It’s a private habit shared by billions. But for some, it’s becoming a silent crisis.
Doctors and mental health experts are sounding the alarm over the rising number of people reporting physical and psychological side effects from excessive masturbation—especially among men in their 20s and 30s.
“It’s not about morality,” said Dr. Ryan Holden, a certified sex therapist, in an interview with Men’s Health UK. “It’s about balance. And too much of anything—even pleasure—can have consequences.”
Among the most reported symptoms? Fatigue. Brain fog. Irritability. And in more severe cases, erectile dysfunction and chronic guilt.
According to a new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, individuals who reported masturbating five or more times daily showed higher levels of cortisol (stress hormone), lower overall life satisfaction, and a higher incidence of relationship avoidance.
“These are the same symptoms we see with compulsive behavioral disorders,” said Dr. Sadeh Rozen, a neuropsychologist interviewed by VICE Health. “You’re getting the dopamine hit—but the emotional burnout is real.”
Social media is filled with stories from people facing the toll of overdoing it.
On Reddit’s r/NoFap forum, one user wrote: “I used to go 7–8 times a day. I couldn’t focus. I lost all motivation. I didn’t even enjoy it anymore.”
That post has nearly 100,000 upvotes—and it’s not alone.
TikTok creators like @MentalHealthDrSam are going viral for posting breakdowns of masturbation addiction signs, often using terms like “PMO burnout” (porn, masturbation, orgasm) and “dopamine fatigue.”
The key question everyone’s asking: how much is too much?
“There’s no magic number,” said Dr. Emily Morse, host of the popular Sex With Emily podcast. “But if it’s interfering with your work, relationships, or self-esteem, that’s when it’s time to take a step back.”
And yes, physical effects are real too.
Urologists have reported increasing cases of desensitization, where patients require increasingly intense stimulation just to achieve arousal—an effect linked to both over-masturbation and high-speed porn consumption.
“In some cases, we see nerve fatigue,” said Dr. Phillip Chambers, who spoke with The Guardian. “It can take weeks or months to fully recover.”
Other common side effects of excessive solo sex include:
• Skin irritation or abrasions
• Sleep disruption
• Delayed ejaculation
• Depression symptoms
• Chronic shame or anxiety
Experts are careful to note that masturbation itself is not harmful—and can actually be beneficial in moderation. Studies from Cleveland Clinic have shown it reduces stress, improves sleep, and even boosts immunity.
But the problem is when it stops being about pleasure—and starts becoming a compulsion.
“I wasn’t doing it for fun anymore,” one anonymous man told BuzzFeed News. “It became a way to escape. And then I couldn’t stop.”
Mental health platforms like BetterHelp now include modules specifically for people trying to reduce or regulate masturbation, particularly for those with histories of trauma or anxiety.
So what’s the solution?
Experts recommend setting healthy limits, staying mindful of why you’re doing it, and occasionally taking “reboots” or breaks to reset your brain’s reward system.
Dr. Holden advises: “If you’re worried, try going three days without it. If that’s unbearable, that’s a sign worth listening to.”
And above all, don’t let shame bury the issue.
“Masturbation isn’t evil,” said Dr. Jess Clemens. “But compulsive behavior, in any form, deserves care and attention—not silence.”
