you stop masturbating?

Avoid watching porn

Exercise regularly

Spend more time with others

Seek professional help

Take ayurvedic medications