What Happens to Your Brain When You Masturbate?

Your Brain Releases Chemicals During Masturbation

 When masturbating, your brain will release both hormones and neurotransmitters. These chemicals can affect us in many ways, as each neurotransmitter and hormone has a different function.

The list of hormones and neurotransmitters that are released during masturbation includes dopamine, oxytocin, prolactin, serotonin, testosterone, endorphins, endocannabinoids, and adrenaline. Each of these hormones and neurotransmitters has a somewhat different effect on the body.

Dopamine is known to be connected to the reward system in our brain. The release of dopamine can cause feelings of pleasure, desire, and motivation, thus, it is known as the happy hormone.

Oxytocin is known to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Plus, oxytocin is also known as the love hormone, as it is often associated with trust, sexual arousal, and relationship building.

Prolactin can help with achieving those sleepy and relaxing feelings.

Serotonin helps with mood regulation and can also help with sleep.

Testosterone will help with stamina and arousal of the individual.

Endorphins are a natural pain reliever and allow the individual to achieve a sense of euphoria.

Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that help regulate pain, metabolism, anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Norepinephrine/noradrenaline is another neurotransmitter that increases and regulates dopamine transmission.

Last but not least, adrenaline is the hormone that can be released when you’re excited. It helps increase heart rate, and regulate aspects of your metabolism.

​​With all these hormones and neurotransmitters released during masturbation, the individual might feel more relaxed, in a better mood, less stressed, and have several more benefits after masturbation. For more information about hormones released during masturbation, check out our dedicated blog!

Your Brain During and After Masturbation and Sex 

During masturbation and sex, your brain is overloaded with all the hormones and neurotransmitters. On top of that, studies found that because of sex or masturbation there is an increase in blood flow to multiple regions of the brain. The increase in blood flow brings more oxygen to your brain, thus giving it a refreshing boost which is said to be good for overall brain health. It also found that masturbation can help reduce brain fog due to the release of endocannabinoids.

While hormones released during masturbation have an effect on the brain too. For example, prolactin can help your brain reduce neural damage that was caused by stress. The dopamine can help the individual become more focused and concentrated afterward (sometimes called ‘post-nut clarity’). On top of that, the increase of dopamine released after orgasm also causes feelings of pleasure, desire, and motivation.

Another effect of masturbation is the individual’s consciousness. It was found during masturbation, that your prefrontal cortex is more active than usual. The prefrontal cortex involves the individual’s consciousness, “such as self-evaluation and considering something from another person’s perspective”.

While there are still a lot of unknowns regarding masturbation and orgasm. The overall consensus is that masturbation is natural and there are more than a few health benefits.

Myths Regarding Masturbation and Brain

There are a few myths regarding masturbation and the effect it has on the brain.

For example, ‘masturbation can cause memory loss’. While this might be possible, it is only when one masturbates excessively, leading to issues with attentiveness and can negatively impact memory. In reality, more research has found otherwise, where the hormones and neurotransmitters released help the individual have a clearer mind.

In addition, the other myths revolving around masturbation such as causing bad skin and poor eyesight can cause the individual to feel guilt and more stressed when they are interested in masturbation. Where the guilt and stress actually have a negative impact on the individual. However, masturbation itself doesn’t have any negative effects.

Summary

To answer the question, ‘what happens to your brain when you masturbate?’, your brain releases a combination of hormones and neurotransmitters. Some of the hormones create a concoction that makes the individual feel good and more relaxed. In addition, the increase in blood circulation from masturbation helps keep your brain healthy. While there are still many mysteries about masturbation and orgasms in general, more and more research has been done leading to an overall positive perception of masturbation and orgasms. If you are curious about what other benefits there are, check out our 8 health benefits from masturbation blog.