Does masturbation affect the brain?

Masturbation increases hormones and chemicals that produce pleasurable emotions, experiences, and sensations.


Masturbation myths persist. Masturbation is a personal choice with health benefits.

Most harmful effects of masturbation are psychological rather than physical.

Learn about masturbation addiction, brain effects, therapy, prevention, and when to visit a doctor.

Brain benefits

Masturbation has several health benefits.

Chemicals and hormones
Masturbation and other sexual behaviors that cause sexual pleasure or orgasm release hormones and chemicals in the brain's pleasure-reward center, according to research. These are:

Dopamine, the "happiness" hormone, drives movement, motivation, and reward-seeking.

Oxytocin: Love hormone Oxytocin promotes happy sexual, social, and parental behaviors. The hormone supports well-being, pleasant social interaction, growth, and healing.

Neurotransmitter serotonin promotes happiness, optimism, and pleasure. Serotonin also boosts mood.

Endorphins: "Feel-good" endorphins relieve pain better than morphine. They cause the workout high.

Prolactin: Prolactin regulates reproduction, stress, and emotions.

Endocannabinoids: These neurotransmitters help us enjoy exercising, socializing, and eating. They regulate trusted Source pain, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular function, learning and memory, anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Norepinephrine/noradrenalin: This stimulating neurotransmitter stimulates and modulates dopamine transmission, which improves happiness.

Adrenaline regulates heart rate, blood vessel and airway diameters, and metabolism, reducing stress.

These hormones release health benefits:

Stress reduction
Sexual activity releases oxytocin, which lowers cortisol and relaxes. Prolactin regulates Trusted Source stress responses.

Sleep better
Masturbation releases hormones and neurotransmitters that reduce stress, blood pressure, and relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep.

The orgasm was connected with better sleep in a 2019 research of 778 adults. Masturbation helped many respondents fall asleep faster and sleep better.

Less pain
Natural painkillers are endorphins. Endocannabinoids modulate pain and inflammation. These natural medications may help with menstruation pain.

2013 studySexual engagement reduces migraines and cluster headaches, according to Trusted Source.

Improved immunity
Masturbation increases immune-regulating prolactin and endocannabinoids. It increases stress-reducing chemicals and neurotransmitters.

Dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins may rise during masturbation, improving mood.

Concentrate better
Masturbation boosts learning, memory, and motivation hormones and neurotransmitters, isla summer porn improving focus and concentration.

2020 study Trusted Source revealed that Ritalin may increase dopamine levels and drive to perform challenging activities.

Improve self-esteem
Masturbation boosts adrenaline. ResearchersTrusted Source link salivary and urinary adrenaline to human growth and life purpose. Self-pleasure empowers and improves body image.

Enhance sex
Many hormones and neurotransmitters in the human sexual response cycle release stimulating chemicals at greater levels to manage the cycle.

Better memory
Prolactin reduces stress-induced brain damageTrusted Source. Dopamine also helps cognition. A 2016 study by Trusted Source revealed that sexual activity improved recollection and number sequencing in older males and females aged 50–89.

Pressure reduction
Oxytocin and endocannabinoids may lower blood pressure.