What Happens After Masturbation
For many, the height of masturbation is an orgasm, often accompanied by ejaculation. But for some, post masturbation can also come with a brief period of negative feelings, such as guilt, sadness, or even despair. However, it is important to remember the many short-term and long-term benefits that masturbation can bring into your life. In this article, we will discuss some post masturbation issues, as well as things you can do to make the experience more positive and fulfilling.
Contents
Feeling A Little Blue
A lot of people experience negative feelings after having sexual intercourse or after masturbation. This condition is often called postcoital dysphoria (PCD), or postcoital tristesse, and a 2019 study of men found that 41% of the participants had experienced PCD in their lifetime, and 3-4% experienced it on an ongoing basis. Some of the symptoms of postcoital dysphoria can be depression, sadness, irritation, guilt, or even a sense of emptiness. Fortunately for most who have experienced PCD, it only lasts a few minutes, however there have been cases where symptoms can last as long as a couple of hours. PCD can be attributed to a variety of causes, including large changes in hormonal levels between arousal, masturbation and post-orgasm. Another cause can be attributed to psychological distress, which can be caused by some past sexual trauma, or sometimes be rooted in old beliefs about masturbation that you had growing up but no longer adhere to.
So Many Benefits
Whether you experience PCD or not, it is very important to remember that masturbation does provide various benefits for the body as well as the mind, as we have discussed in past TENGA articles. Let us not forget that masturbation helps us relax and destress along with releasing dopamine (the "feel good" hormone) as well as oxytocin, known to lower the stress hormone cortisol. Masturbation may also help decrease the risk of prostate cancer. With such evidence pointing towards the many benefits of masturbation, we feel that the positives far outweigh any side effects.
Things to Do After Masturbation
There are several things you can do to make the most of your post-orgasm masturbation experience. After what may seem like a bit of a drop in energy after an intense experience such as a climax, it may not be the best time to go out and run a marathon. Rather, this is a good opportunity to relax and reflect upon all the pleasurable feelings you have felt. As masturbation serves a great outlet for stress release, try to continue to stay in the moment of relaxation that you have achieved. You might find that these moments of peace last further throughout the day if you just hold on to them a little longer. And with all those good feelings and chemicals flowing in your system, if you feel so relaxed that you want to take a little power nap, by all means do so. Lastly, if you suddenly find yourself starting to feel feelings related to PCD, just reflect on the bigger picture of how good masturbation made you feel and how you are at peace with yourself at this moment. No guilt, no shame. If you are reading this and have felt the sting of humiliation or shame afterwards in solitude, know that you are not alone. You never have been. As evidenced by studies mentioned previously, there are others who have felt the same way and know what it is like to be in your shoes. Allow those feelings to pass and move towards the ones that serve you better.
Summary
A flood of emotions may fill you up after masturbation. After all, an orgasm can be an intense experience. It is important to take proper care of yourself and be sure that the experience was fully pleasurable from start to finish. If negative emotions arise, as they may for a short period of time, remind yourself that you deserve every moment of relaxation and pleasure you've just experienced. Take the time to savor the moment. This will help you maintain your peace throughout the day. And finally, know that feelings of guilt or shame afterwards are just misguided thoughts from your past from people who did not know any better at the time. The act of self-pleasure has finally been acknowledged and celebrated! Go forth and feel good!
