Is Masturbation Responsible for Causing Erectile Dysfunction?

Is Masturbation Responsible for Causing Erectile Dysfunction?
Manoj Kumar Published : Feb 04, 2024 Last Updated : Feb 07, 2024

Being a man, do you also wonder if your masturbation habits cause erectile dysfunction problems?

Well, this is a very common concern now but masturbation is a safe and healthy activity for several men.

Healthy masturbation habits do not have any negative impact on erectile dysfunction.

Not only this, but men must always feel comfortable while engaging in this activity.

A number of people believe that masturbation can be a main cause of erectile dysfunction, but this is a myth.

When men have difficulty achieving or keeping an erection during sexual activity, it is known as erectile dysfunction.

Remember masturbation is natural and never affects the quality or occurrence of your erections.

Most men suffer from ED due to various health complications like diabetes, heart disease, insomnia, depression, or medicines.

These conditions further make it difficult to get an erection in any circumstance.

However, some men suffer from ED due to performance anxiety, stress, or relationship issues.

This makes it hard for a man to get aroused enough with a partner during sexual intercourse.

Though, you might be able to keep an erection easily if you masturbate.

Can masturbating cause ED?

The short answer to this question is, No.

When proper technique is used, masturbating is not responsible for damaging male sexual organ.

Also, it will not stop you from being able to perform sexual activity. In fact, it offers some amazing health benefits.

You need to understand that masturbation by itself is not linked to erectile dysfunction condition.

There is no evidence that regular masturbation can lead to an inability to maintain an erection for satisfying sexual activity.

Masturbation can boost your feel-good hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin.

These hormones further boost your mood and decrease stress levels to a great extent.

Masturbation also activates your floor muscles which further improve your sexual function and offer sexual pleasure.

Can masturbating too much cause erectile dysfunction?

Usually no, but too much masturbation or pornography usage can create a situation where it takes more stimulation to help a man with orgasm.

This can be fixed quickly by simply decreasing time spent on pornography or masturbation.

In some situations, masturbating roughly or without lubrication can cause dulling of your senses.

Death grip is a condition when male sexual organ is overexposed to rough hand movements and does not get vibrations during normal intercourse.

Sometimes, a death grip can influence erectile dysfunction and get reversed by masturbating less or by utilizing gentle methods with enough lubrication.

Orgasming from masturbation several times a day can make you less stimulated when with your partner.

It is important to understand that every man has a distinctive refractory period.

Refractory period means time taken to get stimulated again after an orgasm. Make sure you know what your limit is.

In case, you worry about erectile dysfunction from masturbation then hold off on masturbation when you expect a sexual encounter on same day.

This will help your body to be more approachable and get ready for intercourse naturally without feeling tired from a prior orgasm.

As a man, you might require only 15 to 30 minutes to get ready for experiencing another orgasm.

On other hand, some can take 12 or 24 hours. It is an individual thing that depends upon various factors including:

  • Diet
  • Age
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Fitness level
  • Hydration
  • Sleep routine

What causes erectile dysfunction?

There are numerous factors that cause erectile dysfunction. Some of main causes of erectile dysfunction are stated below:

Tobacco and alcohol

Both tobacco and alcohol can affect your cardiovascular system negatively, lead to weak erections and cause ED when used too often.

Stress and anxiety

Sexual activity is extremely mental and both anxiety and stress can have an influence on erectile dysfunction if there is any hesitation for sexual intercourse.

Obesity

Another factor that contributes to erectile dysfunction is obesity as it affects blood flow & circulatory system in your body.

High or low blood pressure & high cholesterol levels

When your cholesterol or blood pressure is above normal range then you are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. 

Depression

Depression often leads to anhedonia which is a loss of desire or pleasure.

Men suffering from depression often have more chance of finding difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection.

How to prevent erectile dysfunction condition?

By making little lifestyle changes, a man can easily reduce his risk of suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Some important changes to prevent erectile dysfunction include:

  • Quit alcohol consumption
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products
  • Lose excess weight

Just in case, any of your underlying health condition is causing ED then consult your doctor immediately.

Therefore, masturbating does not cause ED instead, it can be a beneficial activity for a man’s sexual life.