Can Masturbation Cause ED? The Masturbation-Erectile Dysfunction Link

The majority of men masturbate at least once a month. In fact, a recent survey found that over 80% of men masturbate at least weekly. It’s a simple and natural act of sexual health that has been practiced by millions of people for thousands of years.

But, can masturbation cause erectile dysfunction (ED)? The short answer is: Not really.

The truth is, after masturbation, most men have trouble getting an erection, but this is not due to ED. This is known as the male refractory period and is completely separate from erectile dysfunction.

Masturbation causing erectile dysfunction is a common myth. It is rooted in some degree of truth due to people confusing this refractory period after sexual contact with lack of sexual desire after ejaculation.

What is the male refractory period?

After something called the resolution stage, which is where you orgasm, there is a period where a guy cannot get an erection. This is called the refractory phase.

During this time, a person is physiologically unable to have intercourse again.

The length of the refractory phase varies from man to man. It might take a half-hour or more for his body to resume sexual activity.

Healthy young men in the peak of their sexual health may just require a few minutes of recovery time, while older men often have a longer refractory period than younger men, which can range from 12 to 24 hours, possibly even longer if there are other factors to manage.

Whether you've had sex with a male or female partner or you masturbated, the refractory phase kicks in and you'll need a break for a while before you can get or maintain an erection.

According to the research

Peer-reviewed studies have investigated a possible link between masturbation and ED. A study looked at the situation of a guy who claimed that his masturbation practices were causing him to be unable to get an erection and consummate his marriage, nearly leading to divorce. He felt extremely guilty over masturbating.

Eventually, he was diagnosed with severe depressive illness. With the help of sexual education and marital counseling, the couple was able to develop a sexual connection within a few months.

According to some studies by various medical associations including the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, masturbating to internet porn or other forms of pornography might contribute to erectile dysfunction. That's because psychological factors associated with masturbation can desensitize you to specific visuals, as well as physical contact and attraction to your partner.

Watching porn has been researched for its neurological consequences on self-esteem, performance anxiety, compulsive sexual behavior, and other emotional factors relating to sexual dysfunction.

However, not all evidence found that watching porn may worsen sexual health or sexual performance and lead to ED.

Communication may reduce ED

Another study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine looked at males and couples who went through behavioral treatment to increase their communication and comprehension of their partners' sexual behaviors.

The study also looked at sexual cue reactivity (psychological responses such as increased desire that occur when exposed to sexual stimuli).

By the end of the research, individuals reported fewer complaints regarding ED. Though masturbation impacts were not included in the study, it does demonstrate that increased communication between spouses might aid in the treatment of ED.

Can an excessive sex life cause erectile dysfunction?

It has been found that masturbation in itself does not put you at a higher risk for ED. Masturbation is practiced by 78 percent of adults worldwide, including 96 percent of British males, 93 percent of German men, and 92 percent of American men.

If masturbation caused erectile dysfunction as is the common belief, humankind would be nearing extinction by now.

Other masturbation myths include the false belief that it causes hairy palms. It also doesn't change your physical appearance in a negative way or give you a more youthful appearance.

Masturbation can even have some health benefits that improve the performance and pleasure in between the sheets. Although masturbation is mostly helpful, it's worth noting that men's testosterone levels can improve in a few weeks by stopping masturbation.

The health benefits of masturbation

So far, no studies have shown masturbation can cause ED. However, there are some studies showing actual health benefits to masturbation. In fact, masturbation is used to treat health conditions including premature ejaculation, stress, and sexual performance anxiety. It also can improve concentration and lead to better sleep.

However, in some cases, vigorous masturbation can lead to Peyronie’s disease (a curved penis) due to injury to the penis and scar tissue. This can contribute to ED.

What causes ED?

Among older people, the likelihood of being affected by ED increases significantly due to a variety of potential medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or things like long-term cigarette use. If that's the case, work with your doctor to treat high blood pressure and heart disease and quit smoking.

Around 40 percent of men over 70 are at risk of ED. However, men of any age can develop erectile dysfunction.

