Masturbation is one of the most pleasurable activities in life, but masturbation addiction is another story; its effects go beyond the physical pain of a sore penis. Compulsive masturbation has an impact on penile health, mental health, and emotional/social health and should be addressed to ensure that the addicted masturbator can enjoy a better quality of life overall.
Typical masturbation is good.
Many men become tense and stressed at the thought of a masturbation addiction. Perhaps because the culture has historically denigrated masturbation, men (and women) often have some feelings of guilt about the act of masturbating. As a result, a man who masturbates regularly may conclude that he might be addicted simply because he enjoys masturbation and engages in it with a frequency that he fears is unacceptable.
In fact, what might be called “normal” masturbation is actually good for a man. By stimulating the penis, a man learns what strokes and touches feel particularly good and what may be less welcome, and he can use this knowledge when he is with a partner to provide a more satisfying experience. Additionally, an orgasm tends to make a man feel more relaxed and comfortable, relieving stress and tension that may have built up to unhealthy levels prior to the masturbatory experience. Finally, some studies have indicated that men who ejaculate frequently (either through partnered sex or solo activities) are less likely to develop prostate problems as they age.
How does a man know if he is addicted?
Determining if a man is an addicted masturbator can be challenging. One of the main reasons for this is that sexual urges can vary greatly from man to man, as can each man’s rate of masturbatory activity.
To determine addictive behavior, it is necessary to go beyond counting the number of acts and look at what is happening inside the person. Here are some typical signs that may indicate a masturbation addiction:
1) There is a lack of control. Sexual fantasies and urges are common to any man and occur frequently throughout the day; however, most men can reject them when they occur at inopportune times. The compulsive masturbator struggles with this a lot and most of the time loses the battle. If a man often finds himself unable to complete tasks without taking a break to masturbate, he may be engaging in compulsive behavior.
2) You want masturbation more than sex with a partner. Every man is sometimes more in the mood for a “personal session” than a couple encounter, but when solo sexual activity is always the preferred option, addiction may be indicated.
3) Relationships and contact are problematic. A compulsive masturbator often has difficulty maintaining close contact with other people. A compulsive masturbator often gives up opportunities to be with other people in order to play with himself.
4) The experience is not necessarily pleasant. This is one of the key signs of compulsive behavior: if a man caresses himself without getting pleasure from it.
5) It hurts. Men who masturbate continuously, even with a raw or sore penis, may be acting out compulsively. (Many men can do this on occasion; it’s when it’s an ongoing issue that addiction can be a problem.)
6) You just can’t stop.
Men who believe they may have a masturbation addiction should consult a psychotherapist or psychologist to begin the process of understanding the addiction and determining strategies to overcome it. A life free of compulsive behaviors is ultimately a healthier and happier life.
A man doesn’t have to be a compulsive masturbator to make his penis hurt; even “typical” masturbation or sexual activity can create penile discomfort. Use a superior nourishing cream for the penis (health professionals recommendMan 1 Man Oil) can help soothe and reinvigorate an overworked tool. The right cream will include quality moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E to relieve penis pain. For best penile care, a man should select a cream that includes alpha lipoic acid, as this top-tier antioxidant can help prevent premature aging of penile cells.