Can you be addicted to masterbation

Masturbation Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments

Published: March 23, 2022 Updated: July 26, 2022

Published: 03/23/2022 Updated: 07/26/2022

Masturbation addiction is a complex condition in which someone develops a psychological, emotional, and physiological dependence on self-gratification. It is a chronic and progressive condition where people continue to masturbate despite personal and social consequences. Though chronic masturbation is treatable, many individuals are reluctant to seek treatment due to social stigma and personal shame.^1,2

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What Is Masturbation Addiction?

Masturbation addiction happens when someone can no longer suppress their urges to masturbate and, consequently, compulsively engage in the behavior. Using the term “masturbation addiction” is controversial, as there is not significant enough research to support it being a standalone diagnosable condition.³ Many professionals refer to it as “compulsive masturbation,” which may occur as a symptom of other diagnosable disorders.³ Unfortunately, research is limited due to social stigma and personal shame.

Although masturbation is a healthy practice in moderation, excessive masturbation may bring with it many negative consequences.⁴ In either case, healthy or unhealthy, it is considered a relatively taboo topic often due to familial, societal, or religious shame associated with masturbation.² One large survey revealed that 78% of adults masturbate.⁵ Regardless, the stigma has led toward those struggling with the condition to experience internalized messages of shame and sin surrounding masturbation.²

What Is Considered Excessive Masturbation?

Masturbation is considered to be a problem when it starts to mirror other forms of behavioral addictions.

Signs of a masturbation problem might include:³

Masturbating takes up a lot of your time and energy
Your home, work, or personal life is suffering because of masturbation
You might be late to meetings, cancel events, or leave social appointments early to masturbate
You masturbate in public or in uncomfortable places because you can’t wait to get home
You masturbate even when you don’t feel aroused, sexual, or “horny”
When you feel negative emotions—such as anger, anxiety, stress, or sadness—your go-to response is to masturbate for comfort
You feel guilty, distressed, or upset after masturbating
You masturbate even if you don’t want to
You find it difficult to stop thinking about masturbation
When not masturbating, you experience craving or withdrawal symptoms

Note that what is considered “normal masturbation” does vary by person, and daily masturbation does not by itself indicate a problem. ¹

Is Chronic Masturbation Bad for You?

Masturbation is a natural behavior, and in moderation can even have positive mental and physical health effects. However, overdoing it can be bad for you.

Excessive masturbation side effects might include:

Low self-esteem
Low sexual satisfaction with partners
Inhibits other healthy coping mechanisms
Interferes with interpersonal connections

There is no substitute for working with a licensed therapist to reduce the symptoms of a behavioral addiction and address the root causes. However, while online therapy is confidential, convenient, and affordable, some people will not be ready to work with a therapist. If the use of pornography and masturbation is impacting your life and wellbeing but you’re not ready to work with a therapist, consider Stop Together.

Stop Together is a self-guided video course designed to help you understand and address porn addiction. At $49.99, the course is very affordable and has a money-back guarantee. Receive an additional 10% off when you use the discount code “STOPNOW”.

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Chronic Masturbation Symptoms

Because masturbation addiction is not a formally recognized diagnosable disorder, it is important to note that the term “symptoms” in this case more so refers to a classifying set of criteria for said condition. Symptoms will vary in number and intensity depending on the individual and severity of the addiction. Generally, the more severe the addiction, the more severe the symptoms. Such symptoms do impact the individual among all domains including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social.

Common symptoms of masturbation addiction include:¹

Loss of sensitivity
Lack of impulse control
Shame about masturbation
Guilt about masturbation
Overstimulation from excess masturbation
Sexual dysfunction

If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is important to take pause and speak to someone.

Causes of Masturbation Addiction

Like its symptoms, causes and triggers of masturbation addiction will vary by individual. Again, these may be impacted by personal predispositions and social influences.⁸ The more causes and triggers that are present in someone’s life, the greater the potential susceptibility. With an awareness of these risk factors, more proactive measures may be taken to prevent a problem.

Here are several causes and risk factors for compulsive sexual behavior:⁸

An imbalance of natural brain chemicals
Changes in brain pathways
Conditions that affect the brain
Ease of access to sexual content
Alcohol or drug abuse problems
Another mental health condition
Family conflicts or family members with problems such as addiction
A history of physical or sexual abuse

Note that these causes and risk factors need not be initially present for someone to develop masturbation addiction. The addiction may begin out of an intense enjoyment of self-gratification that progressively leads toward changes in brain pathways, an imbalance of brain chemicals, and other problems and conditions.

