Although society often highlights the risks associated with frequent masturbation, the effects of completely abstaining from it receive less attention. However, recent studies indicate that abstaining completely from masturbation can cause various physical and mental health effects in both men and women. Sex and relationship expert Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn cautions that prolonged abstinence from sexual stimulation and release, whether through partner intimacy or solo masturbation, could lead to significant health problems. These effects range from increased psychological stress to observable physical changes in the genitalia itself.
Sexual health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet many individuals are unaware of the possible drawbacks of complete abstinence. Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn told the Daily Mail that mental health is strongly connected to intimacy, physical touch, and sexual activity. When these are lacking, it can result in higher stress levels, more anxiety, and depression symptoms. These effects are not only psychological but also affect physical health. A 2021 UCLA study found that 38% of Californians aged 18-30 had no sexual partners in the past year, up from 22% in 2011. This nearly doubles in a decade, raising concerns about the health impacts of prolonged abstinence, which experts are increasingly studying.
Mental Health and Emotional Consequences
Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn highlighted that avoiding masturbation can lead to emotional and physical frustration. This pent-up tension can affect daily activities and relationships and may also increase the risk of aggressive behavior in some individuals. Sexual frustration is closely linked to overall mental health, with studies showing strong links between sexual release habits and how emotions are managed.
Research published in the 2021 Journal of Criminal Justice indicates a significant relationship between sexual frustration and negative behavioral outcomes, including aggression, violence, and criminal activity. Criminology professor Adam Lankford led the study, which identified 4 mechanisms through which sexual frustration can manifest as harmful behavior: acts driven by a desire for relief, those motivated by power-seeking, behaviors seeking revenge, and instances where frustration is displaced onto inappropriate targets. The overall conclusion is that sexual frustration acts as a major stressor requiring an effective outlet.
Sexual activity is connected to wider mental health outcomes beyond just aggression. A 2025 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders examined data from thousands of U.S. adults to explore the connection between sexual frequency and depression. The findings revealed a significant inverse relationship: participants who had sex once a month but less than weekly had 42% lower odds of experiencing depressive symptoms than those who engaged less than monthly. Those who had sex at least weekly had a 40% reduction in depression odds. The analysis using restricted cubic splines indicated that the ideal sexual frequency for minimizing depression risk is between 52 and 104 times annually, roughly 1 to 2 times per week.
Physical Changes in Male Sexual Health
Men can face serious physical issues from prolonged sexual abstinence. Dr. Tobias Kohler of Southern Illinois University Medical School told WebMD that regular erections are vital for penile health because they provide oxygen-rich blood flow to the smooth muscle tissue. This blood flow maintains tissue health and elasticity. Without frequent erections, elastic tissue may shrink, increasing the risk of tissue loss.
Dr. Kohler warns that men who lack regular erections risk shortening their penis by 1-2 cm. The penis needs frequent erections to stay healthy, functioning as a “use it or lose it” organ. Typically, healthy men experience 3-5 nocturnal erections per night, which exercise muscle and promote blood flow. Men without morning erections should consult a doctor, as it may indicate poor blood flow. Prolonged muscle contraction reduces tissue elasticity, and without regular relaxation cycles, the erect penis can become shorter.
Research On Physical Changes In Male Sexual Health
Recent research indicates that changes can occur more rapidly than previously believed. Scar tissue may cause a 1-2 cm penile length loss after 3 months of no erections. Scientists have not agreed on exact time frames for sexual inactivity to cause atrophy. Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn suggests significant atrophy might take up to 5 years of no sexual activity, but emphasizes that more research is needed.
A 2016 European Urology study tracked over 31,000 men for nearly 2 decades and found that frequent ejaculation is linked to better prostate health. Men who ejaculated 21 or more times monthly reduced their prostate cancer risk by 19-22% compared to those ejaculating 4-7 times. This protective effect was strongest for low-grade and organ-confined cancer across all ages. For men aged 20-29, 13 or more ejaculations monthly lowered the risk of intermediate-risk cancer by 27%. The study found no association with high-risk cancer or distant metastases.
Infrequent ejaculation can lead to the buildup of harmful carcinogens in the prostate, which is linked to a protective effect. Regular ejaculation helps flush these substances, reducing cancer risk, as confirmed by the Urology Care Foundation.
Effects on Female Sexual and Reproductive Health
Women experiencing prolonged sexual inactivity can develop physical complications, primarily vaginal atrophy. Thinning, increased dryness, and sometimes shortening of the vaginal walls characterize this condition, causing significant discomfort and reducing quality of life. Although declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause often leads to these changes, a lack of sexual activity accelerates their progression.
Decreased blood flow to vaginal tissues, caused by sexual inactivity, compromises lubrication and elasticity. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause presents symptoms such as burning, itching, bleeding, and pain during intercourse, along with frequent urination, UTIs, and painful urination, which affect daily comfort and urinary health.
