How Does Masturbation Impact Your Brain?

There are a lot of rumours about masturbation. Some say it causes blindness, lowers sperm count, leads to erectile dysfunction, or is a red flag in relationships. However, sexual health experts say these are all myths—if they were true, many would have shut down for good.

On the other hand, there is research indicating that there are no harmful physical effects of this solo time. In fact, masturbation is a completely normal and healthy sexual behaviour that triggers powerful changes in the brain. Through fMRI scans, researchers have identified the areas of the brain that respond when people are aroused, turned on, and experience orgasm.

Here Are Ways In Which Masturbation Impacts Brain

Masturbation Boosts Your Mood

When you masturbate, your brain floods your body with beneficial chemicals that enhance overall well-being, sex educators have said. A key player is dopamine—a chemical responsible for pleasure, satisfaction, and happiness. Low dopamine levels are linked to low energy, poor mood, and a general lack of motivation.

A Natural Stress and Anxiety Reliever

When aroused, activity in the brain's frontal cortex decreases, making it relaxed. Think of this as the area that drives decision-making. With this logical region dialled down, fear and anxiety lessen, promoting relaxation. At the same time, the hypothalamus releases oxytocin, the feel-good bonding hormone that enhances sexual arousal. Research shows that oxytocin acts as a protective buffer against cortisol—the stress hormone—by lowering its levels and reducing stress.

One of the Best Natural Painkillers

There are several research that show that masturbation, and often consequently orgasm, releases endorphins—hormones which create feelings of pleasure and well-being. Endorphins are known to control our response to stress, and ultimately work to improve our mood and calm us down. It had

Masturbation Can Induce Feelings Of Guilt And Shame

For some, masturbation can bring feelings of guilt and shame. Many grow up in cultures of 'slut-shaming,' making it hard for women especially to feel comfortable with the pleasure their bodies can provide. Similarly, research shows that men may experience anxiety over masturbation practices or frequency due to cultural, social, or familial influences. For these individuals, it helps to explore where these messages come from. Ultimately, these psychological barriers can make it difficult for them to fully embrace their body and pleasure.

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Porn Has Adverse Impact On Health

While masturbation is benficial to mental and physical health, watching porn, which is a realted activity, has an adverse impact on health. Psychologists, recently, developed a test to measure whether someone is watching too much porn. The scale was developed after there was significant evidence that watching too much can harm health. As reported in the DailyMail, problematic pornography use (PPU) is on the rise, and experts fear that it may lead to conditions like erectile dysfunction, anxiety, and depression, alongside withdrawal symptoms. This is why the experts have come up with a scale to detect PPU.

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