How to Stop a Masturbation Addiction

With a proper recovery and maintenance process, it’s possible to stop compulsive masturbating. Though there is no cure—and again, you must remain consistent and intentional—the rewards of recovery may lead toward a fulfilling, successful life without the constant associated urges and behaviors.

Here are five tips for stopping compulsive masturbating:

1. Identify & Remove Your Triggers

If there are specific times, or situations, which trigger masturbation compulsions, figuring out what those are is a good first step. If you can identify your triggers, you can plan ahead to learn how to cope with the trigger or find ways to avoid it altogether.

2. Join a Support Group

Having a support system of other people going through the same situation can be very helpful. Groups like Sexual Compulsives Anonymous offer validation and there are many others who could benefit from your validation as well.

3. Consider Reducing Any Stigmas You Feel About Masturbation

If you feel shame and guilt from these compulsions, it can help to remember that the behavior is natural and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s important to think about where these fears and insecurities come from and learn to heal from them in order for your relationship with sexual activities to be healthier.

4. Be Present in Your Personal Relationships

It’s important to continue trying to prioritize your friends, family, and partner if you have one. By planning fun activities or having quality time together, it gives you something else to do and provides a good way to lessen the compulsions.

5. Engage in Activities You Enjoy, Like Sports or Gaming

Taking time to participate in games or sports, or anything that gets your mind and body engaged, is a good way to get your mind off of masturbation. It’s important to find other things that can be fulfilling, keeping you engaged with activities and people you enjoy.

Masturbation Addiction Treatment

Treatment for masturbation addiction extends beyond just masturbation practices to get to the core of the problem.² The more comprehensive the treatment, the better. Depending on severity of the condition and personal preference, treatment may entail any one or combination of outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient (IOP), residential treatment, and/or support groups.

Chronic Masturbation Therapy

It is important to address all underlying factors for treatment to be effective. If other mental health concerns are present, those should be addressed as well. Sometimes, a celibacy contract in which one refrains from masturbation and other sexual activity is a start to help abstain from the unwanted behavior entirely.²

Common topics that may come up during therapy for compulsive masturbation might include:³

Someone’s feelings and behavior around masturbation
Whether they engage in other sexually compulsive behaviors
Problems caused by their masturbation habits
Past traumas
Current stressors or anxiety triggers

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, and can be very effective for treating behavioral compulsions. For example, a common maladaptive belief is, “I am an undesirable sexual partner.” The problematic corresponding thought may then be, “Because others do not find me desirable, I must sexually gratify myself for pleasure. It’s all I’ll ever get.” The behavior then ensues. By reframing how one sees oneself and engaging in various behavioral experiments, beliefs, and thoughts, the behaviors may ultimately change.

Medication

At this time there is not a specific medication prescribed for masturbation addiction.³ It is important to note, however, that other conditions that require medication (e.g. major depressive disorder, alcoholism, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar, etc.) may have led to or have been developed alongside an excessive masturbation habit. In such cases, it is important that patients explore these factors with a prescribing physician and take any medications as prescribed.

Talk to your doctor or a psychiatrist if you have mental health concerns that you believe may be helped by medication

How to Get Help for Masturbation Addiction

Unfortunately, with masturbation addiction not being a formally recognized disorder, it may take some time finding a specialist. Further, it may not be covered by insurance, meaning that cost will come out of pocket. These considerations might require some additional research.

You can use an online therapist directory to conduct a search for providers assisting with “compulsive masturbation” or other addictive disorders. Another option is to visit the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists’ referral directory. This organization works with a variety of sexual disorders including masturbation addiction/compulsive masturbation.

How to Get Help for a Loved One

When helping a loved one it is always important to be as informed about the disorder as possible while remaining as supportive as possible. Part of this means shedding judgment, which may ultimately shame your loved one. As research has indicated, most people masturbate or have at one point in their lives.⁵ The act itself is normal. It is also important to consider the underlying factors contributing toward this condition becoming an addiction.

It is likely that your loved one is struggling in other areas of life. By showing support and being actively engaged in the recovery process, the likelihood of one recovering is increased. Helping a loved one requires much more than telling the other to “just stop” and setting boundaries; it requires being there in a supportive role.

