The Hazards of Masturbation

Masturbation refers to the act of relieving sexual tension and discharging sexual energy independently, satisfying one’s own sexual needs, and deriving pleasure and comfort from sexual activity. Excessive masturbation may lead to sexual neurasthenia, urogenital disorders, and impaired cognitive function, among other adverse effects.

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 Disorders

These disorders may present with symptoms such as urinary frequency, post-micturition dribbling, discomfort in the lower abdomen and perineum, lumbago with fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and anejaculation. Chronic, frequent masturbation often imposes a significant psychological burden. Due to repeated 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—thereby impairing fertility.

③ Impaired Cognitive Function

Prolonged masturbation can significantly impair memory and intellectual capacity, particularly in adolescents. The most apparent manifestations include declining academic performance and increasing difficulty in learning. This is attributed to depletion of “Jing” (essence), which fails to transform into “Qi” (vital energy), and subsequent Qi deficiency that impairs “Shen” (mental acuity and spirit).