the Impact of Excessive Masturbation on Urinary Health

Excessive masturbation

Since I was in the second year of high school, I developed a habit of masturbation, doing it about 4-6 times a week, and on weekends, twice a day.
Later on, I began to experience symptoms such as difficulty urinating and frequent urination.
Initially, when I sought medical advice, the doctor suspected it was due to excessive stress causing a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, leading to frequent urination.
A bladder examination confirmed there were no issues.
This phenomenon has troubled me until now.
Although that period in high school was peak, I gradually adapted to this situation.
However, during a visit to the urology department for an ultrasound, I discovered that I had benign prostatic hyperplasia, similar to that of an elderly person.
At that time, the doctor prescribed me a medication to alleviate the symptoms.
Since it is benign and can fluctuate, it may shrink on its own.
It was only then that I realized that masturbation was the main cause of all this.
The frequency remained the same, but during long holidays or summer/winter breaks, it could increase to 1-2 times a day.
What should I do to improve my health, or how can I quit this habit and regain a better quality of life?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/04/12

Dr. Lin Wenxu reply Urology

It is recommended to engage in more outdoor activities to distract yourself and avoid excessive masturbation.
If you are unable to reduce the urge and frequency of masturbation, consider seeking psychological counseling from a psychiatrist.

Reply Date: 2015/04/12

More Info

Excessive masturbation, particularly when it becomes a compulsive behavior, can have various effects on urinary health and overall well-being. While masturbation itself is a normal sexual activity, excessive frequency can lead to physical and psychological issues, including urinary problems.

From your description, it seems that you began experiencing urinary difficulties, such as frequency and difficulty urinating, around the same time you developed a habit of frequent masturbation. It's important to note that while masturbation itself is not directly linked to urinary issues, the psychological and physical stress associated with compulsive behaviors can manifest in various ways, including urinary symptoms.

Understanding the Connection
1. Psychological Factors: Stress and anxiety can significantly impact urinary health. The pressure you felt during high school, combined with the compulsive nature of your behavior, may have contributed to a state of hyperarousal in your nervous system. This can lead to symptoms like frequent urination and difficulty initiating urination, as the body may be in a constant state of fight-or-flight response.

2. Prostate Health: You mentioned that you were diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is common in older men but can occur in younger individuals as well. BPH can lead to urinary symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and difficulty starting urination. While masturbation does not cause BPH, excessive sexual activity can sometimes exacerbate existing symptoms due to increased pelvic floor tension or irritation.

3. Physical Effects: Frequent masturbation can lead to physical discomfort or irritation in the genital area, which might be misinterpreted as urinary issues. Additionally, if the pelvic floor muscles are tense due to excessive sexual activity, this can contribute to urinary difficulties.

Steps to Improve Your Health
1. Moderation: Consider reducing the frequency of masturbation. Aim for a balance that feels healthy for you. This may involve setting limits on how often you engage in the behavior and finding alternative activities to occupy your time.

2. Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate urinary symptoms, incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can be beneficial. These practices can help calm your nervous system and may alleviate some of the urinary issues you are experiencing.

3. Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles through exercises like Kegels can improve urinary function. These exercises can help you gain better control over your bladder and reduce symptoms of urgency and frequency.

4. Consult a Specialist: If you continue to experience urinary difficulties, it may be helpful to consult a urologist or a pelvic floor specialist. They can provide targeted therapies and interventions that address both the physical and psychological aspects of your symptoms.

5. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity can improve overall health and potentially alleviate urinary symptoms. Avoiding irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods may also help.

6. Seek Support: If you find it challenging to manage your masturbation habits on your own, consider speaking with a mental health professional. They can help you explore the underlying issues contributing to your behavior and develop healthier coping strategies.

Conclusion
While excessive masturbation may not directly cause urinary problems, the associated psychological and physical stress can lead to symptoms that affect your quality of life. By adopting a more balanced approach to your sexual health, managing stress, and seeking professional guidance, you can work towards improving your urinary health and overall well-being. Remember, it's important to be patient with yourself as you navigate these changes, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

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