For young children and adolescents, it is important to decipher between what is considered “normal” versus atypical sexual behavior. Again, sexuality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, even at a young age. The following warning signs are specific to problematic sexual behavior in general but may be an indicator of potential masturbation addiction as well.

Typical and atypical behaviors by age group are as follows:

Children 0-4

Typical: Feeling comfortable naked, touching one’s own or other children or adult’s genitals, watching other adults get undressed
Atypical: Masturbating compulsively or to the point of causing self-injury, pretending to have sexual activity, forcing other children to engage in sexual activity, and excessively touching the genitals of others⁷

Children 5-9

Typical: Wanting privacy in the bathroom, masturbating in private, becoming curious about sexuality
Atypical: Engaging in sexual behavior with significantly younger children or animals and entering the rooms of other sleeping children to engage in touch or sexual activity⁷

Children 10-13

Typical: Using sexual language, desiring romantic relationships, masturbating in private
Atypical: Compulsive masturbation, forcing others into sexual activity, exchanging money or goods for said activities, or producing and disseminating sexual images of oneself

Children 14-17

Typical: Viewing materials for sexual arousal, discussing sex with friends, engaging in sexual activity with others close in age
Atypical: Being preoccupied with sexually aggressive material or illegal pornography, engaging in acts with significantly younger children, and forcing others into sexual activity⁷

Adults

For adults and seniors, problematic masturbation may be a continuation from childhood and/or adolescence or become a new problem. For this age group it may entail expression of a secret sexual fantasy, fulfillment of desired needs that are unfulfilled by one’s sexual partner, loneliness, boredom, a coping mechanism, et cetera.² Regardless of age, the consequences of said addiction are similar but within the context of individual and societal expectations for that age group.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

BetterHelp (Online Therapy) – Sexual issues are much more common than you think, and often treatable with therapy. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Online-Therapy.com (Online Therapy) – Would you like sex to be a source of joy instead of frustration or pain? Try Therapy. The Online-Therapy.com standard plan includes a weekly 45 minute video session, unlimited text messaging between sessions, and self-guided activities like journaling. Recently, they added instructional Yoga videos. Get Started

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who specializes in sex therapy. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp and Online-Therapy.com

For Further Reading

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
SexAddictHelp. com: Recommended reading on sex addiction
SexAddiction.com: A website with information, articles, resources, and treatments for sex addiction
Smart Recovery: Support group
Sex Addicts Anonymous: Support group

8 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

Gilmour, P. (2020). Masturbation addiction: Are you masturbating too much? Retrieved from https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/sex-life/a30726568/masturbation-addiction/
Weiss, R., & Fisher, L. (2019). Understanding compulsive masturbation. Retrieved from https://oxbowacademy. net/educationalarticles/comp_mast/
Derbyshire, K. L., & Grant, J. E. (2015). Compulsive sexual behavior: A review of the literature, Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 4(2), 37-43. Retrieved from https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/4/2/article-p37.xml
Addiction Resource. (2020). Masturbation addiction: psychology, effects, and statistics. Retrieved from https://addictionresource.com/addiction/masturbation/
TENGA Co. Ltd. (2018). World’s largest masturbation survey uncovers how traditional views of masculinity prevent men from having fulfilling sex lives & relationships. Retrieved fromhttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worlds-largest-masturbation-survey-uncovers-how-traditional-views-of-masculinity-prevent-men-from-having-fulfilling-sex-lives–relationships-300638644.html
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Compulsive sexual behavior. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-sexual-behavior/symptoms-causes/syc-20360434
Kids Health. (2020). Sexual behavior in children and young people. Retrieved from https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/sexual-behaviour-children-young-people
Karia, S., De Sousa, A., Shah, N., & Sonavane, S. Compulsive masturbation in a patient with delusional disorder. Journal of Mental Health & Human Behavior, 20, 38-40.

update history

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

Originally Published: September 15, 2020
Original Author: Matthew Glowiak, PhD, LCPC
Original Reviewer: Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Updated: March 23, 2022
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity; Reviewed and added relevant resources; Added “Is Chronic Masturbation Bad for You?” and revised “How to Stop a Masturbation Addiction” to add more specific tips. New material written by Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C and reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD.

If you are in need of immediate medical help:

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800-273-8255

Is ‘Masturbation Addiction’ Possible? 9 Things to Consider

The term “masturbation addiction” is used to refer to a tendency to excessively or compulsively masturbate.

