Does excessive masturbation cause anxiety? Science-backed answer

Find out the science-backed answer to the question does excessive masturbation cause anxiety? Also, there are some suggestions when you have anxiety due to masturbation.

The link between masturbation and mental health

Masturbation is a frequent form of sex. It's a common, healthful approach for people to enjoy themselves by exploring their bodies. Nevertheless, some people do develop mental health problems because of masturbation, like feelings of guilt, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Continue reading to find out the answer to the question: does excessive masturbation cause anxiety? Plus, the blog suggests what you could do to reduce or get rid of such guilty feelings.

Does excessive masturbation cause anxiety? Science-backed answer

Some people experience anxiety when they have any sexual cravings. When you're aroused or taking part in sexual activity, you could feel nervous or worried.

According to NCBI’s one study, younger males engage in masturbation the most frequently. The study also discovered that males who masturbated frequently experienced higher levels of anxiety. Men with the greatest feelings of guilt for masturbating also had the greatest amounts of anxiety.

Guilt may be the root cause of masturbation-related anxiety. These guilt feelings may be related to spiritual, cultural, or religious beliefs that consider the practice sinful or "dirty." Ultimately, anxiety can lead to a number of problems such as sexual dysfunction.

Additionally, the anxiety could be connected to a certain kind of sexual stimulation. To put it differently, while masturbating may cause anxiety, sexual activity may not. For some persons, masturbation is prohibited due to its self-gratifying nature of it.

So the answer to the question does excessive masturbation cause anxiety? Yes in case you feel guilty about that activity.

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Advantages of masturbation

One study found that while some people experience anxiety as a result of masturbating, others do so to release stress & reduce anxiety. Few studies, however, looked at the link between anxiety and self-pleasure, particularly masturbation.

Anecdotal evidence and research on sexual activity point to some beneficial effects of masturbation.

• Help unwind

• Relieve sexual tension

• Decrease stress

• Improve mood

• Improve sleep quality

• Help experience more pleasure

• Help understand what you want and need in a physical relationship

• Help get rid of cramps.

Unwanted consequences of masturbation

Physical negative effects from masturbation are nonexistent. Additionally, it won't injure your body if you don't use excessive pressure or force

Masturbation and remorse or anxiety have not been specifically investigated. The possible harmful effects of masturbating are inferred from anecdotal evidence and scant scientific study.

The most typical negative effects of masturbating are as follows:

• Guilt: Your perception of masturbation may be influenced by cultural, individual, or religious beliefs. Masturbation is considered evil or unethical in several beliefs. This could make you feel guilty.

• Addiction: Some persons who masturbate regularly claim that it is difficult for them to stop or cut back. Masturbating excessively might start to affect your mood and regular sexual function.

Looking for assistance

Masturbating is a pleasurable and healthful activity. In reality, it forms the basis of a lot of sexual acts. Discuss your thoughts with a professional if you feel guilty or anxious about masturbating.

Sexual health conversations are a specialty of these mental healthcare professionals. They can assist you in processing your emotions and developing a more positive view of self-indulgence.

Final thoughts

If you wonder does excessive masturbation cause anxiety? The answer is yes if you have the wrong view of this sexual activity. If you experience masturbation-induced anxiety, you should seek help from professionals.