Fatigue After Masturbation: Insights on Autonomic Nervous System Effects

Masturbation fatigue and autonomic nervous system issues?

Hello, Doctor Hsu.
I would like to ask some questions about masturbation.

1) After masturbation, I sometimes experience fatigue, and I understand that everyone's feelings may vary.
There are many articles online that describe this phenomenon in a frightening way, while others claim they don't feel tired at all.
My understanding is that the feeling of fatigue may be due to ejaculation being primarily controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, which puts the body and brain in an excited state, with many muscles tensed.
Once ejaculation occurs, the state of sympathetic nervous system arousal diminishes, and the body transitions from tension to relaxation, which naturally leads to a sense of fatigue.
This is similar to how one might feel after a tense competition or finishing a presentation—once it's over, one often relaxes and suddenly feels a bit tired.
So, I don't think this is something unusual, right? However, since each person's constitution and physical condition differ, or depending on whether one was already tired before masturbating, some may feel more fatigued while others feel relaxed, and some recover quickly without much sensation.
After all, masturbation isn't considered a very strenuous activity.
Doctor, is my understanding correct?
2) I consider my physical condition to be decent, and usually, I don't feel tired after masturbation; it feels more like relaxation.
Does this indicate that I am currently engaging in masturbation at a moderate frequency?
3) There is a widespread belief online that one should not go to sleep immediately after masturbation or sexual activity.
The reasoning is that "the control of semen expulsion by the spinal cord reflex temporarily relaxes after ejaculation.
Young people tend to have more sensitive and active nerves, so they recover quickly, sometimes immediately; whereas older individuals take longer to recover.
If one falls asleep right after ejaculation, the fatigue reflex continues to relax, making it difficult for the feeling of fatigue to dissipate." I would like to ask if this is true.
Should those who are not described as "young" pay attention to this matter?

A-Jia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/18

Dr. Xu Wencang reply Urology

Within the permissible range of physical condition.

Reply Date: 2016/03/18

More Info

Understanding fatigue after masturbation can indeed be complex, and your insights into the physiological processes involved are quite astute. Let’s break down your questions and concerns regarding the autonomic nervous system and its effects on the body post-masturbation.

1. Fatigue After Masturbation: Your understanding that fatigue can occur after ejaculation due to the transition from a heightened sympathetic nervous system state to a more relaxed parasympathetic state is accurate. During sexual arousal and orgasm, the body experiences increased heart rate, muscle tension, and heightened alertness, all of which are mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. After ejaculation, the body shifts into a recovery mode, where the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, leading to relaxation and a sense of fatigue. This phenomenon is similar to what many people experience after intense physical exertion or stressful situations, where the body, once the stressor is removed, feels a wave of fatigue as it returns to homeostasis.

2. Individual Variability: It’s important to note that individual responses to masturbation can vary widely. Factors such as overall health, physical fitness, mental state, and even the frequency of sexual activity can influence how one feels afterward. If you typically feel relaxed and not fatigued after masturbation, it may suggest that your body is well-adjusted to your current frequency of sexual activity. This is a positive sign, indicating that you are likely engaging in a healthy sexual practice that aligns with your body's needs.

3. Post-Ejaculation Sleep: The belief that one should not sleep immediately after ejaculation is rooted in the idea that the body needs time to transition from a state of arousal to relaxation. While there is some truth to the notion that the nervous system may still be in a state of recovery, the impact of immediate sleep varies from person to person. Younger individuals may recover more quickly due to higher levels of vitality and resilience in their nervous systems. However, this does not mean that older individuals or those who may take longer to recover should avoid sleep altogether. Instead, it may be beneficial to allow a brief period of relaxation or winding down before sleeping, which can help mitigate any lingering feelings of fatigue.

In conclusion, your understanding of the physiological processes involved in fatigue after masturbation is well-founded. It is a normal response to the body’s transition from a state of arousal to relaxation. Individual experiences will vary, and what feels right for one person may not be the same for another. If you find that your experiences with fatigue or relaxation post-masturbation are affecting your daily life or well-being, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized insights based on your health history and lifestyle. Overall, maintaining a healthy balance in sexual activity is key to ensuring that it remains a positive aspect of your life.

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