Here, we’ll explore the difference between compulsion and addiction, and review how to:

recognize habits that may be considered problematic
reduce or eliminate unwanted behavior
know when to talk to a mental health professional

There’s some debate around whether you can truly be “addicted” to masturbation.

Although there’s been a push to medically recognize masturbation addiction, some say it should be recognized as a compulsion, not an addiction.

There’s no clinical diagnosis for masturbation addiction. It’s not recognized as addictive by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Masturbation addiction also isn’t recognized as a mental health condition by the recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which sets the criteria for diagnosing mental health conditions.

Because the APA doesn’t consider masturbation to be truly addictive, people often refer to “compulsive masturbation” instead of a “masturbation addiction.”

Similarly, some don’t consider sex addiction a clinical addiction.

Instead, sex addiction, masturbation addiction, and porn addiction are usually referred to as:

compulsive sexual behavior
hypersexuality disorder
out of control sexual behavior (OCSB)

Frequently masturbating doesn’t mean you have a problem or addiction.

Generally speaking, there’s only cause for concern if you feel your behavior has become excessive or obsessive.

The following scenarios, for example, may be signs of a masturbation compulsion:

Masturbating takes up a lot of your time and energy.
Your home, work, or personal life is suffering because of masturbation.
You might be late to meetings, cancel events, or leave social appointments early to masturbate.
You masturbate in public or in uncomfortable places because you can’t wait to get home.
You masturbate even when you don’t feel aroused, sexual, or “horny.”
When you feel negative emotions — such as anger, anxiety, stress, or sadness — your go-to response is to masturbate for comfort.
You feel guilty, distressed, or upset after masturbating.
You masturbate even if you don’t want to.
You find it difficult to stop thinking about masturbation.

If you want to stop masturbating — or if you want to masturbate less — you may find it helpful to talk to a therapist.

Masturbation has a number of health benefits. It can help you de-stress and lift your mood.

If you’re under a lot of stress, or if you have a mood disorder, you might use masturbation to relax and feel better.

This isn’t wrong in itself, but you might become obsessed with chasing the high of an orgasm. This could lead to masturbation that becomes problematic for you.

Compulsive sexual behaviors might also be neurological, as Mayo Clinic points out. An imbalance of natural brain chemicals and neurological diseases like Parkinson’s might lead to compulsive sexual behavior. However, more research is needed.

Other research in animals suggests behavioral addictions might alter the brain’s neural pathways similarly to substance use disorders. This may lead you to want to do that behavior more often, like masturbate.

Some people do find that they’re able to stop compulsively masturbating on their own.

However, other people may stop without support and professional help.

If you’re struggling to stop masturbating, you may find it helpful to see a sex therapist, ideally one who specializes in treating out of control sexual behavior.

Joining a support group for sex addiction or hypersexual behaviors might also help.

A doctor or other healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following treatments.

Therapy

Talk therapy can be a great way to figure out whether masturbation is having a negative impact on your life and, if so, how to address it.

Your therapist might ask questions about:

your feelings and behavior around masturbation
whether you engage in other compulsive sexual behaviors, like partner sex and porn use
problems caused by your compulsive masturbation
past traumas
your current stressors

This will help your therapist determine whether your behavior is considered compulsive.

They can also help you process your feelings, figure out the root cause of your compulsive behavior, and find a way to stop or reduce the behavior.

Remember that what you tell your therapist is entirely confidential. They’re not allowed to discuss your sessions with anybody else.

Support groups

There are a number of different support groups for compulsive sexual behavior.

Your therapist or doctor might be able to recommend one, as could a local addiction center.

Many people prefer online support groups and forums, which you might also find helpful.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous might be a good place to start looking for support groups.

Medication

There’s no medication for treating compulsive masturbation.

However, compulsive sexual behaviors are sometimes related to underlying mental health conditions, such as:

depression
bipolar disorder
anxiety disorder

In these cases, prescription medication could help with compulsive behaviors.

Compulsive behaviors may worsen over time.

This could put a strain on your relationships — including your romantic and sexual relationships — as well as your mental health.

This, in turn, could lead to lower sexual satisfaction and self-esteem.

Remember that masturbation itself is a healthy, normal human behavior.

Nearly all people masturbate at some point in their lives. Regular or frequent masturbation isn’t necessarily a sign of a problem.

However, if their behavior is affecting their relationships, work, school, or mental health, it could be a sign of a larger issue.

