Male Masturbation Can Affect Intimate Relationships

Science has shown that masturbation is very beneficial for men. It reduces stress, can prevent prostate cancer, and can make men better lovers. But in relationships, how does male masturbation impact an intimate, romantic relationship? Does it cause problems, or does it cause more orgasms? Here’s a look at the side effects of masturbation when it comes to relationships.

Male Masturbation: The Pros

1) It helps men learn about their bodies and sexual responsiveness through masturbation. Men who masturbate are more in tune with their bodies and can experiment with new stimuli in a safe, nonjudgmental environment to see what they like and what they don’t. This leads to…

2) Better sexual performance. Men who masturbate know what works for them, and so they then can give gentle guidance to a partner, which increases pleasure, but also increases connectedness and communication, making it a place where both partners can express their needs and desires and more often have them fulfilled (or at least attempted).

3) It provides a sexual outlet for people who have partners who are less interested in sex than they are or are just temporarily unavailable. If a partner has a lower sensual drive, is busy or stressed out regularly, or is just away on business, masturbation offers a safe way for a man to get sexual gratification while staying committed to his partner.

4) Improves mood and reduces stress. Orgasm leads to the release of dopamine, the feel-good hormone. Men who are more relaxed and less stressed are just more fun to be around. Some men are also more outwardly affectionate and sweet after a bout of choking the chicken. That means more help around the house and maybe more romantic moments as well.

Male Masturbation: The Cons

While most scientific studies have shown that masturbation is integral to a successful, happy, healthy relationship, some couples still face several issues or perceptions that lead to the erosion of their union. Here are a few issues that rear their head in relation to male masturbation while in relationships.

1) Feelings of betrayal or cheating. Some partners feel that when their partner masturbates it’s akin to cheating. Use of pornography, pictures, fantasizing, or thinking of ex-lovers, could be considered infidelity to some people. Couples need to have clear and open communication about this issue because it often results from a deeper, more intense issue like feeling unloved, insecure, or undesirable. It may be time to talk to a professional to navigate through this rough patch.

2) Addiction. Recently in his latest comedy special, Chris Rock admitted to having a porn addiction in the past that contributed to his divorce. Like this or any other pleasurable experience, masturbation can be addicting. The more a man masturbates, the more he has to “evolve” what stimulates him. He also may use a death grip, which can further de-sensitize him down the road. Addiction to porn and masturbation are becoming all too common since technology and easy access to porn entered the societal structure. Men suffering from this addiction need to seek help separately and then also may want to seek help with their partner to chart a road back to the relationship (which is entirely possible).

3) Feelings of dissatisfaction in partner’s sexual performance or attractiveness. One of the side effects of masturbation is that partners take their other half’s interest in solo sex as a slight on their performance, attractiveness, or ability to give their partner pleasure. Sometimes it’s true, but often enough it isn’t. Fantasy and pleasure are as normal as having a piece of chocolate cake. If those are the feelings that come up, the couple should make time to have an honest conversation about the state of their sexual relationship and take steps from there.

Tips for Penis Health

Regardless of how masturbation is affecting a man’s relationship (hopefully in a good way), he needs to keep penis health front of mind. Get an annual exam, do monthly self-exams, eat well, exercise, and try to have erections, even if they go unused, often so that the member stays limber and on-alert for fun times.

Some men also find that using a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) helps nourish and rejuvenate the penis. It should be applied regularly for supple skin and to decrease friction and nerve damage that can occasionally accompany frequent male masturbation. Look for crèmes with a natural base like shea butter or vitamin E and include other vitamins that promote penile wellness, such as A, C, and D. Routine moisturizing with a special crème promotes skin elasticity and boosts blood flow for strong erections.

Five Common Masturbation Side Effects

Masturbation is not only a common activity but also a healthy one. It’s a safe and completely natural way to explore the body, release built-up sexual tension, and sexually educate one’s self. Everybody does it, and it’s becoming more and more common for people to talk about it in public and share tips and truths about self-pleasure. Despite all the myths out there, there are actually no physically harmful side effects of masturbation when done in moderation. However, excessive masturbation can harm relationships, health, and everyday life. When does as part of a healthy routine though, masturbation is an enjoyable, normal, and healthy way to amuse oneself.

Here are five common side effects of masturbation. Some are good and some are bad, you make the choice on how to benefit from the good and steer away from the not so good.

1) Reduces Prostate Cancer – Some studies out there suggest that regular ejaculation, like that done through masturbation, has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. How much is regular? A 2016 study confirmed that men who ejaculated 21 times or more each month saw a 20 percent decrease in the likelihood of prostate cancer. This is the best of both world – men can fight cancer and do something they love!

2) Mood Improvement – Stress is a killer and often is the result of or leads to poor mental health. Engaging in regular sexual stimulation (solo or with a partner) can lead to several mood-altering benefits. Some of these include the release of built-up stress, relaxation, boosting the mood, and feeling pleasure. These all stimulate the release of dopamine, the feel-good hormone.

3) Physical Improvements – Want to sleep better, perform better, and tone up? Masturbation can help! Not only does it relax participants leading to better sex, but it is also its own kind of workout. It relieves muscle cramping and strengthens the muscles in the pelvis and anal areas. Not only that, but it also puts a man more in touch (no pun intended) which his body and encourages self-esteem and positive body image.

4) Guilt or Shame – Well, there are a few unfavorable side effects and shame is definitely one of them. Many men feel guilt or shame for masturbating due to a whole host of circumstances ranging from religion, social mores, and even fear of upsetting a partner who is threatened by masturbation. Any man who experiences guilt or shame from masturbating should take the time to talk to a professional to work through issues and embrace a healthy attitude toward masturbation.

5) Addiction – Like any other pleasurable experience, masturbation can be addicting. Masturbating too much or with too tight of a grip can reduce sensation and cause performance problems with partners. It can also cause penile injury if a man is not careful.

Keep the penis in tip-top shape for self-love

Keep the member in shape for ultimate self-gratification with a few no-nonsense tips. First, keep the penis clean and dry at all times. Wash daily, or more as needed, and be sure to be thorough in process and use a gentle cleanser formulated for delicate skin.

After cleansing the skin, a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) should be applied to promote supple skin and decrease friction and nerve damage that can sometimes come with frequent masturbation. Look for creams with a natural base like Shea butter or vitamin E and include other vitamins that promote penile wellness like A, C, and D. Regular moisturizing with these special creams will keep the skin elastic and always ready for whatever activities await it.