Masturbation is a fact of life for most men and, by all accounts, is a natural and healthy practice. It allows men to become familiar with their own sexuality and experiment with what feels good (and what doesn’t). According to many sexual health experts, pleasing oneself can help men become better partners. In addition to these benefits, ejaculation triggers the release of hormones that can give a man a sense of well-being and help him relax, which is beneficial to his overall health.

However, despite these benefits, improper management can lead to some unexpected side effects, which can range from minor to life-altering if not addressed properly. Maintaining penile health and performance may depend on understanding these effects and taking steps to prevent them.

Dry Masturbation:

Masturbating without the benefit of a personal lubricant can stress the skin of the penis and damage the underlying tissue. While men aren’t always prepared with a bottle of lotion at hand, and the temptation can be overwhelming, it’s important to be aware of these potential issues:

· Dry masturbation increases the risk of infection. Vigorous stimulation not only causes pain in the penis; Excessive friction can cause microscopic cracks and lesions that allow harmful bacteria to take hold. Bacterial infections can cause pain, swelling, and an unpleasant discharge. If allowed to progress, these bacteria can become extremely difficult to eradicate. Untreated bacterial infections can even lead to a condition known as prostatitis, an inflammatory condition of the prostate that can cause severe pain in the perineal area, testicles, abdomen, and penis, as well as cramping and pain with ejaculation.

· Dry masturbation can cause “hardening” of the skin of the penis. Like the skin on other parts of the body, the skin on the penis reacts to constant stress by undergoing a keratinization process. Essentially, this amounts to a thickening of the skin, similar to the calluses that tend to develop on the hands and feet. While this process is the body’s way of protecting itself, the net effect is that the thickened layer of skin on the penis reduces the ability to detect tactile stimulation. Men often compensate for this loss of penis sensation by gripping the penis even more firmly during masturbation; this, in turn, exacerbates the effects of rough handling.

Aggressive Masturbation:

Even men who are vigilant about using lotion or lubricant during self-pleasure sessions can be tempted to get rough from time to time. Aggressive stroking and bending of the penis during self-stimulation can lead to the formation of scar tissue around the erectile chambers. Because scar tissue does not expand in the same way as the surrounding penile tissue, a bowstring effect can occur. This can lead to a pronounced bending or curvature of the penis during an erection; in some cases, this can make intercourse painful or prevent it altogether. Men with this condition, known as Peyronie’s disease, may also experience a shortening of the penis.

Avoid damage to the penis and minimize the effects of masturbation.

To reduce the risk of unpleasant side effects and increase the body’s ability to repair itself when damage occurs, some proactive measures are necessary.

First of all, hygiene is an important factor in this process. Keeping the penis clean with a mild cleanser and warm water can help reduce the number of harmful organisms that are present on the skin. For men who are not circumcised, this is especially important.

Second, it is recommended to use a personal lubricant during masturbation to prevent dryness and irritation of the penile skin. While men are often tempted to grab soap or shampoo in the shower, or reach for a bottle of hand lotion, these often contain chemicals that can increase skin irritation and damage. Fragrance-free, water-based lubricants intended for intimate use are best for this purpose.

Third, keeping the penis well-nourished with vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids can protect it from infection, hardening of the penile skin, and the formation of scar tissue. Special vitamin cream for the penis (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) it can help not only protect against the side effects of masturbation and promote healing; It can improve the skin tone and texture of the penis and even increase sensitivity, leading to greater enjoyment of sex.