The Hazards of Masturbation

Masturbation refers to the self-initiated resolution of sexual tension and release of sexual energy to fulfill one’s sexual needs and derive pleasure and psychological comfort from sexual activity. Excessive masturbation may lead to sexual neurasthenia, urogenital system disorders, and impaired cognitive function.

① Sexual Neurasthenia

This condition manifests as abnormalities in the central nervous system and throughout the body, including low mood, diminished memory, poor concentration, reduced comprehension, insomnia, frequent dreaming, dizziness, and palpitations.

② Urogenital System Disorders

These disorders may cause symptoms such as urinary frequency, post-micturition dribbling, discomfort in the lower abdomen and perineum, lumbago and fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and anejaculation. Chronic, frequent masturbation often imposes a significant psychological burden. Due to excessive ejaculation, semen quality may deteriorate and libido decline. In some cases, the ejaculatory threshold becomes elevated, resulting in an inability to ejaculate during normal sexual intercourse—potentially impairing fertility.

③ Impaired Cognitive Function

Prolonged masturbation can significantly impair memory and cognitive capacity. In adolescents, this is most notably reflected by declining academic performance and increasing difficulty in learning. This stems from depletion of “Jing” (essence), which fails to transform into “Qi” (vital energy), and subsequent deficiency of Qi, which cannot adequately nourish the “Shen” (spirit/mind).