Masturbation and Depression - An Overview

Introduction:

Masturbation is touching and stimulating the genitals for sexual pleasure. It is a familiar, healthy, and enjoyable sexual activity that provides sexual health benefits to many people. Sexual activity joys the person and releases tension. It plays an essential role in sexual development and is a part of healthy daily life. Unfortunately, some people may feel guilt and shame due to the social and cultural environment. It is normal, but people usually do it in private. People masturbate to relax, release sexual tension, and understand their bodies better. Masturbation is done when people do not have sex partners around. Men usually masturbate. Single and couples do this sexual activity. It is a way of having sex without the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Years ago, it was believed that masturbation could result in mental health problems. However, some studies prove that masturbation provides psychological and physical health benefits. Depression can affect the person feeling about sex and masturbation. It is more common in adolescents aged 14 to 17 years and older. The article is about the link between masturbation and depression, its effect on sexual life, benefits, side effects, and management.

Can Masturbation Cause Depression?

Masturbation is regular sexual activity. Many researchers highlight that masturbation provides multiple benefits to individuals, but it can cause negative implications for many individuals. Many individuals do masturbation for pleasure and fun. Some people describe sexual activity as an embarrassment and shame. There is no proof that masturbation can cause depression. People link masturbation to depression due to many religious and cultural beliefs. Due to social and cultural beliefs, there is a complicated relationship between masturbation with anxiety, stress, sadness, hormones, and depression.

Masturbation may feel bad because of the absence of a partner at that moment, affecting the person emotionally. The emotion includes sadness after any sexual activity. Orgasms are intense experiences that make a person feel full of emotions. The person who feels guilt may lead to psychological problems, which means masturbatory guilt is a type of mental illness. However, it is a false belief that masturbation can lead to depression. It is customary in every person's life; it can become a problem if they cannot maintain sexual behavior. According to a study done in 2018, 62 percent of males with depression were found to be with sexual dysfunction. Masturbation does not affect depression, but people with depression can reduce their sex drive, leading to a loss of interest in masturbation.

How Does Depression Affect Sex Life or Libido?

Depression negatively impacts the individual's mood, sleep, confidence, diet, and sex drive. It may cause a loss of interest in sexual activity and decrease the sex drive. However, some studies reveal that some people with depression highly desire sex, and some can maintain their sex drive. Older people with depressive episodes can cause sexual dysfunction. Specific medication for depression may reduce the libido in some people. Communication is essential with the partner in case of depression and affecting mental illness. They can find another way to enjoy sex. Hormonal changes may cause depression and decrease the sex drive. This can make people neglect their personal life, desire to exercise, eating habits, and sexual activity, including masturbation.

What Is the Impact of Pornography on Depression?

Some people use pornography to boost their sex life. For example, it is used as a tool for masturbation. However, low serotonin levels are the chemical imbalances that can link pornography to depression. Having an orgasm can release serotonin and make a person relax. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that supplies orgasm and depression. To produce more pleasurable results, a person needs more dopamine and stimulation. That is why pornography can make depression worse.

What Are the Benefits of Masturbation?

There is a relationship between masturbation and physical and mental health. In addition, there are multiple benefits of masturbation, including.

• Boosting Self-esteem: Masturbation improves an individual's self-esteem and body confidence.

• Increasing Sex Drive: Married females who masturbate have a higher sex drive than unmarried.

• Making it Easier to Orgasm: A person who masturbates pleasurably may find it easier to orgasm during sexual intercourse. Persons with orgasms while masturbating have greater sexual satisfaction.

• Lower The Risk Of Prostate Cancer: More ejaculation may lower the risk of prostate cancer.

• Improving Sleep: Masturbation can help a person to have an excellent sound sleep. During masturbation, the hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, prolactin, and endorphins may make the person relax and improve the rest.

• Relieve Stress: Masturbation may relieve stress and anxiety.

What Are the Side Effects of Masturbation?

Masturbation can cause physical and emotional side effects. People who put too much pressure on nerves and penis while masturbation may feel pain and erectile dysfunction (difficulty keeping an erection). Using lubrication can prevent the problem. Masturbation addiction is an issue because it will interfere with the person's daily activities. It can lead to skipping work, ignoring work, and avoiding responsibilities. Sexual activity harms a person's personal life. So medical treatment is needed to prevent the condition.

How Can Depression Be Managed?

Medical treatment can manage depression and its associated symptoms. The management steps are as follows:

• Write Down Feelings: A great way to express feelings is by writing down emotional thoughts. Online therapy apps and mood-tracking apps can help with the issue. It can manage the triggers and get in touch with emotions. In addition, live online therapy is cheaper than face-to-face therapy.

• Positive Thinking: The doctor can reassure the person that masturbation is normal.

• Stay in Touch With Family and Friends: When depressed, communication with family and friends is essential and helps the person to feel better.

• Exercise: Physical exercise, meditation, and yoga can relieve depression and anxiety. A fifteen minute walk can improve the mood.

• Taking Care of The Body: Adequate sleep and a balanced diet may help treat mental illness.

Conclusion:

Masturbation is normal, safe, and healthy sexual activity. It provides pleasure and fun to people. But unfortunately, some people feel guilt and shame because of masturbation. There is no link between masturbation with depression. However, due to anxiety, stress, and depression, some people masturbate. Masturbation relieves stress and depression by releasing dopamine. People who experience these feelings must talk to a doctor. The healthcare professional may help to cope with the feelings of depression through masturbation.