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Does Masturbation Have Positive or Negative Effects on the Brain?


Things to consider:

There’s a lot of conflicting information including some myths and rumors — about whether masturbation is bad for you.

Know this: Whether you masturbate is up to you and only you.


If you do, rest assured that doing so won’t cause any physical harm. And if you don’t, there’s no harm, no foul, for you either.

Here’s what you need to know.

Masturbating releases hormones

Masturbation causes your body to release a number of hormones. These hormones include:

Dopamine. This is one of the “happiness hormones” that’s related to your brain’s reward system.

Endorphins. The body’s natural pain reliever, endorphins also have de-stressing and mood-boosting effects.

Oxytocin. This hormone is often called the love hormone and is associated with social bonding.

Testosterone. This hormone is released during sex to improve stamina and arousal. It’s also released when you have sexual fantasies, according to a 2011 studyTrusted Source.

Prolactin. A hormone that plays an important role in lactation, prolactin also influences your mood and immune system.

Masturbating can cause you to release healthy amounts of the above hormones, which is why it can positively affect your mood and physical health.

This affects your mood

Dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin are all called “happiness hormones” associated with stress reduction, bonding, and relaxation.

Sometimes, masturbating can help you feel a little better when your mood is low.

As well as your focus and concentration

You might have heard of “post-nut clarity” — a situation where your brain suddenly feels focused after you have an orgasm.

Indeed, many people find that masturbating helps them concentrate better. As such, they might masturbate before working, studying, or taking a test.

There’s no scientific explanation for this, as it hasn’t been studied specifically. However, this sense of clarity and focus might be a result of feeling relaxed and happy after an orgasm.

It can help alleviate stress and anxiety

While oxytocin is commonly known as the “love hormone” and associated with social bonding, it’s also associated with de-stressing and relaxation.

As one 2005 study points out, oxytocin plays an important role in regulating stress and reducing anxiety.

It does this by reducing blood pressure and lowering your cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress.

So, if you’re hoping to relieve some tension after a tough day at work, masturbating might be a good relaxation technique!

Thanks for Reading.