Because of societal stigma around masturbation, your loved one might feel too shy or embarrassed to talk to you about it.

Start the conversation by emphasizing that you’re not judging them, and you aren’t trying to make them feel ashamed.

Suggest some practical solutions — like seeing a therapist or joining a support group — and offer to help them find a few local options.

This might help them feel like they have a solid plan in place.

No matter whether you call it an addiction or compulsion, it’s important to remember that the behavior is treatable.

A trained therapist can work with you or your loved one to overcome unwanted behaviors and improve your quality of life.

Sian Ferguson is a freelance writer and editor based in Cape Town, South Africa. Her writing covers issues relating to social justice, cannabis, and health. You can reach out to her on Twitter.

🏥 Masturbation addiction 💊: symptoms, treatment, prevention ⛨

If 100 years ago masturbation was considered a shameful and dirty thing that was condemned by society, now, fortunately, medicine has advanced in studying the issue of sexual development, and doctors all over the world are sure that masturbation is a natural human need for sexual release.

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Masturbation is a normal process for both men and women, and especially for teenagers who are just beginning to have an interest in a sexual life. Nevertheless, in psychiatry there is such a thing as sexual addiction - that is, a violation in which there is a pathological perception of sex or sex-related objects, objects, actions. Excessive masturbation refers to manifestations of dependence if it interferes with the creation of normal relationships, destroys the family and provokes isolation. Let's consider whether there is a pathological dependence on masturbation? What do experts say about this?

Dependence on masturbation

Despite the fact that craving for masturbation is not a disease, nevertheless, in some cases, deviation can bring serious problems. In particular, if a person is so absorbed in his addictions that he cannot build normal relationships, start a family, he develops a depressive disorder, his social activity decreases against the background of dependence on masturbation. What is the difference between addiction and deviant behavior? Deviations are considered pathological, while some of them violate someone's interests and freedoms. For example, if we are talking about pedophilia, and a person shows violence towards minors, this is a violation of the criminal law of most countries. As for masturbation - how to understand that an addiction has appeared, and that the hobby has crossed the line of innocence? It's very simple - masturbation becomes unhealthy if it interferes with a full-fledged sexual life, if a person is already ready to exchange masturbation for sex with a partner, if thoughts about masturbation interfere with full functioning.

Causes of addiction to onanism

Note that at the moment the exact reasons for the formation of a pathological passion for masturbation have not been identified. Nevertheless, experts are convinced that the following factors influence the development of deviations:

mental deviations;
psychological trauma in childhood;
intoxication of the body, especially the brain, with chemicals;
birth injuries;
endocrinological problems;
bad heredity.

Addiction in children and adolescents

It should be noted right away that masturbation is a completely normal stage of psychosexual development in children. However, there are additional factors that can provoke the emergence of such habits:

Too close attention to the genitals in children can provoke tight underwear.
Physiological factors. It is necessary to pay attention to whether everything is in order in the child with the reproductive system - whether there are diaper rash, redness, rashes, and other pathologies. In some cases, factors such as diabetes, phimosis in boys, and worms can provoke early masturbation. Accordingly, in order to exclude all possible pathological factors, you should be examined by a pediatrician.
Psychological trauma. In particular, the birth of brothers and sisters, poor relations between parents, divorce, lack of attention, affection and care, loneliness can become traumatic factors for a small child. In such situations, masturbation is perceived by the young subconscious as a way to relieve stress, temporarily discharge from a stressful situation. It is also important to know that such masturbation is neurotic in nature and requires the attention of at least a qualified psychologist.
Boredom can also be a serious reason for masturbation. If at first such entertainment is of an innocent nature, and is provoked solely by curiosity, then in the future it can develop into a bad habit and even addiction. Also here it is necessary to rank the masturbation which is carried out before going to bed.
Interest in one's own body, especially for very young children, around 2 years of age. At this age, children are interested in everything, they are just beginning to learn about their body. It is important to understand that at this age there is still a very close connection between the child and the mother, respectively, if masturbation becomes frequent, the latter must show with her emotions and attitude that this should not be done. But it should be served in a soft and unobtrusive way.

However, in some situations, masturbation from a simple and natural process of self-knowledge can develop into a bad habit that is frankly neurotic in nature. How to recognize this condition? When should action be taken? Experts recommend paying attention when the following signs are noticed:

the occupation has begun to be obsessive;
masturbation becomes rough and impulsive;
it is carried out too often, and it is possible to catch a child doing this activity already during simple actions - in the process of playing, dressing, watching cartoons, and so on;
masturbation begins to take place in public places;
the child believes that he is not doing something shameful or beyond the bounds of decency;
the child may behave aggressively if he is seen doing this activity.

