Sure, it might seem great at the time, amazing in fact, but getting off just that bit too much could be unhealthy.
Yep, it’s time to pack in acting like a teenage boy cooped up in your dark and dingy bedroom, games console remote in one hand and well, your d*ck in another.
That’s because a GP has warned excessive masturbation is causing a rise of a male health problem. In moderation, it’s a pretty good thing to do has it helps to reduce levels of stress and improve your mood and quality of sleep.
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Calm it. (Getty Stock)But too much of it can potentially trigger a form of erectile dysfunction – and no one wants that.
GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, Dr Donald Grant, told MailOnline: “Overall, there's no strict rule or guideline on how much people should masturbate.
“But when masturbation gets out of hand, there's a variety of ways it can impact sexual and physical health.”
And the big worry is the increase of watching porn as the doctor links this to the rise of porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED).
The NHS explains that erectile dysfunction is very common, particularly in men over 40 and is usually nothing to worry about, but you should see a GP if it persists.
Typically, it can be caused by high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes, depression or anxiety and hormone problems.
But Dr Grant says PIED can be a lesser-known culprit.
“This unhealthy porn usage can lead to desensitisation, making it more difficult for men to achieve and maintain an erection — as they're used to more intense sexual activity seen on screen,” he said.
It can make things pretty awkward. (Getty Stock)“It can lead to reduced interest in sex with actual partners as men prioritise porn and masturbation instead.” Plus, it can lead to you having wider problems in the bedroom.
“Compulsive masturbation can lead to reduced sensitivity in the genital area, making it more difficult to achieve sexual pleasure or stimulation. It can occur when nerve endings become damaged from too much activity, creating a loss of sensitivity,” Dr Grant explained.
Taking breaks or using lube can help with this.
Also, excessive masturbation can cause men and women to become ‘hyper-focused on their own pleasure, meaning when the time comes for sexual intercourse with a partner, individuals could experience performance anxiety, which directly impacts sex drive’.
He also added that too much masturbating can lead to people experiencing ‘mental distress due to guilt or shame relating’ to it.
The doctor concluded: “Overall, while masturbation comes with a variety of health benefits, I believe it's also important to manage activity to avoid some short and long-term health risks.”Featured Image Credit: Getty stock
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, NHS, Mental Health
Being cheated on might be one of the worst experiences you can go through in your life.
People may often be blindsided by their significant other, or perhaps they're trying to determine if their new partner could be a cheater after exhibiting weird behaviour - either way, there are six telling signs that will reveal if they're faithful or not.
It may not be their first time cheating and often, missing out on all the signs and discovering it isn't their first time, can add on to the horrible feeling.
Someone who has a history of being unfaithful is known as a serial cheater, and they may cheat physically and/or emotionally.
Whether it be with multiple other partners, or numerous times with the same one, serial cheating basically means it has happened more than once.
Now, you may be looking for ways to avoid someone like this, and, luckily, certified psychologist Dr. Edward Ratush has come to the rescue with six ways to tell if your partner is a serial cheater.
He prefaces this by explaining that serial cheating is a 'behavioural form of communicating', perhaps recreating past trauma, avoiding emotional intimacy or revealing underlying feelings.
Serial liars
Dr. Ratush explains: "Cheaters lie to their partners about their intimacy priorities, hiding the fact that sexual novelty and/or sexual compulsivity are at the root of their decision tree."
If you catch them in the act of a lie, or notice that they are lying about key things such as intimacy, it may be sign of things to come.
Getty Stock PhotoIt may be one of the most obvious ones, but if they have cheated on past partners, the likelihood that they'll do it again is increased.
Many will give partners the chance to prove that they have changed from a past mistake, but according to the psychologist, people who cheat in their first relationship are three times more likely to do it again in the next one, compared to someone who didn't cheat.
Hiding their phone
This goes for all devices really, and though it is reasonable to expect privacy while communicating with people, someone who always hides their phone and laptop may be hiding more than the device itself.
They may be doing so to try to cover up their current cheating, or it may be a force of habit from cheating in the past.
Poor impulse control
Impulsive acts of behaviour makes it difficult for the individual to control their actions and reactions.
