Masturbation is a natural process in the sexuality of humans and is defined as the action where a person's or his own sexual organs are stimulated, through caresses or otherwise, to provide or obtain sexual pleasure, that is, it is the action of seeking sexual satisfaction to himself or another. Sexuality is a wide world, full of practices, self-knowledge and wealth. Masturbation is part of that world and provides many benefits. There have been many myths that have been generated around it, but reality is far from these false claims. Some benefits (physical and psychological) of masturbation are: Clinical research has been able to show that masturbation is beneficial both physically and psychologically and is, in fact, widely used as a technique in sexual and partner therapy. Some of its benefits are:
Physical
It causes an analgesic effect and can help with menstrual pains by causing a deflation of the genital area.
It allows to maintain a healthy state of the genitals, as it helps to maintain good lubrication in the case of women, and a good reflection of erection and ejaculation in the case of men.
Some studies indicate that masturbating helps strengthen the immune system and prevents infections, due to higher levels of immunoglobin A that can be observed in people who get more orgasms.
Psychological
It helps to improvesleep, especially in the case of men, due to the release of Serotonin and opioids.
It has a relaxing effect and a sense of well-being, helping to release both sexual, physiological and psychological tensions.
It helps to explore and learn about sexuality itself, promoting positive attitudes towards sex and genitalia, and being able to improve sexual functioning in the partner.
On the other hand, masturbation is not a selfish, immoral or exclusive act of single people. Anyone can masturbate whether they have a partner, or not and regardless of the sexual condition, masturbation is healthy. Masturbation, in addition to giving us pleasure, also serves to know and learn about our bodies, what we like and what excites us and what we do not. The problem comes when this practice is carried out continuously, and can occur several times on the same day (with a few hours in between) or within a few days. It involves recurrent (obsessive) thoughts that are faced by compulsive masturbation. Pathological behavior is considered, when masturbation is preferred, rather than normal sexual intercourse or performed compulsively. However, masturbation occurs as with alcohol. One or two glasses of wine a day may be beneficial, but if a person consumes a daily bottle they may end up having stomach pain, problems in their daily life and may even develop alcoholism. What is compulsive masturbation? It is that masturbation behavior that becomes an activity independent of sexual pleasure, that is, that goes beyond the frequency, intensity and duration of masturbation and generates problems in how we relate to the environment. To establish whether it is a compulsive or pathological act, the most relevant criterion is that the person focuses only on the desire or action of masturbation and there is an inability to prevent, control and interrupt that behavior which cause significant discomfort and social or work deterioration. We talk about compulsive masturbation, when there is a loss of freedom on the part of the affected person (who resorts to his sexual behaviors without being able to avoid them), when there is craving and recurring fantasies/thoughts, when he becomes the center of his life and poses a serious interference in his daily life (emotional discomfort and negative consequences). The compulsive masturbator is like an alcoholic characterized by hypersexuality that, when not satiated, is permanently present in the individual. He is not interested in tenderness, nor warmth in the intimate relationship and manifests a loss of control. Dependence on sex, in this case through masturbation, is also accompanied by withdrawal syndrome, characterizedby nervousness, irritability, anxiety, headaches, tremors and insomnia. Compulsive masturbation is often more common in men than in women and has high comorability with other psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or attention deficit and hyperactivity (ADHD). Some people may have a basic psychiatric disorder, but in milder cases, masturbation is used to lower anxiety levels. As for age, there is no relevant data to determine when masturbation is or is not a compulsive act, although it is true that young people are often more prone to this practice. Excess masturbation may be associated with central nervous system disturbances or endocrinopathies; fortunately these are very rare. Men can have local consequences of over-masturbation that are often a topic of consultation with a urologist. It is essential that any genital injury is valued by the specialist, as there is a risk of overlooking an injury of greater clinical relevance. How do you know if it's pathological? It is important to establish a gradient that can range from excessive sexual behavior (that the person has the feeling that he masturbates too much), until it can be considered a hypersexual disorder. The person should detect that this is a case of pathological masturbation, when there is a component of uncontrollability or if it interferes with partner, labor or social relationships, for example; if the person prefers to stay at home and isolate themselves, rather than stay with their partner, have sex with them or prefer to masturbate than go out with friends or if they are absent from work to masturbate. Masturbating becomes a necessity, and the addicted person does not have enough power to control it and/or avoid masturbating. It may be the case that the person distances himself from sexual intercourse and prefers self-erotic and self-stimulation practices. Masturbating fast, for the sole purpose of ejaculating to vent, causes a loss of sexual energy, also affecting the neurysiological circuits involved in the male sexual response. Thus, when man has a sexual encounter with another person he may be conditioned by the habit of compulsive masturbation, thus tending to ejaculate quickly to obtain an immediate pleasure that "desahogues" him. What leads to the search for sexual intercourse is more relief than seeking well-being or pleasure. Sex becomes a remedy to reduce emotional discomfort. How do I know if I have an addiction problem? You probably have a masturbation addiction problem, if:
It has increased in frequency or quantity over time...
