What are the actual side effects of masturbation?

Well, scientifically speaking, most of the data you'll find here is qualitative. This forum has over 100,000 members all trying to overcome their porn/masturbation addiction. I don't know if every side effect these people have seen are simply placebo. While many of the social issues Fapstronauts face probably are just a mental block (I've dealt with this myself), I can give you some of the effects people have reported in their posts. Seeing as a PMO addiction is relatively new, there isn't that much mainstream research on it yet. Here is a few effects I've read about:

• Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
• Low Energy (which you mentioned).
• Low Motivation.
• Depression/Anxiety.
• Low-Stamina (in all exercises)

I'm no expert researcher, but there are several studies on yourbrainonporn.com. Consider reading through it if you want. But in my opinion, the sheer volume and depth of this community is proof that this issue is far more than a simple placebo effect.

 

I got to the point where I had a hard time getting hard. And whenever I did get hard it would hardly be hard and it didn’t stay hard too long.

Porn Induced E.D. really does happen!

Just one of many reasons to make a change in my life.

 

First you have to remember that there is a big difference between masturbating and masturbating to porn. Masturbating on your own doesn't have any negative side effects and it usually healthy in moderate amounts, but once you throw porn or any kind of stimulating material into the mix, you are creating new pathways for your brain's rewards system and it wants to stick to that. This can lead to addiction to these materials and that subsequently leads to more negative side effects such as low self esteem, guilt, depression, and many others.

 

I find quitting PMO helps me to gain a deeper interest in my other hobbies and be more meaningful with my time. I'll find more useful things to do in the time I have now I suppose. I have this heightened motivation or intrigue in just doing other things. I feel like that affect for me is definitely related to PMO because if I was to relapse like I have before, I kind of feel like a straggler in my own life. For a few weeks I just feel so lethargic and while I know there's things I could be doing, I just don't go about doing them. At the place I am now, I don't put stuff off any more, like leave work for another time etc. But I'm able to get it done when I put my mind to it. That, for me is the true strength of NoFap

 

Masturbation takes you away from the goal of REAL sex and brings you into a world of fantasy... either in your imagination and/or by watching porn.... It clashes with real sex and real life.

That is a side effect. I believe if you do this a lot it will to disrupt your life... it certainly did mine.

 

Brain fog.

 

There are nutrients (such as zinc) in the body that are depleted with climax.

If you're not taking a good Zinc supplement, or getting a good zinc rich diet, you may develop a Zinc deficiency.

What is Zinc good for?

1. Increases Immunity and Fights Colds
2. Acts as a Powerful Antioxidant that May Help Fight Cancer
3. Balances Hormones
4. Fights Diabetes
5. Maintains Heart Health by Supporting Blood Vessels
6. Prevents Diarrhea
7. Increases Fertility
8. Aids in Nutrient Absorption and Digestion
9. Supports Liver Health
10. Helps with Muscle Growth and Repair


What are the symphony of a deficiency?

1. Changes in appetite, including food cravings for salty or sweet foods
2. Changes in ability to taste and smell
3. Weight gain or loss
4. Hair loss
5. Digestive problems, including diarrhea
6. Chronic fatigue syndrome
7. Infertility
8. Hormonal problems, including worsened PMS or menopause symptoms
9. Low immunity
10. Poor concentration and memory
11. Slowed ability to heal wounds, skin infections or irritation
12. Nerve dysfunction


So yeah, too much M can be bad for you depending on your diet.

 

One hand stronger then the other.

 

Its more of a a mental change if you don't masturbate you don't seek attention from woman. no attention seeking results in you having a higher change of getting a girlfriend because woman are attracted to you.


Basically masturbation makes you needy. You want to get laid. If you control you ‘self and don’t need sex its much easier to be the cool guy when you are with a girl.

When i masturbate i noticed i get more clumsy against woman i seek there atention i want to have sex .

 

Much of the evidence both for and against masturbation is anecdotal, and much of the hard evidence can also apply to sex. Find something that best fits you and your beliefs in that regard. I do no masturbation at all because I don’t want to consider sexual releases to be a need.

Porn, on the other hand, you should definitely stay away from.