Many guys wonder if masturbation is healthy. Most have heard mixed reviews given the plethora of cultural and religious orientations toward the practice. As with most things, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about masturbation; it can be a perfectly healthy habit or a problem depending on how one does it. But there is plenty of reason to believe that it is not only safe, but actually beneficial to a man’s health – both in terms of penis care and overall wellbeing. After learning about some valid concerns around the practice, men should take note of the health benefits masturbation can reap.

The Wrong Way

There is such a thing as too much masturbation – but how much is too much has less to do with a number than with how it affects a man’s social and sex life. If it’s getting in the way of either of these, then it’s too much.

Another problem some men have is reliance on very extreme pornography; this can interfere with their ability to achieve sexual satisfaction – and possibly even erections – with an actual partner.

Finally, there’s the issue of overaggressive handling. If a man has chafed and sore skin on the regular, he may be implementing the dreaded “death grip” during his solo activity, and should develop gentler methods along with using lubricant.

Health Benefits

For most men, masturbation is a healthy practice. Along with flat-out feeling good, self-pleasuring can deliver the following benefits for physical, mental and sexual health:

• It puts a guy in touch with what he likes: By experimenting with different rhythms, grips and areas of stimulation, men can learn a lot about their bodies. This knowledge can come into play while having sex, improving a couple’s sex life.

• It boosts the immune system. After a man ejaculates, the hormone cortisol is released in his body. While high levels of cortisol negatively impact health, a spurt of it here and there helps to bolster the immune system.

• It improves mood. Masturbation not only makes the penis happy, but improves a man’s emotional state as well. That’s because it causes the release of oxytocin and dopamine, two neurochemicals responsible for good feelings.

• It lengthens bedroom performance time. If a man masturbates shortly before a date, he’s more likely to last longer in bed, something many partners desire.

• It may protect the prostate. Research isn’t 100% conclusive, but some researchers think that ejaculation rids carcinogenic substances from the urogenital tract. One study found that men who climaxed more than five times a week were one-third less likely to develop prostate cancer.

• It helps maintain erectile function as a man ages. The pelvic floor muscles play a role in erectile health. As men age, they lose muscle tone, and this may be responsible for erectile dysfunction (as well as incontinence). Frequent ejaculation exercises these muscles, helping to ensure strong erections into old age.

Most men are thrilled to learn that one of the most enjoyable activities out there is also good for their health. As they should be! But men should be mindful of steps to keep the practice safe and healthy.

First, avoid the super hardcore visuals. Keep things a bit more realistic.

Second, use lubricant. A man’s delicate penile skin needs to be protected from the intense friction unleashed upon it by the hand.

Third, consider applying a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) every day. A cream with Shea butter and vitamin E provides dual protection against dry skin and soreness, and the inclusion of acetyl L-carnitine helps prevent the type of peripheral nerve damage that can occur from rough, frequent handling of the manhood. Man1 Man Oil also contains vitamin C, which can keep the skin youthful and radiant thanks to its ability to boost collagen production. Such a crème is an important part of keeping the penis in optimal health, not to mention looking its best.