6 Common Misconceptions about Masturbation

Due to the stigma around masturbation, people may struggle to discuss their concerns about it and instead rely on whatever information they can find online or hearsay from other people. To combat the spread of false information about masturbation and the potential consequences, we have debunked some of the top misconceptions related to this. 

Masturbation and Testosterone 

Myth: Masturbation decreases testosterone 

Fact: Masturbation itself increases testosterone. The orgasm that comes afterwards may temporarily decrease testosterone, but levels return to normal after a few minutes. 

Some people falsely believe that masturbation can lower their testosterone levels. Following this line of thought, men tend to worry that masturbation will either decrease their sexual performance or reduce their muscle gains from a workout. All negative assumptions about masturbation and testosterone are false. 

Masturbation does not decrease testosterone. If anything, it increases because this is a state of arousal. Keep in mind that testosterone is a hormone that is linked to libido. People do not worry about whether sex will hurt their testosterone levels or not. The same should go for masturbation because it is also sex that is usually done solo. 

What may momentarily decrease testosterone is ejaculation. But this is simply because the body is flooded with other feel-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and norepinephrine. There is not any conclusive scientific evidence that testosterone decreases long-term from masturbation. But some studies do show that abstaining from masturbation may increase serum T levels. 

Masturbation and Acne 

Myth: Masturbation causes acne 

Fact: Both masturbation and acne usually start around puberty. That is their only relevant connection. 

It is not clear how the misconception about masturbation causing acne started. Some theorise that it is because men start to masturbate during their teenage years which is also when acne may start to occur and is at its worst. Others say that it is to prevent teenage boys from masturbating since this is the age where validation-seeking is common and physical appearance is one avenue of it. 

What is true, however, is that whatever hormonal changes that occur during masturbation do not cause acne. Scientists believe that the rapid hormonal changes that happen during puberty play a role in acne. But the hormonal changes that happen during ejaculation are minimal and temporary. Even testosterone, the most impacted hormone in men, returns to normal after just a few minutes. 

Acne also has no known definitive cause. There are a variety of risk factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, pollution, stress, and skin irritation from certain products. But research still cannot explain with certainty why acne may occur in one person who has an almost perfectly healthy lifestyle and why it does not occur in someone who has poor hygiene. Acne is quite common and usually goes away when you are an adult. Your best bet if you are suffering from acne is to consult a dermatologist. 

Masturbation and Weight Loss 

Myth: Masturbation causes weight loss 

Fact: Masturbation does not burn enough calories to cause significant weight loss. You still need to exercise and have a proper diet. 

Out of all the misconceptions about masturbation, losing weight is the only positive one. But sadly, this also is not true. While masturbation, just like partner sex, can increase your heart rate, it does not burn as many calories as a proper session of aerobic exercise would. So, masturbation (and partner sex) cannot substitute exercising though it does provide benefits that enhance your exercise. 

A 2013 study on partner sex showed that it can burn 4.2 calories per minute. A high-intensity exercise burns around 9.2 calories a minute. Partner sex also only lasts an average of 5.4 minutes. As can be inferred from the numbers, sex alone will not be enough to even put a dent in the calories you consumed for the day. There is also the fact that masturbation may even be shorter in time span compared to partner sex. 

But still, any kind of physical activity like masturbation is better than just lying in bed all day. Masturbation also inhibits ghrelin which is a hormone related to hunger so it may help you control your calories by lessening your food consumption. 

Masturbation and Sperm Count 

Myth: Masturbation causes low sperm count 

Fact: Masturbation does not have a significant effect on sperm count. 

Some people think that masturbation can make you lose a lot of sperm. Well, sex normally leads to ejaculation in males, but people do not typically worry about their sperm levels crashing. While total sperm count can temporarily decrease after ejaculation, the study “Influence of Ejaculation Frequency on Seminal Parameters” shows that daily ejaculation does not affect sperm quality, nor does it cause sperm levels to decline below the normal threshold. 

As for oligospermia, another term for low sperm count, there are many causes for it such as surgery, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), genetic conditions, frequent use of hot tubs, depression, heavy alcohol use, and obesity. Masturbation is not one of them. While infertility is the main symptom of oligospermia, it usually comes with other symptoms like low libido, erectile dysfunction, and pain around the testicle. Unless you exhibit symptoms, there is no need to worry about your sperm count. 

Masturbation and Penis Size 

Myth: Masturbation shrinks your penis. 

Fact: Your genes dictate your penis size. Both masturbation and sexual intercourse have nothing to do with it. 

It is not clear how the hoax surrounding masturbation and penis size started but some suggest that this may be because of another misconception which is testosterone decreasing due to masturbation. Some people believe that testosterone levels affect penis size which is not true. But testosterone does affect your libido which affects your erectile strength so this may be what is causing confusion. 

The size of your penis is determined by your genes. No amount of exercise, diet, and testosterone injection will upgrade the size of your penis. This brings us to another hoax. The reverse is also not true. Your penis size will not increase the more you masturbate. What you can do instead is enhance your erection which means doing things that improve the blood flow to your penis or keep your cardiovascular system healthy. 

Masturbation and Erectile Dysfunction 

Myth: Masturbation causes erectile dysfunction 

Fact: Masturbation does not cause erectile dysfunction. But excessive masturbation can lead to desensitisation. 

Masturbation is common and completely normal. Even animals masturbate. It has nothing to do with erectile dysfunction which is a medical disorder. While men may not be able to have an erection for some time after ejaculating due to masturbation, this is also normal. This also happens during sex as men have what is called a refractory period or a time when they must recover before they can release semen again. 

However, it is a different case altogether if a man is struggling to get erection during masturbation. If this constantly happens during masturbation or couple sex, then having erectile dysfunction is most likely. Mean’s Health Clinic has a quiz for erectile dysfunction which will help determine the possibility of having erectile dysfunction. Still, it is best to book an appointment and talk with our experts directly to know for sure especially if it is ruining your sex life. 

To clarify, Erectile dysfunction is caused by multiple factors such as hypertension, diabetes, hypogonadism, depression, alcohol addiction, invasive surgery, and certain medications. Even having frequent sex with your partner will not suddenly cause your penis to stop working. And unlike intercourse, masturbation is the safest form of sex out there. 

Conclusion 

Most of the damage that happens from masturbation is either due to the stigma surrounding it or from excessive masturbation which is usually a sign of another issue. Normal masturbation is safe and has a lot of health benefits, so you do not need to feel ashamed of masturbating. As long as it is not disrupting your daily life, feel free to masturbate as much as you want.