Research from Hospital Clinic Barcelona shows that regular sexual activity, with or without a partner, increases blood flow and helps maintain healthy vaginal tissues, preventing atrophy. Only 20-25% of women with symptoms seek help, possibly due to embarrassment or lack of awareness that sexual activity can serve as a preventive measure. Medical professionals now recognize that regular sexual stimulation is essential for vaginal health.
Treatment involves water-based lubricants and vulvovaginal moisturizers, but regular sexual activity with orgasms offers direct relief and prevention. This protective effect maintains blood flow, elasticity, and natural lubrication. While women should consult healthcare providers for symptoms, regular sexual activity is a natural preventive approach.
Hormonal Fluctuations During Abstinence
A 2002 Chinese study involving 28 men tracked their serum testosterone levels daily during periods of abstinence from ejaculation. The researchers observed that testosterone levels remained stable from day 2 through day 5. On day 7, they noted a statistically significant peak, with testosterone reaching 145.7% of the baseline, representing approximately a 46% increase. After this peak, levels returned to baseline despite continued abstinence, and no further regular fluctuations were observed.
The researchers concluded that ejaculation is a necessary condition for this periodic variation in testosterone, which is characterized by the peak occurring on the seventh day. They proposed that the effect of ejaculation persists for at least seven days. However, they emphasized that this temporary hormonal shift is unlikely to cause lasting health effects and probably plays a role in regulating sperm production.
Although these findings gained attention online, medical experts advise against overinterpreting the transient spike. They point out that the return to baseline reflects a normal physiological adjustment rather than an indication of enhanced health or performance.
Medical Perspectives on Sexual Activity Frequency
Healthcare professionals increasingly recognize that engaging in regular sexual activity, whether partnered or solo, provides numerous health benefits beyond reproduction and pleasure. Sexual release, including ejaculation, reduces stress, improves sleep quality, and enhances cardiovascular health by releasing hormones and neurotransmitters.
Orgasm triggers the release of dopamine, which boosts mood and happiness; oxytocin, which reduces the stress hormone cortisol; and endorphins, which provide pain relief and promote well-being. Prolactin is released after orgasm, helping to facilitate relaxation and sleep. A 2019 study confirmed these effects, with many respondents reporting that orgasm reduced the time needed to fall asleep and enhanced sleep quality.
Recent research highlights masturbation as a healthy psychological coping mechanism. A 2024 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that women experiencing higher psychological distress reported higher masturbation frequency, using it as a reliable self-care strategy to induce positive affective states like happiness and relaxation.
Medical professionals stress that sexual health is vital for overall health and warrants attention in clinical settings. Understanding sexual patterns can help predict physiological markers, making it essential for clinicians to include questions about sexual frequency and satisfaction in a comprehensive health history.
Balancing Personal Choices with Health Considerations
Decisions about sexual activity, including masturbation, are deeply personal and influenced by beliefs, norms, and preferences. There’s no universal guideline on frequency. Awareness of the health effects of extended abstinence informs decision-making. Those who abstain long-term should consider the risks and consult professionals. Unwanted abstinence from circumstances needs attention, as sexual activity benefits mental health, tissue health, and cancer risk. Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health, immune function, and stress management.
Healthcare providers should screen for sexual inactivity, as it reveals cardiovascular, mental, and hormonal health. Men with erectile issues may signal early heart disease, and women with discomfort might have vaginal atrophy. Research emphasizes the need for sexual health education since abstinence carries distinct health risks. Sharing balanced info helps people make informed choices. Future studies should clarify the physiological effects of abstinence and the associated health guidelines. Recognizing sexual health as part of wellness is vital; stigma prevents access to info. Professionals should normalize these conversations to improve health outcomes and values.
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Conclusion
Giving up masturbation entirely triggers measurable changes in both physical and mental health, according to mounting scientific evidence. The effects range from increased risks of depression and aggression to physical changes in genital tissues and altered cancer risk profiles. For men, prolonged abstinence may lead to changes in penile tissue and elevated prostate cancer risk. Women face an increased likelihood of vaginal atrophy and associated discomfort. Both sexes may experience mental health consequences, including heightened stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
The research does not suggest that everyone must maintain specific sexual activity frequencies. Individual circumstances, values, and health conditions vary widely. However, the documented health implications of complete abstinence indicate that sexual activity serves important physiological and psychological functions. Regular sexual release, whether through partnered activity or solo stimulation, supports stress management, tissue health, and overall well-being. Those choosing extended abstinence should do so with full awareness of potential health trade-offs and should monitor for concerning symptoms.
Healthcare conversations about sexual health should become routine rather than exceptional. Patients and providers alike benefit from open discussions about sexual activity patterns and concerns. Recognizing that sexual health intersects with cardiovascular health, mental health, and cancer risk establishes its rightful place in comprehensive health assessments. As research in this area continues to develop, evidence-based guidance will help individuals optimize their sexual health within their personal contexts and belief systems.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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