PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal condition that has affected many women around the world. According to recent studies, one in five women have PCOS.
PCOS is mainly caused due to the excess production of the male hormone androgen in the body. This causes issues like irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, etc., in women. It also causes infertility issues in some women.
Though the cause of PCOS is hormonal imbalance, research is still going on to identify what causes this hormonal imbalance. One of the causes some people believe is masturbation.
There is a belief among some people that masturbation is one of the causes of PCOS. Is this true? Let’s look in detail into masturbation and some of the causes of PCOS.
Does Masturbation Cause PCOS?
Masturbation is the act of stimulating one’s genitals to achieve sexual pleasure and orgasm. It is a completely normal activity, and both men and women do it to relieve stress and understand one’s own body.
It is a common misconception among many people that masturbation can cause PCOS and infertility. The answer to this is NO. Masturbation does not cause PCOS or affect your fertility in any way.
The Connection Between Masturbation and Hormones
Though masturbation does not cause hormonal imbalance and cause PCOS, they do have an effect on certain hormones like oxytocin and dopamine. Studies show that masturbation can release these happy hormones, stimulating sexual pleasure and orgasm.
Some studies also show that masturbation can lead to an increase in testosterone secretion. Testosterone is essential for muscle and bone strength and increased sexual drive in both men and women.
When Does Masturbation Become Harmful?
Masturbation is normal and can be beneficial for your physical and emotional well-being. But, there are times when masturbation can become harmful for you. Let’s discuss some of the cases.
1. When you become addicted to it
Getting addicted to masturbation can harm your body and affect your social life. It can affect relationships with friends and family, impact your studies, and lower work productivity.
2. When it harms your genitals
Excess masturbation can harm your genital area by causing irritation or injuries.
3. When it reduces your sexual desire
Excess masturbation can lessen your genital sensitivity and response to sexual stimulation. It can affect your sexual life with your partner.
Does Masturbation Cause Any Other Problems?
As we discussed, some people may say that it can cause weight gain , but masturbation does not cause any problems until it is done in excess, and it affects your social life. One problem you can face due to excess masturbation is back pain.
This issue is not common and only happens in women who masturbate excessively (two or three times a day). Your pelvic muscles contract whenever you masturbate. This pressure can give you back pain and cramps, which can be treated by gynecologist near you.
Another common issue many women experience due to masturbation is guilt. Masturbation, especially female masturbation, is considered taboo in many cultures. Women with religious beliefs might feel guilty that they are doing something sinful when they masturbate.
Causes of Masturbation
Masturbation, from a medical and health perspective, is recognized as a normal and generally healthy part of human sexuality for both males and females. It’s associated with various benefits, including physical relief, sexual health maintenance, and psychological well-being. Here, we focus strictly on the health-related causes and implications of masturbation for males and females, based on medical insights.
Health-Related Causes for Both Males and Females
Sexual Health Maintenance
Masturbation contributes to sexual health by allowing individuals to explore their bodies, understand their sexual responses, and identify what feels pleasurable. This self-awareness can enhance sexual experiences with partners.
Stress Relief and Emotional Well-being
The physiological effects of masturbation, including the release of endorphins and other hormones, can reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote relaxation.
Sleep Improvement
For some individuals, the relaxation that follows orgasm can aid in falling asleep and improving sleep quality.
Health-Related Causes Unique to Males
Prostate Health
Some studies suggest that regular ejaculation, through masturbation or partnered sex, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, although more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.
Erectile Health
Regular ejaculation can help maintain erectile function and sexual responsiveness. It’s also used by some men as a strategy to manage or reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Sperm Quality
There’s some evidence to suggest that regular ejaculation can help maintain healthy sperm by promoting the turnover of sperm cells.
Health-Related Causes Unique to Females
Menstrual Cramp Relief
Masturbation can lead to muscular relaxation and pain relief for some women during menstruation due to the release of endorphins.
Pelvic Floor Strength
Orgasm, whether achieved through masturbation or partnered sex, involves contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, which can help in maintaining their strength and function.
Sexual Function
Like males, females can also benefit from improved sexual function through masturbation, including increased sexual desire and arousal, as well as the potential for easier achievement of orgasm during sexual activities.
Conclusion
To conclude, there is no concrete evidence that proves that masturbation causes or increases the effects of PCOS. PCOS is a hormonal condition that you get because of hormonal imbalances and unhealthy life choices.
Masturbation is a natural activity and doesn’t cause any negative effects on your body or life unless it is done in excess. If you have PCOS, it is advised to consult with Best Gynecologist and undergo the necessary treatments immediately.
PCOS is caused due to the production of high amounts of androgen hormones in the body. This causes issues like irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, etc., in women. It also causes infertility issues in some women.
No, female masturbation does not cause sexual dysfunction. Masturbation is a natural activity that both men and women engage in to explore themselves and understand their bodies. It does not cause any side effects unless it is done in excess.
No, masturbation does not have any effect on fertility, either positively or negatively.
No, masturbation does not have any effect on a woman’s ability to get pregnant. Pregnancy depends on the woman’s fertility and the timing of intercourse.