In no case do we recommend taking harsh and aggressive measures - this approach can easily cause psychological trauma. Children should not be bullied, scolded, scolded, or punished by catching them engaging in sexual activity; at best, it simply won't work. This is due to the fact that children may simply not realize that they are engaged in a business that is strongly condemned by society. It is best to start with explanations, gently talk to the child, explain what's what. If masturbation is already turning into some kind of obsessive and neurotic state, you should turn to specialists, because independent measures, as our practice shows, are powerless here. As for masturbation in adolescents, age-related changes should be taken into account. Remember, your child is in a difficult period when he is literally going through a hormonal storm. At this age, children begin to actively take an interest in the opposite sex. Masturbation in such cases serves as a way of discharge and satisfaction. Do not scold a teenager, accuse him of indecent activities - treat his physiological needs with understanding. And you should not, as before, enter his room without knocking - this will only put a wall of distrust between you. Remember, at this age, children become individuals, so you should learn to respect them. However, there is a line between normality and addiction. If a teenager spends almost all his free time watching erotic magazines and videos with sexual actions, and at the same time is fond of masturbation, this is a wake-up call. Partially, the following factors may indicate the disorder:

poor school performance;
narrowing of social circle, lack of friends;
aggression;
social isolation;
loss of all interests;
constantly spending time alone in one's room;
rudeness and boorishness;
stressful situations at school or at home.

It is important to understand that this addiction does not form all at once. Its onset may be preceded by a whole series of events. Most often, it is based on severe stress - for example, bullying classmates, divorce of parents, a long conflict, and so on. It is necessary to pay attention to your child, and if necessary, contact specialists who can understand the root causes and eliminate them.

How is masturbation addiction formed in women and men?

If a normal person perceives masturbation as a sexual release, then people who are dependent on this process develop an attraction, a habit, an obsessive state. An analogy can be drawn with dependence on the use of alcoholic beverages or drugs. Over time, such people are increasingly moving away from society, begin to lead a secluded lifestyle, isolate themselves from everyone. Often this condition is accompanied by the formation of complexes, self-doubt, neurosis, and even suicidal tendencies. Note that all this also applies to addiction to anal masturbation - if a man suffers from this form, then we are talking about a double addiction. Thus, medical assistance will be required in two cases:

if excessive masturbation leads to various mental disorders, especially depression;
if such hobby violates someone's rights and freedoms - for example, if a person starts masturbating in public.

Masturbation addiction: how to get rid of it?

Our practice shows that many people turn to specialists because they are generally worried about their tendency to masturbate. They are worried if this is some kind of deviation. No, it is not a violation as long as it does not prevent a person from leading a full life. Consultation and treatment with a sexologist will be required if masturbation has become a higher priority for the patient than work, personal life and social relationships. How to deal with pathological addiction? Basically, the private clinic IsraClinic uses psychotherapy and work with a sexologist. Techniques allow you to reduce pathological infatuation to a minimum and correct sexual behavior. Note that doctors who claim that masturbation is dangerous and in itself indicates an abnormality are considered, to put it mildly, non-professionals. Inadequate masturbation is considered only if it can lead to serious consequences - for example, criminal liability or severe clinical depression.

Masturbation addiction. Fighting lust

Masturbation, masturbation or masturbation is an extremely common way to relieve sexual and psychological stress. According to modern medical statistics, about 90% of men and more than 60% of women regularly masturbate. As noted by most professional psychologists and sexologists, such an activity can really help maintain libido, get away from stress and excessive overexertion. However, in some cases, masturbation becomes an obsession, an obsession, which leads to a violation of sexual function, and in some cases, social ties.

Masturbation as a norm of sexual behavior

In the process of puberty, the vast majority of adolescents resort to masturbation as a means of satisfying excessive sexual desire. Moreover, unconscious masturbation is quite common in infancy and early childhood (2-6 years). Moreover, such behavior in children as a whole is embedded in the concept of developmental norms.

The information on this page should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis purposes. In case of exacerbation of the symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to seek diagnostic studies, diagnosis and the correct prescription of the treatment method from your doctor.