You have had physical, psychological, legal or labor consequences...
It's a big part of family or couple discussions...
It takes a lot of your time and your money...
You try to hide the consequences or lie...
You've tried to quit several times and you couldn't.
You say "it will only be one more time" and you end up doing it more times...
It leads you to commit irresponsibility ...
Masturbation addiction is known as a "process" addiction, euphoric or stimulating feeling, it comes from chemicals released into the brain, rather than an external source. As the mind becomes accustomed to the release of these chemicals, it looks for continuous resources to obtain such stimulation. The act must be repeated to reduce or nullify a psychic tension produced. People masturbate to lower their anxiety level, as do those who take medication, or turn to tobacco, alcohol or other drugs and behaviors. It consists of stereotypical behaviors that are beyond the control of the subject, interfering in his daily life and that he cannot fail to practice despite the negative aspects involved such as: feelings of guilt, decreased self-esteem, breakup of partner, damage caused to the family, legal problems, financial problems or threat of job loss, and even suicide attempts. Thoughts and behaviors are increasingly taking up space in the lives of affected people, which can lead to neglect of their physical appearance and health, as well as social, work or family activities. Characteristics of an addiction
Inability to maintain abstinence
Impairment in behavioral control
Difficulty coping with significant problems
Tendency to isolation in social and personal relationships
Dysfunctional or exaggerated emotional reactions
Physical indicators of compulsive masturbation
Foreskin irritations
Pain in the penis in the case of men and in the case of women discomfort accused in the vulva, on the outside of the clitoris or inside the vagina
Tiredness or fatigue in general, not just on a sexual level."
Injuries caused by compulsive masturbation
Penile injury: there are prepucial brace injuries. The brace is the part of skin just below the meate and glans, which can sometimes be very short and tear or bleed during masturbation.
Bleeding: This is usually very striking since the frenular artery passes through this anatomical site. Once the bleeding is controlled by the urologist in the ER, the definitive treatment will be to perform a frenulectomia or frenuloplasty to avoid consequential injuries.
Lymphedema: is a buildup of lymph fluid in tissues.
Cuts and/or abrasions: can be controlled conservatively with topical treatment and rest.
After excessive masturbation, drainage of lymph fluid may be affected and cause significant inflammation at the end of the foreskin and glans. Treatment is usually with rest and local pressure application. The penile tissue has a great capacity for rapid regeneration. However, these lesions may look similar to a sexually transmitted infection, so the urologist will need to assess them strictly again. There is a group of patients who are at risk of developing injuries with greater severity or even life risk. This is the case for poorly controlled diabetics or patients with immunosuppression (transplants, chemotherapy). These patients, having their immune system depressed, have an increased risk that any injury can progress rapidly towards a fulminant gangrene that requires admission and surgery. Over masturbation can have consequences, which are usually local. Urological assessment is essential to rule out neurological alterations than or injuries of greater clinical importance. Causes Although the causes of compulsive sexual behavior are uncertain, they may include:
An imbalance of the brain's natural chemicals: certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, help regulate mood. These elevated levels may be related to compulsive sexual behavior.
