Depression Cure Found: Masturbation?

Masturbation is commonly defined as touching one’s own body, including sex organs, for sexual pleasure.

Masturbation has long been a discussion of debate. Many religious groups have deemed it sinful for centuries as a sexual act outside of marriage. Children have been told it is wrong and unhealthy through myths about how the act could cause hairy palms, blindness, and genital shrinkage.

All untrue.

Masturbation, as agree upon by doctors, psychologists, and anthropologists, is a normal act of existence among humans and many other species of primates. A 2003 study conducted in Australia by a team led by Graham Giles of the Cancer Council found that frequent masturbation in men could help prevent prostate cancer. In women, studies find that masturbation is helpful in guiding sexual activity with partners. As much as 95% of men and 89% of women have reported that they have masturbated. For many people, masturbation is used a way to relieve sexual tensions and can be used as a safe alternative to sex for people who want to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Okay, so it’s normal. And it may have helpful benefits. But, does masturbation help mental illnesses like depression? The scientific answer lies in chemicals our bodies naturally produce called endorphins. Endorphins have a similar chemical structure as Morphine. They are released in our bodies through exercise, laughing, and even through orgasms. They are natural pain relievers and have also been found to control stress, regulate intestines, and control moods. Sound like a miracle anti-depressant to us! A study from Duke University in 2000 even found that 45 minutes of exercise, three times a week, was as effective as the antidepressant, Zoloft. Another shows that endorphins released during masturbation lessen physical pain such as headaches, menstrual cramps, and joint pain. But is this just a quick fix for a bigger problem?

Some believe that using masturbation to ease depression is comparable to eating a large pepperoni pizza to ease depression. It’s a quick pleasure at the time but many people are wrought with guilt afterwards. Much like the calories we stress over after that last bite, religious teachings and conservative backgrounds end up causing guilt and further depression in many people after masturbation. This, like food, can cause a person to spiral into an addictive cycle of pleasure and guilt. It seems that there has been an epidemic in porn and sex addiction in the last decade because of the Internet. These addictions only lead to more pain and depression.

Other health benefits

The researchers at the University of Sydney's public health department, Spring Chenoa Cooper and Anthony Santella, suggested, based on the detailed research that masturbation has significantly more health related benefits, than just anti-depressant effects.


They write:


In actual fact, masturbation has many health benefits.






The informal review of the topic reaches its climax concluding that thanks to work of hundreds worldwide of researchers worldwide conducting studies alone or together in groups, a scientifically sound analysis is being realized at last regarding the health effects of masturbation.  They summarized that a wealth of studies has shown that masturbation -- be it solo or with a partner -- was "the most convenient method for maximizing orgasms".  They conclude that masturbation leads to "reduced stress, reduced blood pressure, increased self-esteem, and reduced pain."


Masturbating with Partner

From a sexual health point of view, masturbation is one of the safest sexual behaviors. There’s no risk of pregnancy or transmission of sexually transmitted infections; there’s no risk of disappointing a partner or of performance anxiety; and there’s no emotional baggage.

And, only an arm’s length away, is mutual masturbation. Mutual masturbation (two partners who are pleasuring themselves in the company of the other) is a great (and safe) activity to incorporate into other partnered sexual activities.

It can be especially good to begin to learn more about what your partner likes and to demonstrate to your partner what you like. Open communication with a partner will improve your sex life and relationship, but is also important for modelling communication skills for younger generations.

Talking about masturbation also has benefits. Promoting sex-positive views in our own homes and in society, including around masturbation, allows us to teach young people healthy behaviors and attitudes without stigma and shame.

Why Solo Masturbation Cannot Replace Sex with Partner?

Dr. Norman Doidge, author of The Brain that Changes Itself, says there are two separate pleasure systems in our brains: one for exciting pleasure and another for satisfying pleasure. Masturbating to fantasies and especially pornography activates the exciting system, but leaves the satisfying system starved for “the real thing.”

The exciting system is fueled by the neurochemical dopamine. Dopamine focuses our attention, giving our brain a little feel-good reward, helping us become sexually aroused, gearing up for sex. The satisfying system involves actually having sex—touching, kissing, caressing, and really connecting with someone—which provides a calming, fulfilling pleasure. The problem with masturbation is that the satisfying system is never activated.

The more one masturbates to porn, the more dopamine is released in the brain. Eventually dopamine receptors and signals fatigue, leaving the viewer wanting more but unable to reach a level of satisfaction. This desensitization in turn impacts the prefrontal cortex—the “executive control” center of the brain—causing what is called hypofrontality. This means a loss of self-control and a propensity to addictive behavior.

Are There Any Risks with Masturbation?

There are no health risks with masturbation. Skin irritation is possible, but using plenty of lubrication will keep that from happening.

If you worry that you masturbate too much, ask yourself this question: Does masturbation interfere with my daily functioning? If it interrupts or gets in the way of your job, your responsibilities, or your social life, you may want to talk with a therapist.

Many people feel shame or guilt about masturbating. People who receive negative messages about masturbation when they are young often carry feelings of shame into adulthood. Approximately 50 percent of women and 50 percent of men who masturbate feel guilty about it.
Negative feelings about masturbation can threaten our health and well-being. Only you can decide what is healthy and right for you. But if you feel ashamed or guilty about masturbating, talking with a trusted friend, sexuality educator, counselor, and/or clergy member may help.

Sources and Additional Information:


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