Can frequent masturbation affect sexual function?

Dear Trying To Reach Orgasmic Plateau Again and Elle, 

It’s great that you’re in touch (no pun intended) with yourself and your partner! Solo stimulation play can be a great way to discover what you do and don’t like. That said, frequent masturbation may lead to desensitization, which means it could take you longer to orgasm. Also, what brings you to orgasm during solo play may be different than when you’re with a partner. Therefore, it may take a bit longer to figure out what you or your partner need to orgasm. Additionally, each person takes a different amount of time to orgasm, so what you consider a long time may be considered short for someone else. But fear not, there are ways to keep those climaxes coming (pun intended). Keep reading to learn more! 

Can masturbating affect your sexual function? 

There’s no evidence to support the myths that masturbation can cause erectile dysfunction or infertility. However, for some people, frequent masturbating may lead to sexual desensitization. If you masturbate often, it’s possible your body may be less responsive to sexual stimulation. This doesn’t mean that you’re permanently desensitized to orgasms. It simply means that you may need more time or stimulation to reach the peak (known as orgasmic threshold). Anyone who masturbates can experience desensitization, but people with vaginas may find desensitization a more common phenomenon. 

That said, in some cases, changes in orgasmic threshold can overlap with sexual disorders like delayed ejaculation. Delayed ejaculation is a medical condition where it takes a long time to climax or doesn’t happen at all. Some people may struggle to climax with a partner or even when masturbating. Some studies suggest that for people with penises, frequent masturbation that’s combined with heavy pornography use is associated with delayed ejaculation. However, this may differ from person to person.  

Overall, masturbation affects people differently. There is no amount of frequency that determines if a person will experience desensitivity. Its effects on sexual function vary widely and are shaped by habits, context, and individual differences. 

Is it possible to masturbate too much?  

When it comes to masturbation, it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. Masturbation can become excessive when it starts to interfere with your day-to-day functioning. To decide whether too much pleasure has led to more harm than good depends on each person's circumstances. To break this down, you can ask questions such as:  

• Does it interrupt your daily life? 
• Does it interfere with your school, work, or social life to a harmful degree? 
• Does it impact your relationships with others?  

If you believe that you or your partner may be masturbating too much, you might want to speak with your health care provider or a mental health professional to discuss potential strategies for cutting down. 

What other factors affect your ability to orgasm? 

Age may influence your ability to orgasm. In general, as you grow older, your sexual responses and sensitivities to pleasure can change.  

Another factor that impacts your ability to climax is your mental well-being. Psychological distress, such as depression, anxiety, and other conditions, can affect your sexual pleasure. As such, anxiety and stress can affect your mood both outside and inside of the bedroom. It may be helpful to have a candid conversation with your partner about their emotions. This may help to relieve some of your concerns.  

What can you do to improve your situation? 

If you or your partner are having trouble reaching orgasm, it can help to talk openly about each other’s needs and preferences. Additionally, if you’re concerned that relationship issues might be affecting your partner’s ability to ejaculate, consider having a conversation in a low-pressure setting and approaching the topic with care. 

Additionally, communication can help with the physical side of sex. For example, consider discussing some of the fun techniques you both like to do when you masturbate. Introducing sex toys, different positions, or rousing techniques can be some fun ways to explore what feels good. While the amount of time it takes to orgasm may be longer, there’s nothing wrong with that. For some people, incorporating more foreplay can make it easier to orgasm. Talking about this new normal with your partner may bring in some new ways to play during sex.  

That said, if you’re still concerned about the frequency of your or your partner’s orgasms, consider speaking with a professional who specializes in sexual health.  They may help you figure out if anything else is affecting your or your partner’s ability to reach the big O. They can also support you and your partner in creating a plan to achieve it.  

Hope this was a solo mission accomplished,