British doctor has warned that excessive masturbat!on is behind the rise of male health problems.
In moderation, self-pleasure helps to reduce stress, and improve sleep quality and mood, but it can become ‘an unhealthy habit’ and trigger a form of erectile dysfunction, says Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy.
‘Overall, there’s no strict rule or guideline on how much people should masturbate.’
‘But when masturbation gets out of hand, there’s a variety of ways it can impact s3xual and physical health.’
A key concern is the rise of porn use: half of adults in the UK now access graphic material online, according to a recent survey by media watchdog Ofcom, and Dr Grant links this to the rise in porn-induced erectile dysfunction, or PIED.
Up to 50 percent of adult men suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction, according to the British Association of Urological Surgeons.
It is often associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes but can also have no obvious cause.
One lesser-known culprit could be PIED, claims Dr Grant.
‘PIED is a type of erectile dysfunction that stems from an unhealthy consumption of P0rn0graphy.
‘This unhealthy p0rn usage can lead to desensitisation, 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 s3x with actual partners as men prioritise porn and masturbation instead.’
More worryingly, Dr Grant warns that compulsive masturbation could trigger physical changes that affect intimacy.
‘Compulsive masturbation can lead to reduced sensitivity in the genital area, making it more difficult to achieve sexual pleasure or stimulation.
‘It can occur when nerve endings become damaged from too much activity, creating a loss of sensitivity.
‘This can also impact individuals who masturbate too roughly, causing potential friction damage.
Thankfully, this is a short-term issue and factors such as taking breaks or utilising lubricants can help restore sensitivity.
‘And thankfully, there are a range of treatments available to men who are struggling with ED, helping them manage a healthy sex life and achieve erections with ease.’
Dr Grant added that ‘over-masturbating’ can be damaging in other ways.