Changes in the brain pathways: Compulsive sexual behavior is an addiction that, over time, could cause changes in the brain's neural circuits, especially in brain reinforcement centers. As with other addictions, more intensive sexual content and stimulation is often needed over time for satisfaction or relief.
Disorders that affect the brain: Certain diseases or health problems, such as epilepsy and dementia, can cause damage to parts of the brain that control sexual behavior. In addition, treating Parkinson's disease with some dopamine agonist medications can cause compulsive sexual behavior.
Risk factors Compulsive sexual behavior can occur in both men and women, although it is more common in men and women. It can also affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation. Factors that may increase your risk of compulsive sexual behavior include:
Ease of access to sexual content: Technological and social media advances allow access to an increasing amount of information and images of intense sexual content.
Privacy: Discretion and privacy of compulsive sexual activities tend to allow these issues to get worse over time.
In addition, an increased risk of compulsive sexual behavior may occur in people with the following characteristics:
Drug or alcohol abuse problems
Another mental health condition, such as mood disorder (depression or anxiety) or gambling addiction
Family conflicts or family members with problems, such as addiction
A history of sexual abuse or physical abuse
Prevention Because the causes of compulsive sexual behavior are not known, it is unclear how it can be prevented, but there are a few ways to keep this behavior under control:
Seek help early for sexual behavior problems: Identifying and treating early symptoms can help prevent compulsive sexual behavior from getting worse over time or becoming a spiral of shame, relationship problems, and hurting acts.
Seek treatment early for mental health disorders: Compulsive sexual behavior can get worse with depression or anxiety.
Identifying alcoholism and drug abuse problems, and seeking help: Substance abuse can lead to loss of control and sadness, and can lead you not to think clearly and to have unhealthy sexual behavior.
Avoid risky situations: Don't jeopardize your or others' health by exposing yourself to situations where you'll be tempted to engage in risky sexual practices.
Consequences of compulsive masturbation
Psychological complications and feelings of guilt and helplessness due to the impossibility of leaving this vice.
Social isolation: many addicted people decrease their social activity (with their partner, family or friends), by spending hours masturbating. Even some break the pockets of their pants to masturbate constantly even on the street.
Problems with loving relationships: these types of people have a dissociated view of the reality of sex life as a couple, so they do NOT manage to satisfy themselves through normal sexuality as a couple, nor do they manage to satisfy their companions.
Financial waste: many of the people addicted to masturbation accompany their vice with other vices (pornography, sex, paid, night outs, and even with other vices such as alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs, with the consequent economic burdens that this means).
Venereal diseases caused by a disordered sex life (genital or oral herpes, human papilloma in genitals or mouth, HIV, etc.).
Fatigue syndrome, dizziness and physical exhaustion, caused by body weakness: this can influence daily activities such as work, study, social activities, family.
Food disorders: increased appetite for carbohydrates (starch-rich foods), due to lack of Serotonin.
Premature hair loss and discoloration of the beautiful on the head and face (in the case of men).
Short breathing and irregular heart rate.
Risk of myocardial infarction in middle-aged adults.
Nose bleeding: this is due to increased pressure during the process and calcium loss,
White dots on the nails or violet by zinc deficiency. White spots in the body or body outbreak from a lack of vitamins. Dark circles and sensitivity to light.
Ringing in the ears.
Urinary incontinence
Bowel incontinence
Digestive disorders due to parasympathetic weakness
When to see the doctor? Seek help if you feel you've lost control of your sexual behavior, especially if your behavior causes problems for you or others. Compulsive sexual behavior often gets worse over time, so seek help as soon as you recognize that there may be a problem. When deciding if you want to seek professional help, you should ask yourself the following:
Can I control my sexual impulses?
Do my sexual behaviors make me anxious?
Does my sexual behavior damage my relationships, affect my work, or have negative consequences, such as being stopped?
Am I trying to hide my sexual behavior?
Seeking help for compulsive sexual behavior can be difficult because it is a very personal matter. Try the following:
Put aside guilt and shame, and focus on the benefits of getting treatment.
