Is masturbation a healthy release of sexual energy?

" Isn't masturbation just a normal, healthy release of sexual energy and biological buildup?"

This page is part of our Frequently Asked Questions section

Author's response:

No. Aside from the spiritual reasons we've cited on our masturbation page, there are some biological reasons for not masturbating. Masturbation causes our bodies to become sexually responsive to masturbation instead of the heterosexual stimulation of "normal" sex. For a man, this change in sexual responsiveness affects his ability to be sexually excited by his wife, gain and maintain an erection, restrain himself during sex so he and his wife can reach orgasm together. He is likely to be so "tuned" to himself sexually, that he is unable to give sexual expression to his wife in a loving way. His sexual actions may become totally focused on self-gratification.

Pornography further complicates the problem because sexual activity usually conjures up memories of porn depictions he has found stimulating. He may find himself having to think about the porn depictions in order to be satisfied during sex. If his wife does not look as good to him as the porn stars, or does not want to do what he has fantasized about doing through porn, he will be disappointed and probably angry. This obviously can severely damage the marriage's sex life.

This process is reversible with God's help. Our sexual responses can be retuned to our spouse and desire for our spouse can be restored. These changes take place when we stop masturbating and start dedicating our sexuality to God. It may take several months or longer, but we can be healed. Please visit our Freedom from Masturbation study if you would like to know how to be free of masturbation addiction.

Home Frequently Asked Questions

If you find a grammatical error, spelling error, broken hyperlink or some other error on this page, please contact us mentioning the page title and location. We are committed to continuously improving this website. Thank You!