Does masturbation cause erectile dysfunction?

You may have heard that masturbation causes erectile dysfunction. Is this a myth, or real? Fortunately, there is no evidence that masturbation can cause ED. In fact, there are many benefits associated with masturbation.

At some point, nearly all men have a problem getting an erection. If this problem persists or happens often, it is called erectile dysfunction. You can discover more about the causes of ED below.

Key Takeaways

Masturbation does not cause erectile dysfunction (ED):

Contrary to myths, there is no evidence linking masturbation to ED. In fact, masturbation can have several benefits, such as reducing stress, improving self-esteem, and even boosting libido.

Age and health factors are the main causes of ED:

ED becomes more common as men age, with around 40% of men over 40 experiencing some degree of ED. Other risk factors include diabetes, being overweight, heart disease, and smoking.

ED can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications:

Addressing factors like stress, sleep, and underlying health conditions may improve erections. Prescription medications like Viagra, or over-the-counter options like Viagra Connect, are also available to help.

Age and ED

Age is the leading predictor when it comes to suffering from ED. Approximately 40% of men over the age of 40 suffer from ED to some degree. The complete inability of getting an erection is approximately 5% of men at the age of 40 and rises to approximately 15% by the age of 70.

Erectile dysfunction risk factors

While engaging in masturbation is not a risk factor for suffering from ED, there are many potential risk factors. Following is a list of conditions that can cause or exacerbate erectile dysfunction.

• age (being over 40)

• having diabetes

• being overweight

• having heart disease

• having lower urinary tract symptoms (bladder, prostate, or urethra issues)

• alcohol and cigarette use

When young men suffer from ED

Typically, when a younger man is unable to achieve an erection, the cause may be associated with the following psychological or emotional factors. (These factors can apply to older men as well.)

• being stressed (with relationships or work)

• having anxiety

• being depressed or having post-traumatic stress disorder

• having bipolar disorder

• being overweight

• having insomnia or lacking sleep

• urinary tract infection

• performance anxiety

• spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida

How to treat erectile dysfunction

Addressing the conditions listed above may improve a man's ability to have an erection. In younger men, avoiding stress and getting proper sleep may be all that is necessary to experience normal erections again. In older men, there may be underlying conditions making it difficult to have an erection without the use of medication.

Prescription Medications

There are various prescription medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra) that are available to treat erectile dysfunction.

Over-The-Counter ED medicine

All of the medications listed above for the treatment of ED require a prescription. However, there is a form of Viagra that can be sold without a prescription. It is called Viagra Connect, and comes in 50mg tablets which should be taken no more than once per day. Similarly, Cialis Together is an over the counter version of Cialis that doesn't require a prescription.

What are the benefits of masturbation?

You probably came to this article wondering if masturbation is harmful and may cause erectile dysfunction. The truth is that it can be beneficial. Following is a list of benefits organized by Planned Parenthood.

Plenty of research has shown the health benefits of masturbation. Masturbation can:

Release sexual tension
Reduce stress
Help you sleep better
Improve your self-esteem and body image

Help treat sexual problems

Relieve menstrual cramps and muscle tension

Strengthen muscle tone in your pelvic and anal areas

In summary, masturbation does not cause erectile dysfunction. The culprit is likely to be age, diabetes, being overweight or any of the other conditions listed above. If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, there are ED medications that can help you achieve an erection long enough to have sex.

Comment from Dr Alexis Missick (MBChB, MRCGP):

According to Dr Alexis Missick (MBChB, MRCGP):

"Masturbation actually has beneficial effects on testosterone levels and libido almost like a positive advocate loop. By masturbating it can delay the time to ejaculation; almost like building stamina and routine. It can also reduce some of the psychological issues such as low self esteem and performance anxiety that would increase the chance of erectile dysfunction. The reverse is true; refraining from masturbating could worsen premature ejaculation and indirectly erectile dysfunction."

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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