Are there any risks to masturbating?

Sexuality   ›   Masturbation  ›   Are there any risks to masturbating?

You’ll hear all sorts of things when learning about masturbation, to the point where you might start to wonder if there are any risks. Don't worry, we'll sort out the facts from fiction.

If I masturbate too much, do I risk becoming obsessed…

Having desires, feeling sexual arousal, masturbating, and enjoying stroking and pleasure are natural, for girls as well as boys. But you’re not likely to become obsessed with it. On the contrary, in addition to being enjoyable, masturbation can relieve sexual tension and help you get to know your body – and your reactions!

 

If I masturbate too much...will I end up not having enough semen?

Don’t worry, your body is well made! Before each ejaculation, alone or with a partner, your body produces new semen. There’s no limit – you’ll have semen all your life! It’s produced when it’s needed and the “tank” is always full.

 

Can it make menstruation start or stop?

Your body will start menstruating for the first time when it’s ready, at puberty, and that has nothing to do with masturbation. However, at puberty, your body changes and so does your sexual desire. So it’s not uncommon for you to start to discover your body and to masturbate around the same time you get your first period.

 

Will I go blind?

If that were true, the world would be full of blind people! People invented this false belief a long time ago, when religion was very important to society and masturbation was strongly disapproved of. The authorities wanted to discourage people from masturbating by making them believe it was dangerous. They invented all kinds of myths like that one and some of them are still making the rounds!

 

If I masturbate too much, will I get sterile?

Masturbation won’t make you sterile! In the old days, people believed that masturbation was dangerous. Nowadays, research has proven that it has no health risks. Not only is it normal, it’s healthy and useful. But it’s a personal choice; everyone can decide whether or not to do it.

 

Can it change my genitals?

No matter how often you masturbate, the size or shape of your genitals won’t change! On the other hand, it’s completely normal to see your body change at puberty, since you’re starting the transition to adulthood. These changes will happen no matter what, whether you masturbate or not!