Excessive masturbation may be leading to a rise in male health issues, particularly a form of erectile dysfunction, a GP has warned.
Dr. Donald Grant, a senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, cautioned that while masturbation in moderation offers benefits such as stress relief and improved sleep, overindulgence could lead to adverse effects.
Dr. Grant explained to MailOnline that there is no strict guideline on how much is too much, but excessive masturbation can affect sexual and physical health. A growing concern is the link between increased pornography consumption and porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED). This condition occurs when frequent exposure to intense sexual imagery desensitises men, making it harder for them to achieve or maintain an erection during real-life sexual encounters.
The NHS notes that erectile dysfunction is common, especially in men over 40 and is often related to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or mental health issues.
Excessive masturbation can also lead to reduced sensitivity in the genital area, further complicating sexual function. Additionally, compulsive behavior may cause performance anxiety, guilt and even mental distress, all of which can negatively affect one’s sex life.
Dr. Grant advises managing masturbation habits to avoid both short and long-term health risks, suggesting that taking breaks and using lubrication can mitigate some of these issues.
[Image created via MidJourney]