Sexual Dysfunction After Masturbation: Causes and Solutions

Sexual function..?

Hello doctor, after an incident of masturbation last year, I started experiencing issues with my sexual function.
During that session, when I was about to climax, I used diaphragmatic breathing to hold my breath and tense my abdomen in an attempt to suppress the urge to ejaculate.
The first time, I successfully delayed the ejaculation, but during the second attempt, I reached a similar point and then my penis became soft.
I didn't feel the climax, and it seemed like there was little to no semen released, perhaps just a tiny amount.
The next day, when I tried to masturbate again, I encountered difficulties; I had no sexual desire or urge, and my penis was very flaccid.
It took a while of manual stimulation to achieve an erection, and during masturbation, my penis felt numb with no excitement or pleasure, making it hard to reach climax or ejaculation.
It felt like my penis wasn't mine, and the difference from before was significant.
I consulted a doctor who suggested it was a psychological issue.
Blood and urine tests showed low testosterone levels, but prior to this incident, my sexual desire and function were normal.

Could this incident of masturbation have caused internal damage? What should I do? This situation is driving me to the brink of suicide.
When I went to the hospital, the doctors brushed off my concerns, telling me to relax without providing any specific guidance on my problem or how to recover.
They prescribed medication for blood circulation and pain relief, and another doctor prescribed antibiotics without much explanation.
They all insisted that this incident of masturbation was not related to my issues, claiming that such a practice wouldn't cause problems.
However, I clearly started having issues the day after that session, which doesn't make sense.
Please help me; I would be immensely grateful.

Danxin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/17

Dr. Xu Wencang reply Urology

If there is persistent erectile dysfunction, a follow-up visit to the clinic for evaluation is recommended, and medication treatment options may be available.

Reply Date: 2022/03/17

More Info

Sexual dysfunction can be a complex issue, often involving both psychological and physiological factors. In your case, it seems that the incident during masturbation has led to significant anxiety and changes in sexual function. Let's break down the potential causes and solutions for your situation.

Understanding the Causes
1. Psychological Factors:
- Performance Anxiety: After a distressing experience, such as the one you described, it’s common to develop anxiety around sexual performance. This can lead to a cycle where the fear of not being able to perform leads to further dysfunction.

- Conditioning: If you associate the act of masturbation with negative feelings or outcomes, your brain may begin to respond negatively to sexual stimuli, leading to a decrease in libido and arousal.

2. Physiological Factors:
- Hormonal Changes: You mentioned that your testosterone levels were low. Testosterone plays a crucial role in sexual desire and function. Low levels can lead to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.

- Nerve Sensitivity: The method you used to suppress ejaculation may have affected the nerve pathways involved in sexual arousal and ejaculation. Over time, this could lead to a decrease in sensitivity and pleasure during sexual activities.

3. Physical Trauma: While it’s less likely that the act of masturbation itself caused physical damage, excessive force or unusual techniques can lead to temporary changes in function or sensation.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Consult a Specialist: It’s essential to see a urologist or a sexual health specialist who can provide a thorough evaluation. They can assess your hormone levels, perform necessary tests, and rule out any underlying medical conditions.

2. Psychotherapy: Engaging in therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help address performance anxiety and any negative associations you may have developed regarding sexual activity. A therapist can work with you to reframe your thoughts and reduce anxiety related to sexual performance.

3. Gradual Exposure: Gradually reintroducing sexual activity in a low-pressure environment can help. Start with self-exploration without the goal of orgasm. This can help rebuild your confidence and comfort with your body.

4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall mental health. These techniques can also enhance your awareness of bodily sensations, which may improve sexual arousal.

5. Physical Health: Ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. These factors can significantly impact hormonal balance and overall sexual health.

6. Medication: If hormonal imbalances are confirmed, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy or other medications to help restore normal function. However, this should be done under strict medical supervision.

7. Avoid Substance Abuse: Avoid excessive alcohol or recreational drugs, as these can further impair sexual function and exacerbate anxiety.

Conclusion
Your experience is understandably distressing, and it’s crucial to approach this issue holistically. While the incident during masturbation may have triggered these changes, it’s essential to recognize that recovery is possible. By addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of your sexual health, you can work towards regaining your sexual function and confidence. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a positive step forward.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Solutions for Men

Hello doctor, I have a question I would like to ask. In the past, I would satisfy my sexual urges through masturbation, but recently, during intimate moments with my girlfriend, I experience a lack of sensation and difficulty achieving ejaculation, and sometimes I even lose my er...

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology
In general, it may indeed be related to long-term masturbation and excessive stimulation, with psychological factors also playing a role. It is recommended to visit a urology clinic to rule out any organic causes.

Understanding the Impact of Excessive Masturbation on Sexual Health

Doctor, in your previous article #118362, you mentioned that some individuals who delay treatment for 1-2 years may have a more difficult time recovering. Are you referring to erectile dysfunction caused by excessive masturbation? When you mentioned medication, does that imply th...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Sexual activity is a complex mechanism influenced not only by habits related to masturbation but also potentially by vascular blockages or psychological factors. If there is a period of unsatisfactory sexual performance, it can lead to psychological impacts or stress. Afte...

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Solutions for Improved Performance

Experiencing insufficient rigidity during erections, occasional loss of erection upon stopping stimulation, and the ability to ejaculate while not fully erect are concerning symptoms. These issues were not prevalent in the past, as you previously had normal rigidity and duration ...

Dr. Xu Wencang reply Urology
Masturbating too frequently can lead to decreased sensitivity of the nerves and impaired erectile function. It is advisable to stop masturbating for a period of time to see if there is any improvement. Given your age, there should not be any organ issues. If you have a regular pa...

Addressing Erectile Issues Caused by Improper Masturbation Techniques

Hello, doctor. In the past, during puberty, I often used incorrect masturbation techniques such as floor pressure masturbation, straight leg masturbation, and intense stimulation masturbation (for instance, gripping the penis too tightly and masturbating too quickly). Now, I find...

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology
There is no clear medical evidence supporting a relationship between masturbation and erectile dysfunction; however, if you feel there is a connection, you may consider reducing the frequency of masturbation. Additionally, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation for further ...