The psychology expert explained: "The characteristics seen in serial cheaters can vary widely."
Dr. Ratush highlights that impulsive behaviours can help to drive the act and thoughts of cheating, which may also be a 'symptom of various psychiatric conditions'.
Getty Stock PhotoThey may have underlying conditions that have been left undiagnosed, which could bring on the thoughts of cheating for the individual.
"Underlying conditions may range from primary psychiatric conditions, like bipolar disorder or impulse-control disorders like ADHD or substance-induced behavioural disorders," Ratush explains.
He also suggested: "Sexual addiction or attachment issues may also be at play."
They say cheating 'isn't a big deal'
It goes without saying that if you hear this, it's probably time to go.
There's saying it isn't a huge deal or saying that monogamy is overrated, but if your partner doesn't seem like they want to commit to you, or agree with the idea of monogamy, it might be time to call it.
The lines exhibited here indicates a person that has cheated in the past, and if they say something like this, you should take it at face value.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Photos
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Mental Health
A doctor has issued a warning to people who use a common excuse to drink alcohol which could be indicative of a problem.
Dr Arthur, a NHS F2 medical professional, has taken to TikTok (@dr_arthur) to explain how drinkers can 'maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol'.
This is important in helping avoid alcohol misuse, which is 'when you drink in a way that's harmful, or when you're dependent on alcohol,' according to the NHS.
The health service advises people to not regularly drink more than 14 units a week.
And this ties in with Dr Arthur's advice, which is to give yourself a break from drinking in the week.
"First one is drink more than three days in a week," he began.
"And it's super important to have that time between drinks to allow your body to get rid of the toxins, to allow your liver to regenerate properly and it's super dangerous, even if you're only drinking quite a small amount, to be drinking every single day, without that break."
Dr Arthur also opened up about a common excuse we will often give and that's to drink 'because you're stressed'.
A doctor has explained how drinkers can 'maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol'. (Getty Stock Images)"Number two is that I would never have an alcoholic drink if I was stressed, i.e. at the end of a busy shift, just to wind down," he added.
"It can very quickly become a coping mechanism and it's really important to have a healthy relationship with alcohol.
"So drinking purely because you're stressed, doesn't mean you can't have a drink when you are stressed, but you shouldn't be drinking to get rid of that stress."
Lastly, the health expert urges everyone to 'get rid of the stigma' of not being open about struggling with alcohol.
"Number three, and in my opinion, the most important one, is I would never be embarrassed about going to your doctor about issues with alcohol," Dr Arthur concludes.
"Whether it's you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, whether it's to the point you're actually addicted to alcohol.
"And I also encourage you to discuss it with your friends and your family.
"Get rid of the stigma around this, it's as much as a disease as anything else addiction, so it's really important to discuss it with people around you, especially your medical professional if you feel you've got a problem."
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Alcohol, Food And Drink, Health, NHS, Mental Health, TikTok
Sex addiction is highly stigmatised, which can lead to people not seeking help. But if you notice that you or someone else presents these three signs, you need to speak to someone.
When it comes to sex addiction, there is often the question of whether engaging in excessive sexual practices is actually a sign on addiction or not.
According to an expert, there are three things to flag as being signs of an addition, and you don’t have to do all of them to be considered an addict.
According to I'm Nicholas Amitrano, a therapist at Cedar Tree Counseling, ‘addiction isn't based on how often the behaviour occurs, it centres on a person's inability to control their behaviour, especially if it is impacting their life in negative ways'.
Nicholas Amitrano explains the three signs of a sex addict. (YouTube / Cedar Tree Counseling, Ltd.)He explained that the addiction will act like a compulsion, where the urges are ‘difficult to manage’ and hard to control.
So, simply thinking about doing something sexual doesn’t constitute as an addiction, but if you find yourself unable to stop yourself from acting on it, or finding it hard to stop yourself, that’s where you’re in a pickle.
According to The International Sex Survey, around 4.69 percent of people in the UK are at high risk of compulsive sexual behaviour.
Finding it hard to go without sex
He explained that the first sign of sex addiction is ‘finding it hard to cut back on sexual behaviours, especially when you know that your sexual behaviours are a problem’.
