Is Masturbation Good or Bad? Its Impact on Men's Health

Is it good or bad?

Hello, Dr.
Hsu.
I have the following questions:
1.
Is masturbation good or bad? Some advocate for it, while others oppose it.
Some say that moderate masturbation can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
What is your opinion on this?
2.
What is considered "moderate" depends on an individual's physical condition.
Generally speaking, is there a normal frequency for masturbation? For example, how many times a week is typical for different age groups?
3.
There are claims that long-term masturbation under conditions of high sexual desire or the pursuit of ejaculation pleasure can lead to premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
Many reports indicate that Western medicine often dismisses this as a misconception, while Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that such behavior can lead to kidney deficiency and sexual dysfunction.
Which perspective is correct?
4.
Nowadays, many young people experience premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
Are there effective treatments to cure these conditions? Additionally, some individuals who do not have a habit of masturbation also experience these issues.
Could the lack of masturbation lead to a loss of sexual drive?
5.
Middle-aged individuals often experience a decline in sexual function, even if their physical health is otherwise normal.
They may face issues such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
What methods can help restore sexual function in middle age to levels similar to those in youth?
Thank you for your assistance, Dr.
Hsu.

Xiao V, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/01/18

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello,
1.
Is masturbation good or bad? This question is subjective and has no standard answer.
Personally, I believe that since it is a private matter and does not affect others, it is better than committing crimes due to unfulfilled desires.
2.
What do you mean by moderation? The idea of relating it to age is actually an ancient or traditional Chinese medicine concept.
Western medicine does not have a notion of excessive indulgence.
Western medicine believes that as long as one has the physical capability, there is no limit to how many times one can masturbate in a day.
Regarding the connection to cancer, there is currently a hypothesis suggesting that infrequent ejaculation may lead to prolonged retention in the body, causing cellular or tissue changes that increase cancer risk.
I personally believe that having at least one ejaculation per week should help reduce this risk.
3.
Western medicine does not consider long-term masturbation to be related to premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.
At most, due to the different intensities of stimulation between masturbation and actual sexual intercourse, there may be variations in erection duration (generally, masturbation may lead to quicker ejaculation).
Many reports state that this is a misconception.
Traditional Chinese medicine claims that such behavior can lead to kidney deficiency and sexual dysfunction.
Which perspective is correct? There is no definitive answer, as both are based on different foundations.
For example, Western medicine attributes colds to pathogens, while traditional Chinese medicine attributes them to wind and cold.
Clinically, when you catch a cold, it is often due to changes in weather, and whether pathogens are involved is uncertain; traditional Chinese medicine believes it is due to the invasion of wind pathogens.
Essentially, if you believe in Western medicine, it can explain the origins of diseases and treat them based on symptoms; conversely, if you adopt a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, it can also satisfactorily explain the causes of diseases and effectively treat them based on its theories (such as the often misunderstood concepts of "yin and yang").
I personally believe both have their merits and are not necessarily wrong; it depends on which theory you subscribe to.
4.
Are young people today experiencing premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction? Clinically, this is not the case.
Among young people, only a few may experience temporary premature ejaculation when they first engage in sexual activity, but usually, after mutual learning, treatment is not necessary, and it improves over time.
There is no established relationship between masturbation and premature ejaculation; if there is any, it is mostly temporary.
5.
For middle-aged individuals, sexual function often declines.
What can be done to maintain sexual ability like that of youth? From what I have observed, middle-aged individuals cannot compare physically to younger people, and their sexual abilities, along with other aspects, tend to decline.
Unless they are among the few who exercise regularly, middle-aged individuals generally cannot outperform younger ones.
Note: In the Olympics, you rarely see athletes over 30; most peak around ages 18-25, especially in explosive sports like sprinting and swimming.
The few older athletes are typically in sports that require more skill and less physical exertion (like shooting).

Returning to sexual ability, there can be noticeable differences: middle-aged individuals may take longer to achieve an erection (due to experience and dulled sensations), but the rigidity may be insufficient, largely due to decreased cardiovascular function.
To achieve erections similar to those of younger individuals, middle-aged people should engage in more exercise, such as long-distance running or swimming.
Note: I personally believe it is advisable to avoid prolonged cycling or motorcycling, as hard or small seats can cause long-term pressure that easily affects sexual nerve function (symptoms like numbness in the buttocks indicate nerve compression).

If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai
Director, Urology Department
Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan

Reply Date: 2008/01/18

More Info

Masturbation is a topic that often elicits a wide range of opinions and beliefs, and understanding its impact on men's health requires a nuanced approach. Here, I will address your questions and provide insights based on current medical knowledge.

1. Is Masturbation Good or Bad?
Masturbation is generally considered a normal and healthy sexual activity. Research suggests that it can have several health benefits, including reducing the risk of prostate cancer. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that men who ejaculated more frequently (about 21 times a month) had a lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated less frequently. However, it is essential to note that moderation is key, as excessive masturbation can lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety for some individuals.

2. What is Considered Moderate?
"Moderate" masturbation varies from person to person and can depend on individual libido, physical health, and personal circumstances. There is no universally accepted frequency, but many health professionals suggest that masturbating a few times a week is typical and healthy for most men. It is crucial to listen to your body and understand what feels right for you.

3. Concerns About Early Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction
There is a common misconception that frequent masturbation leads to erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE). However, most medical experts agree that masturbation does not cause these conditions. Instead, psychological factors, such as anxiety or stress, often play a more significant role. In fact, some studies suggest that regular masturbation can help men learn about their bodies and improve sexual function. Traditional Chinese medicine may have different views, emphasizing the balance of bodily energies, but these beliefs are not universally accepted in Western medicine.

4. Addressing Early Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction
Early ejaculation and erectile dysfunction can affect men of all ages, and they are not solely linked to masturbation habits. Treatment options vary and can include behavioral techniques, counseling, and medications. For younger men experiencing these issues, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to explore the underlying causes and appropriate treatments. For those who do not masturbate and still experience these conditions, it may be due to anxiety, lack of sexual experience, or other psychological factors rather than a direct correlation with the absence of masturbation.

5. Maintaining Sexual Health in Middle Age
As men age, it is common for sexual function to change. Factors such as hormonal changes, health conditions, and lifestyle choices can impact sexual performance. To maintain sexual health, men can focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, open communication with partners and seeking professional help when needed can significantly improve sexual health and satisfaction.

In conclusion, masturbation is a normal part of human sexuality and can have health benefits when practiced in moderation. It is essential to approach the topic without stigma and to understand that individual experiences and health conditions can vary widely. If you have concerns about sexual health, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

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