Although age may be considered a defining characteristic, there are many factors contributing to ED to a greater extent than one can imagine.

Factors that might contribute to ED in young men include:

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Depression

• post-traumatic stress disorder

• bipolar disorder or drugs for these disorders

• being overweight

• sleeplessness or lack of sleep

• urinary tract issues

• spinal cord injury

• multiple sclerosis, or spina bifida

• Having a high-stress employment

• relationship causes

• stress

• performance anxiety

• Other psychological causes or health conditions not listed

Is porn causing erectile dysfunction?

There is no clear scientific evidence that porn in and of itself causes ED.

However, other currently published studies show that behaviors and psychological risk factors resulting from too much porn and excessive masturbation can cause sexual dysfunction and even ED.

If pornographic behavior is considered problematic and interferes with your ability to perform sexually or threatens to negatively affect your erections, then it's better to stop pornography for an extended time. It's not always necessary to break out of viewing pornography or masturbation completely.

Other common causes of ED (besides porn)

While porn may contribute to erectile disorders in older males, it's not necessarily a major cause. Multiple underlying factors may cause erectile dysfunction.

A healthy erection depends in part on the strength of the heart and blood flow. Upon sexual stimulation your brain and nervous system relax, allowing your body to receive oxygen.

A fibrous membrane called tunica albuginea traps blood in the genital area and allowing blood flow into the erection, which affects the erection quality, allowing you to stay strong in sexual interactions.

Does masturbating Cause ED?

Masturbation in and of itself does not have a strong correlation to erectile dysfunction. If you can successfully masturbate, you do not have ED. However, if you successfully masturbate, but are unable to take sex to completion with a partner, then you may have psychological ED or performance anxiety.

If you have a proper technique, masturbation does not damage your pénis or interfere with sexual activity. This myth of masturbation causing depression or edema appears to be an old wife tale. There is no evidence supporting this claim.

Does masturbating reduce sexual performance or sexual function?

Unless you are trying to have sex immediately after masturbating, no, masturbation will not make it more difficult to obtain or keep an erection or have an orgasm.

Masturbation, according to some guys, helps them last longer when having sex with a partner, especially in younger men. Masturbation by itself, on the other hand, has no health hazards. While it is possible to cause injury to yourself through excessive masturbation, this is a rare occurrence.

Masturbation, in fact, may be beneficial both psychologically and physically. It's one of the most effective methods for us to learn about our own sexuality. It may help us discover what we like and dislike, as well as how to last longer, making sex with a partner a lot more pleasant.

People who are confident in their bodies, sex, and masturbation are more likely to avoid sexually transmitted illnesses and unwanted pregnancy.

How to Prevent ED?

A man's lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk factors for erectile problems. Key lifestyle changes to take include regular exercise, getting enough sleep, a healthy diet, and lowering your stress level.

If you suspect you are suffering from erectile dysfunction you can contact your medical provider. You will receive specialized treatment and diagnostics for ED symptoms.

Treatment options for ED

ED is a normal part of life for most men at some point. Often it is a temporary problem that resolves itself in days or weeks or when you treat ED.

However, if you have a problem getting an erection for a longer period, you may want to talk to your doctor about ED treatment in the form of medications, a penis pump, or Li-ESWT (Shockwave therapy), which can help you get and maintain an erection. Surgery is used for ED treatments in extreme cases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Masturbation and ED

Do I have ED if I can get myself hard?

If you're able to have an erection when you masturbate but not when you're having sex with a partner, then there may be psychological factors that are causing your ED. You may be worried about how you're going to perform in bed or have low self-esteem. Visiting a therapist can help you resolve those issues.

Is masturbation bad for you?

Masturbation is not usually bad for you and does not cause erectile dysfunction. However, it is possible to masturbate hard enough to injure yourself, which can cause ED, at least temporarily. Masturbating while watching porn may also lead to erectile dysfunction. Masturbation actually can have some health benefits, including improving premature ejaculation, helping you feel more calm and relaxed, and reducing performance anxiety. It also can help your concentration and lead to better sleep.