Highlights
- The use it or lose it theory suggests that regular sexual activity may help preserve erectile function.
- Masturbation is generally considered healthy and harmless by most experts.
- Excessive masturbation is not strongly linked to ED in recent studies.
- Masturbation can help track erectile function, but aggressive techniques may cause damage.
- Individual attitudes and anxiety around masturbation may impact the benefit-risk balance.
Does the old “use it or lose it” adage apply to erectile function? It just might! There are many myths about masturbation and sexual functioning, and you’ve probably heard them all. Let’s take a look at the facts behind the “use it or lose it” theory and a few other myths associated with masturbation and ED.
The ‘Use It or Lose It’ Theory of Erectile Function
The “use it or lose it” theory proposes that regular sexual activity, including masturbation, helps preserve erectile function. A 2008 Finnish study published in the American Journal of Medicine followed nearly 1,000 men aged 50-75 over five years and found that those who had intercourse less than once per week were twice as likely to develop ED compared to those having more frequent sex.
The researchers concluded that “regular intercourse protects against the development of ED” and “preserves potency in a similar fashion as physical exercise maintains functional capacity.”
While this study focused on intercourse, one of the authors, urologist Juha Koskimaki, suggested masturbation likely has similar protective effects by preventing scarring and preserving blood vessels and nerves responsible for erections.
Not All Experts Agree
Not all urologists agree with the findings from the Finnish study, although most acknowledge that infrequent sexual activity is associated with erection problems. They say, however, that there is no real evidence that infrequent sex causes ED or that regular sexual intercourse or masturbation will help to preserve male sexual function.
One such dissenting opinion comes from Irwin Goldstein, M.D., medical director of the sexual medicine program at Alvarado Medical Hospital Center in San Diego, California. He told WebMD that “having sex is good, masturbating is good, but the concept that men have to go out and have sex to preserve erectile function is bogus.”
Another prominent dissenter to the findings from the Finnish study is Ira D. Sharlip, M.D., a clinical professor of urology at the University of California at San Francisco. Sharlip told WebMD that infrequent sex is more likely to be a consequence of erection problems rather than a cause.
Masturbation Is Generally Healthy and Harmless
While the experts may differ about the need for regular masturbation or sexual activity with a partner to keep your private parts working well, most seem to agree that masturbation — if not taken to excess — is a healthy pursuit.
Clinical sexologist Gloria Brame stated told WebMD that masturbation is “part of a healthy sex life. It’s totally safe and harmless.” Susan Kellogg Spadt, director of sexual medicine at Philadelphia’s Pelvic & Sexual Health Institute, described it as “as natural as going to the bathroom or breathing air.”
And for those whose masturbatory behavior during puberty was inhibited by a parental warning that it could bring on blindness, most experts hasten to add that that, too, is a myth.
Can Masturbation Cause ED?
While excessive masturbation, especially combined with pornography use, has been theorized to potentially contribute to ED in some men, the majority of recent evidence has not found a strong link:
- A 2022 study of over 3500 men found frequency of pornography use was unrelated to erectile function. Masturbation frequency showed only weak and inconsistent associations with ED. In contrast, well-established ED risk factors like age, anxiety/depression, and chronic illness were the strongest predictors.
- A 2016 review noted that while ED in younger men has been anecdotally attributed to pornography use, masturbation itself does not damage the penis or erections if done with proper technique. Psychological factors like shame about masturbating may play a role for some men.
Can You Masturbate Too Much?
Most urologists agree that regular erections, such as the spontaneous erections that occur during the REM sleep cycle, provide sufficient exercise to keep the male genitals in good working order, even in the absence of intercourse and/or masturbation.
However, since both masturbation and sexual intercourse require erections to be truly successful and satisfactory, it seems clear that such activity couldn’t hurt and may well help as part of an overall strategy to maintain and preserve erectile function.
Masturbation can also be a useful way to track your overall erectile function and anticipate more serious problems. One study, for example, asked men without partners if they masturbated and if they had problems with getting erections. The men who were showing signs of ED during masturbation were found to be at greater risk of serious cardiovascular problems.
As healthy and normal a part of sexual function as masturbation may be, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be overdone. Masturbating too hard or with too tight a grip (‘death grip syndrome”) can cause damage over time, and excessive masturbation that interferes with your life can also be a problem.
Can Porn Cause ED?
Like almost anything else, masturbation can become addictive, according to many medical professionals, and adding pornography to the mix may add fuel to the problem.
However, the science generally points away from porn causing erectile dysfunction. The 2022 study mentioned above found no statistical evidence that pornography use and masturbation, regardless of frequency, had any connection to erectile dysfunction.
So how much is too much? Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. The only way to know that the cycle of porn-masturbation has reached unhealthy levels is when it begins to interfere with your work life, social life, and/or sex life. It’s a question of balance and checking in with yourself. If you think you’re watching too much porn, or you think it’s interfering with your life in some way, then it’s time to step back. Try taking a break from porn for a while and see if it makes a difference.
Another point worth noting is that attitude matters. One analysis of masturbation attitudes among men of strong religious beliefs found that they struggled with anxiety over their masturbation habit, for example. If masturbation gives you anxiety or stresses you out, then the benefits may not be worth the costs.
Treat ED With Science, Not Myth
Erectile dysfunction is best treated with science — working with a doctor to find possible causes, changing your lifestyle, and using prescription medication to treat ED. Medications like Viagra, Cialis, vardenafil (formerly Levitra) and Stendra have been on the market for over two decades.
These medications, and their generic equivalents, are well understood and known to be safe and effective ED treatment for most men.
eDrugstore Has Your Back
eDrugstore can help you find the right medications for your needs and even pair you with a telehealth professional to answer your questions and write your prescription. If you’re ready to learn how medication can help you manage ED, visit our erectile dysfunction page to get started and compare prices.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about health and related topics but is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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