Adolescents and young people of both sexes, due to active hormonal changes and the inability to satisfy sexual desire due to lack of experience in building relationships, social and financial problems, regularly resort to self-satisfaction. The frequency of such acts depends on the sexual constitution of a particular person, as well as the state of his psyche. After marriage or the acquisition of a permanent sexual partner, usually the frequency of masturbation is sharply reduced and gradually disappears. Those who live a regular sexual life may occasionally experience individual episodes of onanism, which is also included in the system of ideas about a healthy sexual life.

The situation is getting out of hand

Regular masturbation in the absence of a regular sex life invariably leads to the development of a habit into a real addiction. The mechanism of its acquisition is quite simple - an independent discharge of sexual energy guarantees a surrogate pleasure in the process of onanism. Gradually, this practice leads to the idea that contacts with the opposite sex with the obligatory attributes of courtship (gifts, going to a restaurant, spending time together) are, in fact, unnecessarily energy-consuming, and therefore not needed. After all, self-satisfaction is much easier, easier, and most importantly - more accessible than sex. As a result, the addict narrows the circle of social contacts, isolates himself, comes to the need for constant reassessment of his behavior and introspection. Gradually, mental and psychosexual disorders are formed, which can be dealt with only with the help of a qualified sexologist.

Do not self-medicate and self-diagnose! Contact your doctor for an accurate diagnosis of the disease. Only your doctor can correctly diagnose and prescribe the right treatment.

Harm of onanism

So, we have decided. Excessive passion for masturbation forms a habit that, under certain circumstances, can develop into a pathological addiction. Such behavior in the advanced phase causes irreparable harm to the body. First of all, onanism provokes the development of:

stress. Masturbation provokes the release of the hormone adrenaline into the bloodstream, which implies strong arousal. Adrenaline, carried with blood through the vital organs of our body, causes the acceleration of their work. In order to lower its level, physical activity is necessary. Sex provides significant physical stress, but masturbation does not. As a result, the heart and blood vessels suffer, which wear out prematurely;
neurasthenia. Constant stressful conditions, overwork as companions of onanism, lead to chronic overexcitation. And this entails depression, irritability, dissatisfaction with oneself and the quality of life, the development of neurasthenia;
depression of the central nervous system. As a rule, a person suffering from excessive masturbation, sleep is disturbed, memory deteriorates. The person becomes distracted, capricious, taciturn. The masturbator seeks solitude, avoids communication, which negatively affects his relationships in the family, work team;
violation of protein metabolism. Masturbation enhances the breakdown of fats and at the same time slows down protein catabolism;
prostatitis. The constant flow of blood to the prostate gland can lead to its enlargement and contribute to the development of the inflammatory process.

When to ask for help

Painfully attracted to masturbation develops over many years and in the early stages of the formation of this disease usually does not cause any concern. In case you are unable to control your behavior, it is time to visit a specialist. Otherwise, the development of autoeroticism (achieving sexual pleasure without a partner) will sooner or later end in mental problems and a violation of the mechanism of social adaptation.

How to help yourself

The attraction to onanism is an acquired disease that can be self-treated. All that is needed for this is the adoption of a strong-willed decision and the desire to help yourself. In order to cope with addiction, we suggest that you follow simple recommendations:

engage in physical activity and sports. Regular visits to the gym, cycling, morning or evening jogging will help you relieve excessive sexual tension;
Wear close-fitting thermal underwear or several layers of light clothing before going to bed. This practice will complicate access to the genitals, and, therefore, prevent attempts to masturbate in a dream;
establish a system of rewards for refraining from acts of onanism;
with a strong desire, take an emphasis lying down and push up from the floor 10-20 times;
practice fasting. Learn to refrain from meat and fatty foods 1-2 times a week, do not eat spicy and peppery foods, completely give up alcohol.

Prophylaxis

To prevent the development of this complex disease, it is necessary to clearly understand the harm of this habit. A special role here is played by education and self-education, physical activity and healthy trusting relationships in the family.

It is extremely important for parents of teenagers to control the interests of their children, to prevent increased interest in videos, books and films with erotic content. This can be helped by special software installed on modern multimedia gadgets, smartphones, tablets and smart TVs.

B-Apteka.ru provides comprehensive and verified information on health, wellness and medicine, but in matters of diagnosis and choice of treatment, you should contact your doctor. Remember - self-medication can be dangerous to your health. B-Apteka.ru is not responsible for the negative consequences resulting from the use of information by users of the site b-apteka.

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