Amitrano explained: “Finding it difficult to go a couple of days or even a week without performing certain sexual practices can all also signal the presence of addiction.”
Always prioritising sexual gratification
The second sign of sex addiction is when you ‘prioritise sexual gratification over other areas of your life.’
Now, this could be that you’re dedicating so much time towards sexual behaviours that you have fallen behind at school, work or you’ve even lost close relationships due to it.
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The expert shared that sex addiction is a compulsion. (Getty Stock Photo)
The expert said: “For example, this sign can manifest as consistently cancelling plans to meet up with sexual partners or being unable to fulfil responsibilities because of taking excessive time to watch pornography.”
Risky behaviour
The third sign of sex addiction is the performance of ‘risky and inappropriate behaviours’ to satisfy your need for excitement.
Amitrano shared that for some, ‘safe behaviours don't obtain the same level of excitement they achieved at the beginning’, so as time goes on, ‘the addiction demands a more powerful, oftentimes risky or socially inappropriate behaviour to satisfy its needs’.
Now, these examples are quite serious and can even be a crime.
Amitrano said: “Common examples include touching yourself in public, masturbating in public places openly, flirting with other people when it is clear they are not interested, inappropriately touching others or taking pictures of other people without their permission for the purpose of sexual pleasure.”
He shared that if you feel as though you have been exhibiting these three behaviours, there’s hope.
The expert said that there are multiple sources of support for those experiencing sex addiction, such as 12-step programmes, or asking your friends ‘to become accountability partners’.
You can also set an appointment with a counsellor who specialises in sex addiction to help you with your struggles.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, or would like to seek support or further information, you can contact Sex Addicts Anonymous on their website, where email addresses and phone numbers – including a dedicated women's line and LGBTQ+ contact – can be found.Featured Image Credit: YouTube / Cedar Tree Counseling, Ltd./Getty Stock Photo
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Sex Education, Health, Mental Health
So you've clicked on this article to learn about the physical and mental impact of celibacy, first things first my condolences for your sex life not going how you were hoping.
Unless, of course, you're wanting to remain celibate, in which case you do you.
Anyhow, you came here to learn about what not having sex does to your mind and body, and there's been a study on over 17,000 people where exactly that has been measured.
First off, the good news as the information shows that people who aren't getting any still tend to show 'very similar happiness levels as their sexually active counterparts.
So, that's nice.
However, there's still more to it as the experts dug deeper into what having sex or not having it did for your health.
Getting physical can have an impact on your physical health. (Getty Stock Photo)Let's start with the physical consequences of not getting physical, staying celibate is unlikely to be a negative thing for your health.
On the other hand, in the right context, sex can be a very healthy thing for you to do and the absence of it from your life could mean you're missing out on some benefits, if you know what I mean.
I am, of course, referring to the data that shows regular sex leads to a boost in your immune system, lower blood pressure, a drop in stress levels and greater cardiovascular health.
Some of these benefits you can umm... handle solo, with figures from a 2016 study indicating that blokes who blow their load at least 21 times a month have lower risk of prostate cancer than men who only managed it between four and seven times in 30 days.
Meanwhile, for women frequent sexual activity can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles which can prevent incontinence, so celibacy could see you running the risk of that.
There are also some more obvious benefits, as if you're not having sex then you're not really at risk of sexually transmitted infections.
It's not going to be good for your mental health if you don't want to do it. (Getty Stock Photo)
As for what's cloggin' up your noggin, the mental health impact of celibacy has much to do with how welcome an extended period of not doing the horizontal bop is.
Many who want to be having sex but aren't don't feel great about themselves, which can lead to some rather problematic behaviours to say the least.
Negative impacts on mental health can also result in physical consequences.
For people who are in a relationship where the sex like is moribund, experts have warned that this can make people feel 'insecure and anxious', and the best remedy for that is an honest discussion about where you're at.
On the other hand, people who would prefer not to have sex because they don't want to are more likely to see a boost to their mental health from not partaking in rumpy-pumpy.
There are also times when a person needs to work through their feelings about sex, and a period of time not having sex can help them do this.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Health, Mental Health, Sex and Relationships
