In general, Masturbation is a daily part of sexual expression, which relieves stress in you. Just like drugs or alcohol, masturbation can be addicting at times. Knowing how to stop the addiction to masturbation helps someone manage its symptoms & reduce the behavior eventually.
Normal vs. Excessive Masturbation
Many young men who masturbate at regular intervals do it five to ten times per week. However, how often men masturbate every week varies from each person. For men in their 30s and 40s, the frequency of masturbating goes down to two to three times per week. However, for a few people, masturbation can become a serious addiction. These people start developing compulsive behavior towards it. They start to prefer masturbating over socializing it.
These are the men who cannot stop thinking about masturbating. Leading to this, these affect their regular lives. The number of times that determines that one has a masturbation addiction is a subjective matter. And, any addiction is a pathological compulsion. Masturbation addiction refers to the continued repetition of masturbation even post it negatively impacts one’s life. In general, when many people start masturbating, they enjoy doing it healthily.
However, as with pleasurable activity, it becomes simple for men to masturbate quite often. If men masturbate to the point where the deed affects their daily or regular life & even their mental health, they probably have a masturbation addiction.
How to Stop a Masturbation Addiction
Masturbation addiction can be treated using the perfect and correct methods. Here’s how one can overcome the addiction to masturbation in a safe & healthy manner:
Talk to a therapist
When you get ready to perform a healthy relationship along with masturbation or if you want to stop your addiction to masturbation, reach out to your therapist. As an alternative, you may also talk to your doctor. They can refer you to a psychologist, counselor, or even psychiatrist specializing in your sexual health. To figure out a local sex therapist, you can give a visit the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
Be honest
In general, Masturbation carries a massive stigma. Many cultural, religious, and even spiritual traditions see masturbation as a sin. Masturbation is however neither bad nor immoral. It is a normal and healthy form of expressing sexual desires. If you feel guilty, ashamed, or upset just because you masturbate, tell your therapist about this as soon as you can. Getting to the root of your feelings of guilt helps you overcome it for sure.
Take your time
Treatment for masturbation addiction does not tend to happen overnight. Therapy is also not a one-stop solution. One visit is the initial step to sobriety. You must however constantly take a check from your therapist for weeks or a few months. As you continue to discuss, you will feel quite comfortable with your therapist. This can help you become transparent about your behaviors & feelings.
Wear clothes at night
Clothes provide you with a physical barrier between you & your genitals. Hence, wearing underwear and clothes at night can help reduce your behavior. Even if you touch yourself, an extra layer of clothing can reduce the kind of sensation.
Say no to porn
In general, Pornography plays a vital role in the addiction to masturbation. It is a mental driving agent for men who masturbate excessively. This mentally impacts men in a way that shapes the way they act and think in society. So, it’s always better to avoid pornographic images, videos, and websites as much as possible.
Socialize a lot:
Socializing with people around you keeps your mind diverted & focused at the same time. If you want to know how to stop your addiction to masturbation, you must socialize with your friends and family. You can also join a class or enroll at the gym to meet new people and socialize with them.
Do something new
Having a great interest or hobby diverts your mind for sure. Moreover, This helps you stop the addiction to masturbation. Think about picking up a hobby that can be an alternative to masturbating. Figure out activities that you enjoy & stick to them. These involve exercise, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, traveling, & even pottery. You may also start to work on your personal goals. Tell yourself that you will gain them by writing them down. Doing so helps put your energy into a few things and stops you from thinking anything about masturbating.
Get professional help
When masturbation is negatively affecting a person’s life, it may be helpful to get advice from a mental health expert who specializes in human sexuality. It is quite possible that additional problems, like obsessive-compulsive disorder, are the underlying issue. Talking with a therapist or even with a psychologist is helpful to work through negative feelings and learn behavior modification strategies to stop masturbating.
Spend more time with other people
Few people may masturbate because they feel lonely. Spending less time alone cuts down the opportunities required to masturbate. Spending time with a few other people will not only keep a person busy, but it might also redirect their actual focus. There are many ways to cut down the solitude. Moreover, People can meet up with friends and family, take a class, or join a gym to stay socially engaged with other people.
Any Side effects?
Masturbation does not cause any side effects. However, if masturbation is very compulsive, constant, or vigorous, it may cause the following side effects:
Edema: In men, gripping the penile tightly at the time of masturbation can cause mild swelling or edema.
Skin irritation: When masturbation is vigorous, it might lead to chafing or skin irritation. But this often goes on after a few days.
Guilt: Masturbation is although not wrong or unhealthy, few people may witness negative feelings afterward, such as guilt or shame.
Conclusion
Masturbation is a healthy and normal activity performed by men. For a few people, however, it can become an addiction that interferes with their regular lives. If this is happening to you or your loved one, learn how to stop this addiction. Get the help you need to feel fulfilled and have better sexual health. Do not feel bad if the process becomes very tough.
