Does Masturbation Affect Muscle Growth? Does masturbation amount to cheating? These are a few of the commonly googled questions on masturbation.

What is Masturbation?

Masturbation is a word that can single-handedly make an entire generation uncomfortable. It is weird almost that an activity that is so natural is also something that is quite a taboo in our society. So today, let us talk about this “uncomfortable” phenomenon and debunk the myths associated with it.

So the first question is, what is masturbation? Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm (sexual climax). In simple words, masturbation is the act of pleasuring oneself.

Why masturbate?

So, why do people masturbate? In case you are wondering why do people masturbate, let us help you with it.

1. Masturbation feels good

The most simple for masturbation is the fact that it feels good.  Even before puberty, children sometimes discover that touching their genitals feels good. People usually masturbate to achieve orgasm which releases the hormone dopamine in our body which is often called the “feel good” hormone. So orgasm usually accompanies a happy feeling and that can be achieved both via sex and masturbation.

2. Releasing sexual tension

Masturbation is a great way to release sexual tension. The human body has sexual needs and one doesn’t always have a partner to fulfill those needs and in such scenarios masturbation becomes a great way to release the sexual tension that gets built up. However, this doesn’t mean that only people without sexual partners masturbate. Masturbation is fairly common among committed and married people as well.

3. Exploring one own’s body

Before expecting somebody else to fulfill your sexual needs, one must know one own’s body. And the best way to do so is via masturbation. Masturbation helps you to figure out what you like and don’t like. What are the things that excite you the most and this forms a healthy basis for a happy sexual life with your partner in the future?

As the saying goes, 90% of the world population masturbates and the rest 10% are lying. However, the taboo around the subject has led us to have questions and doubts like- ” does masturbation affect muscle growth?”. Read on to find out the truth about this commonly asked question and also about other myths that are associated with masturbation.

Does Masturbation Affect Muscle Growth?

Despite masturbation being so common, there are several myths and doubts associate with it. The first one is, does masturbation affect muscle growth? The simple answer to this question is -NO. Now, why does this question come up? The general argument surrounding this concept often involves the idea that through masturbation you will ejaculate. As a consequence, you will expel semen. Now some people believe that semen contains certain hormones, specifically testosterone, which is a primary hormone required for growth.

 There is some evidence that indicates that testosterone levels may rise during masturbation. However,  ejaculation, which is the result of masturbation, does not significantly affect the levels of testosterone.

It is important to note that the semen ejaculated after masturbation is not the primary source of testosterone. This indicates that masturbation and ejaculation do not reduce testosterone levels. Which means that it won’t have any effect on your muscle building as well. So you can sit back and relax.

Other Myths Regarding Masturbation 

Apart from the doubt of “Does masturbation affect muscle growth” there are several other myths associated with masturbation. Let us debunk them for you one  by one

1. People in Relationships Don’t Masturbate

Reality: “People masturbate whether they are in a relationship or single,” says Justine Marie Shuey, Ph.D., a board-certified sexologist in Philadelphia. “Some get jealous when their partners masturbate because they feel it’s cheating, or that their partner is masturbating because they aren’t good enough [in bed]. But it’s important to understand that people have different levels of sexual desire — all are healthy and normal, and some involve masturbation.”

2. Excessive Masturbation Can Lead to Erectile Dysfunction

Reality: “Erectile dysfunction does not result from masturbation,” Dr. Spadt says. “What can happen with either men or women is you masturbate frequently and become used to a certain touch, whether its vibration or your hand.” Because of this, she says, “You may become habituated to that sensation and find it more difficult to have an orgasm with your partner.”

3. Masturbation makes you go blind.

Reality: Masturbation cannot make you blind. Studies conducted on this point of contention haven’t been able to find a link between masturbation and blindness. On the contrary, these researches have gone on to reveal that individuals who masturbate 4 times daily or more for years haven’t been found to suffer from any diseases attributed to masturbation, including blindness.

4. Masturbation Is Not a Normal Part of Sexual Development

Reality: A study published in JAMA Pediatrics that involved more than 800 teenagers ages 14 to 17 found that 74 percent of boys, and more than 48 percent of girls, masturbate — and that’s a good thing, according to Dr. Shuey. “It’s totally healthy for people of all ages to masturbate,” she says.

5. Masturbation doesn’t provide any long term health benefits.

Reality: Many experts believe that masturbation can be good for your health. Some of the health benefits that it provides include improved concentration levels and better sleep. It also helps in relieving stress and headaches as your body releases endorphins (brain chemicals), which give you a sense of well-being. Apart from that, masturbating regularly ensures better fitness levels and a youthful appearance in men.

 6. People Only Masturbate When They’re Alone

Reality: “Some people masturbate together, and they incorporate masturbation into their sexual repertoires,” says Spadt. Some couples enjoy watching each other masturbate, and some like to masturbate themselves to orgasm after other forms of sexual contact. Mutual masturbation is also a great way to have safe sex and prevent unwanted pregnancy.

However, there is always a point where one needs to draw a line. According to the American Psychological Association, you should stop masturbating if it affects your daily life; causes emotional problems or physical soreness; disrupts your relationship with your partner or makes you unable to have orgasms from the stimulation that you experience with your partner.

However, having said that there is no ” one size fits all” formula for how much one should masturbate. The frequency of masturbating can vary from individual to individual. If you masturbate a number of times in a day and still lead a healthy and satisfying life, you have nothing to worry about.

We all live in the 21st century where we have access to most sophisticated forms of technology. So, it is about time we stop having such irrational doubts like Does Masturbation Affect Muscle Growth”. Instead, we should educate our selves and be better-informed Millenials. Several shows are coming up to dispell the darkness that surrounds the entire concept of “sex”. The existence of such irrational beliefs and myths goes on to show how badly does our society especially Indian society needs sex education. Although in contemporary times more and more people are coming out to talk about sex, it must be seen that it penetrates through all layers of society.

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