One in every ten males masturbates. Men masturbate for various reasons, including relief from sexual tension and relaxation. Masturbation has long been thought to cause erectile dysfunction, prompting many who masturbate to wonder, “Does masturbation cause erectile dysfunction?”
Masturbation does not cause erectile dysfunction; erectile dysfunction happens when you cannot maintain or get an erection.
According to research, watching porn and masturbating frequently can contribute to ED by desensitising you to particular visuals and physical intimacy. Porn has been examined for its neurological consequences. However, no evidence watching porn can create a bodily response that leads to ED.
Actual Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
A variety of physical and psychological factors can cause erectile dysfunction. Both can cause it in some circumstances. Here are the physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction;
- Excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity,
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
Erectile dysfunction treatment
Treating erectile dysfunction depends on the cause, and since the most common cause of erectile dysfunction is lack of blood flow to the penile arteries, the use of medications, a penis pump, or even surgery can be used. Other types of erectile dysfunction treatments are;
- Penile injection
- Testosterone therapy
- Intraurethral medication
- Penile implants
Preventing erectile dysfunction
People say, “prevention is better than cure”. Hence it is advisable to prevent erectile dysfunction before it escalates and causes more harm to you.
Here are ways you can prevent erectile dysfunction;
Quit smoking
Smoking is linked to blood vessels and heart diseases, one underlying factor that causes erectile dysfunction in men. If you smoke, quit it to reduce your risk of getting an ED.
Be physically active
Physical activity improves blood flow throughout the body, including the penis. Before beginning new activities, consult with a doctor.
Maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can help you avoid diabetes and high blood pressure. Because diabetes and high blood pressure are important causes of erectile dysfunction, maintaining a healthy weight will help avoid it. If you have to lose weight, speak to a doctor first to know healthy ways to go about it.
Avoid using illegal drugs
Using illegal drugs may make it difficult to obtain or maintain an erection. Some illegal drugs, for example, may hinder you from being aroused or from experiencing other sensations. Other psychological, emotional, or physical causes that may be causing your ED may be obscured by your use of illegal drugs.
Masturbation does not cause erectile dysfunction. Instead, other factors contribute to it. Therefore anyone having trouble attaining or keeping an erection should consult a doctor, as erectile dysfunction is treatable.