It depends on the person.
There’s no “normal” amount of frequency of masturbation.
In our practice we have noticed
- Once a week is ideal
- Twice a week is not harmful
To consider it as excessive, it should be compulsive or interfere with personal/professional life or relationships. A recent scientific study by conducted by sexologists revealed the following facts.
- All ages of people have masturbated.
- Masturbation is more frequent in teenage and young adults
- This is due to limited sexual contact.
- Masturbation is more frequent in elderly people.
- This is again because of their contact too is limited at times.
- Frequency varies from few times per month to weekly
- About 20% men masturbate 2 to 3 times each week.
- Less than 20% masturbate more than 4 times a week.
- Women masturbated less.
What happens if you masturbate more than once a day?
Masturbation sometimes suggested as a therapy. In those conditions it can be done more than once a day. Some individuals masturbate to avoid the anxiety provoked by impending tasks or performance. Masturbation then becomes a way to avoid confronting life problems or issues. Those individuals usually are late for school or college fail to submit assignments on time. They are poor in their work performance and do not meet regular targets. They generally masturbate often in a hurried manner with a goal of ejaculation or orgasm alone. There is no pleasure derived from the arousal process or any new learning from the technique used. Such masturbatory practices are part of a greater psychological disturbance that needs professional help.
Masturbation does not cause the problem per se. It is the coping mechanism. Masturbation is blamed for the person’s inability to deal with life issues where in reality deep psychological problems and limiting beliefs are responsible for the way they cope with everyday difficulties. In such cases it is better to see a sexologist.
What are the harmful effects of frequent masturbation?
Apart from the results of addictive masturbation habit, rarely it can cause tissue damage. An incorrect technique, very firm grip on the penis makes it sensitized. The gripping of vagina during intercourse cannot be replicated by hands. Such men may suffer with problems of inadequate vaginal stimulation and delayed ejaculation during intercourse.
How to avoid harmful effects of masturbation?
Practice masturbation with a gentle hand and an attitude of exploration of feelings, sensations and emotions for greatest benefit. Orgasm or ejaculation is the reward for having persevered with a gentle technique and learning derived from the changing sensations of arousal.
Restrict masturbation once a week; at the maximum twice a week. Even in those cases, never feel guilt of it. It is the guilt feel than that of masturbation causes more problems.
If masturbation becomes difficult to handle it means that you have a problem. First try simple methods which will definitely help you control it.
- Do exercise
- Avoid pornography
- Stay active
- Spend more time with others
- Seek professional help
Do regular exercise
Regular exercising keeps you mentally strong. Try simple exercises such as walking, jogging, running, swimming and cycling. Exercises will increase positivity and keep you focused. Exercises reduce stress levels and keep the mind calm. Try simple exercises for 30 minutes every day which will help a lot.
Avoid pornography
Say ‘NO’ to Porno.
Exposure to pornography will trigger the desire to masturbate. It is a mental driving agent for people who masturbate a lot. This affects a person mentally such that it shapes the way they think and act in society as a whole. Avoid pornographic images, videos and searching for websites that can get you back in that thinking.
Stay active
Divert your mind and do something else. Keeping active is very much helpful. Find ways to occupy your time that does not trigger the desire to masturbate. Do something new. A new hobby can replace the time spent on masturbating. Begin working on your personal goals and write it down in a personal diary. Tell yourself that you will achieve it and it does keep you strong. This will help you place your energy on other things and never leave you thinking of masturbating
Spend more time with others
An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. Idle mind can do a lot more harm than you can ever think of . Idleness in a person becomes the root of all evils. Evil thoughts enter a person’s brain only when he remains idle. When the mind is filled with fruitful and good ideas, there is no room for evil.
Therefore to get rid of masturbation habit, socialize a lot. Socializing keeps your mind focused and diverted. Make it a point to socialize with family, friends.
Seek professional help
Consult a sexologist. You need to talk your problem out. You also need to understand that you cannot fight it alone. A sexologist can guide to get rid of this problem. Otherwise it can affect you mentally and make to suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that will make things worse.
Will frequent masturbation cause hair fall?
No, masturbation will not cause hair loss. Hair fall due to masturbation has become the stuff of quackery business. There is absolutely no scientific evidence linking masturbation to hair loss.
Actually the common causes of hair loss are
- Heredity / Family history that happens with aging
- Hormonal changes
- Medical conditions
- Radiation therapy
- Stressful life
- Poor hair health management
Debunk Myths about Masturbation
To be continued in next part
Dr. Vijayakumar did his MBBS in Kilpauk Medical College and later went on to Madras Medical College for his Master courses in Clinical Pathology. He underwent masters in Psychology and Yoga. Underwent Fellowship training in Andrology and Clinical Embryology by Prof Ariff Bongso. Did his PhD in Hormones, Yoga and Sexual problems. He has been trained by the Council of Sex Education & Parenthood International (India). He was the first medical professional to start an exclusive clinic for the management of sexual problems in Salem,Tamil Nadu in the year 1988. He has put up more than thirty years experience. He has offered professional help to thousands of persons especially newly married. Besides treating sexual dysfunctions, he is also an expert in treating pre-marital counselling.
Trekking and offroad jeeping are his other passions.