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According to a study conducted in 2003, masturbation is healthy. In fact, it may even help prevent prostate cancer. The study claimed that frequent ejaculation could be the perfect prevention against prostate disease. Although there may be a connection, there is still no scientific evidence to support this conclusion.
So what does that mean? Should we back off because masturbation isn’t as good for us as we thought? We take a look at whether masturbation is really healthy and what you should keep in mind for your own safety.
Why is masturbation healthy for men
In the past, masturbation was taboo, but today it is a form of self-love that is right and important for everyone who enjoys it. But is it also healthy to masturbate regularly, experiment with toys, and have fun? Various personal accounts and medical approaches suggest that it is.
When you satisfy yourself and have an orgasm, it affects your body in many ways. Many men masturbate in the evening before going to sleep because they are sure that it helps them fall asleep faster. After climax, oxytocin is released, the cuddle hormone that makes you tired, cozy, and relaxed. Incidentally, this is also responsible for falling asleep immediately after sex.
But masturbation is also an important part of mental health for many men. Self-love means exploring your own body, getting to know it, and exploring your own sexuality. People who masturbate frequently often find it easier to stand up for their own needs during sex with a partner. Incidentally, orgasms are also said to help against headaches, strengthen the immune system, and alleviate bad moods.
Risks and dangers of masturbation
There are always curious reports about masturbation and its dangers. For example, “Morbus Kobold” (Kobold disease) arose from the fact that men used Vorwerk vacuum cleaners (Kobold model) for masturbation and inflicted painful injuries on their penises. Such and similar phenomena are standard in emergency rooms. The same applies to inserted objects that “men” could no longer remove from their rectums on their own.
Such dangers are real, but can be easily avoided by not engaging in unsafe practices. That doesn’t mean you can only jerk off bluntly. A good way to protect yourself is to use special sex toys for your pleasure and not misuse the vacuum cleaner or put yourself in dangerous situations.
Accidents resulting in death also occur when men engage in autoerotic breath control, use poppers in excess, or insert unsuitable objects into the urethra.
You can avoid all of this by always using carefully manufactured sex toys for your penis and also for your back door. It does make a difference whether you insert a screwdriver into your urethra or use a dilator.
How to stay healthy and maintain good sexual hygiene
Sexually transmitted diseases are an important issue during sex, but they also play an important role in masturbation. Hygiene is particularly important when using sex toys. If you do not clean your masturbator thoroughly after use and semen residue remains, bacteria can easily multiply and lead to skin infections the next time you use it. Even bladder infections that ascend through the urethra are possible.
Even if you only masturbate with your hand, hygiene is important. Dirty fingers, small tears in the skin, and lack of care can lead to inflammation in the worst case. Lubricant helps reduce friction and makes the experience more enjoyable. And believe us – lubricant is better than spit, shower gel, or sunflower oil from the kitchen.
Safe fun with your toys
For modern gay men, toys are not taboo, but a real enrichment for solo sex. Masturbators, vibrators for men, prostate toys, and even classic dildos also perform well in a one-man show. When buying, quality is the most important factor. Only buy toys made from skin-friendly materials and read the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and use.
Condoms can be useful, for example if you share your toy with your partner or want to be on the safe side. Make sure that a silicone toy is compatible with all lubricants. If in doubt, use a water-based gel.
Tip: Get yourself a toy cleaner so you don’t take any risks when it comes to hygiene. This will allow you to disinfect your toys after solo sex so they are fresh and clean for next time.
And very important: only use toys as intended. The screwdriver belongs in the toolbox, not in your urethra. As I said, the emergency room has seen a lot, and it’s rarely as cool and funny when you’re lying on a stretcher and need medical attention.
How often is normal and healthy?
There is no norm for how often a “man” should or is allowed to masturbate. In the past, the most horrific stories were told of men who went blind, deaf, or sick from masturbating. It’s all nonsense, and fortunately we know that today. How often you do it depends entirely on your needs. Some men do it once a month, others daily, and still others several times a day. All of that can be perfectly fine as long as it’s right for you.
Masturbation is only unhealthy if you feel like you’re losing control. If you feel compelled to do it even though you don’t feel like it, or if you let your real life slide because you can only think about your solo activities, then it’s time to reflect on your behavior, because sex addiction can develop even without a partner.
But don’t panic if it’s just a phase where you feel more aroused and masturbate a lot; in most cases, this is completely harmless. Your body does not have a built-in limit or a fixed number of ejaculations that are possible in your lifetime. If your penis needs a break, it will let you know.
Good to know: Even in a relationship, masturbation is healthy and normal. It doesn’t mean that you’re no longer attracted to your partner, just that you know your rhythm and want to do something good for yourself. After all, you don’t love yourself any less just because your heart belongs to someone else.
Conclusion: Masturbation is healthy – if you feel like it
Regardless of whether masturbation boosts your immune system or prevents possible diseases, you are doing something good for yourself. The prerequisite is that you feel like doing it. There is no rule that says you can only do it 10 times a month or at least 30 times a month. You decide what happens, and if you pay attention to hygiene and safety, your solo sex life can be very enriching.
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