Remember that you are not alone; many people struggle with compulsive sexual behavior. Sexual health professionals are trained to be understanding and discreet. However, not all mental health professionals have expertise in the treatment of compulsive sexual behavior; therefore, be sure to find a competent therapist in the area.
Keep in mind that what you're talking to a doctor or mental health professional is confidential, except if you report that you're going to hurt or hurt someone else, a child's sexual abuse, or the abuse or abandonment of someone who is part of a vulnerable demographic.
Seek immediate treatment if:
You think you can cause harm with uncontrolled sexual behavior
You have other problems controlling your impulses and think your sexual behavior is becoming uncontrollable
You have suicidal tendencies: if you're thinking of killing yourself
Treatment (What to do?) The motivation for seeking treatment is usually quite low because hypersexuality tends to be considered a vice and not as a disorder. As a treatment measure, although in most cases it is advisable to support a professional, short goals can be set, such as avoiding masturbation every X hours and spacing it more over time, avoiding it for X days and increasing that number of days until the practice becomes less common and does not interfere with your daily life. It should be clear that the ultimate goal is not to stop masturbating completely, as it is a healthy sexual behavior, but to have the ability to control it. Treatment of compulsive sexual behavior usually includes psychotherapy, medications, and self-help groups. A primary goal of treatment is to help you manage impulses and reduce excess behavior while maintaining healthy sexual activities. If you have compulsive sexual behavior, you may also need treatment for another mental health disorder. People with compulsive sexual behaviors often have problems with alcoholism or drug abuse or other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, that require treatment. People with other addictions or serious mental health problems or who pose a threat to others may initially benefit from hospital treatment. Whether hospitable or outpatient, treatment can be intense at first. And you may feel that regular, ongoing treatment over the years is helpful in preventing relapses. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy or psychological therapy can help you learn how to control your compulsive sexual behavior. Types of psychotherapy include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (TCC): which helps you identify negative and unhealthy behaviors or beliefs and replace them with more adaptive coping forms. You learn strategies to make these behaviors less private and so that it's not so easy for you to access sexual content.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, focuses on acceptance of thoughts and impulses, as well as a commitment to adopt strategies to choose actions that fit important values.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy, which focuses on helping you recognize unconscious thoughts and behaviors, develop new perspectives on your motivations, and resolve conflicts.
These therapies can be done individually, as a group, family or as a couple. Pharmacological treatment In addition to psychotherapy, certain medications can be helpful because they act on brain chemicals related to obsessive thoughts and behaviors, reduce the chemical "rewards" these behaviors provide when you act in response to them, or reduce sexual impulses. The right medications for you depend on your situation and other mental health disorders you may have. Medications used to treat compulsive sexual behavior are primarily prescribed to treat other disorders. For example:
Antidepressants. Certain types of antidepressants used to treat depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder may be helpful in treating compulsive sexual behavior.
Naltrexone. Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is often used to treat alcoholism and opioid dependence because it blocks the part of the brain that feels pleasure with certain addictive behaviors. It can be helpful in treating behavioral addictions, such as compulsive sexual behavior and gambling.
Mood stabilizers. These medications are usually used to treat bipolar disorder, but can reduce compulsive sexual impulses.
Anti-androgens. These drugs reduce the biological effects of sex hormones (androgens) in men. Because they reduce sexual impulses, antiandrogens are often used in men whose compulsive sexual behaviors are dangerous to others.
Self-help groups Self-help and support groups can be helpful for people with compulsive sexual behavior and to address some of the problems it causes. Many groups follow the model of the 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program. These groups can help you:
Learn about the disorder
Find support and understanding of your condition
Identify additional treatment options, as well as behaviors and resources to cope with the disorder
Help prevent relapses
Meetings of these groups can be done online or in person, or both. If you're interested in participating in a self-help group, look for one that has a good reputation and makes you feel comfortable. These groups are not for everyone. Ask your mental health professional to suggest groups or consult with your mental health provider about alternatives to support groups.
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