Can Masturbation Cause ED? Understanding the Potential Link

Though some research suggests a potential link between watching porn — something that many people do when they masturbate — and the development of sexual dysfunction, there's not enough evidence to prove that masturbating too much can similarly affect your ability to develop or maintain an erection.   

Assuming you use the proper technique, masturbating won’t damage your penis, nor will it stop you from being able to perform sexually. In fact, masturbation may even help improve your erections and sexual performance by reducing stress and anxiety.

Below, we’ve looked at the scientific research to find out: Does masturbation cause erectile dysfunction (ED)? We've also shared treatment options if you're struggling to get or maintain an erection long enough for satisfying sex.

No, healthy and normal masturbation habits will not cause ED. 

However, while masturbation itself is not a cause of erectile dysfunction, consuming too much pornography, masturbating to the point of penile injury, feeling ashamed about masturbation, and going through the refractory period post-masturbation might result in some men having trouble getting erections.

Can Masturbating Too Much to Porn Cause ED?

There's not enough evidence to definitively say that porn use contributes to ED, but there may be a link. 

For instance, a 2016 review of clinical reports published in the journal Behavioral Sciences noted that occurrences of ED in men under the age of 40 may be attributed to the use of porn websites and the high expectations of sexual arousal that accompany them. (Check out our guide to the link between porn and ED here.)

However, according to one 2023 study, both masturbation frequency and pornography use were found to have a "weak or no association" with erectile function and ED severity. In fact, other well-established ED risk factors were more consistent predictors of ED symptoms, including age, anxiety or depression, low sexual interest, and low relationship satisfaction.

Can Aggressive Forms of Masturbation Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Masturbating too forcefully or lying face down while masturbating (prone masturbation) may lead to erectile difficulties, as shown in some research.

One 2023 study revealed that young men with ED had a 2.2-fold increased risk of having at least one atypical masturbatory behavior, such as rubbing in a prone position, putting pressure on the penis, and masturbating through their clothes.   

Can Masturbatory Guilt Cause ED?

There’s also the question of psychological factors, like shame and guilt.

One study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy proposed that there may be a link between guilt caused by masturbating and erectile dysfunction, especially if you come from a strict religious or conservative background in which non-procreative sex is vilified. 

Can the Male Refractory Period Cause ED?

After ejaculation, every male goes through a period of recovery that’s referred to as a refractory period. During this period, you won’t think about sex or become aroused. 

Sexual stimulation that would normally produce a response, such as your partner physically stimulating your penis, won’t have as much of an effect. 

The length of the refractory period can vary based on age and other factors. For some men, it’s a short window that only lasts a few minutes. Other men may need 12 to 24 hours to recover after they reach orgasm and ejaculate fully.

While masturbation doesn’t directly cause ED, if you masturbate shortly before you plan to have sex, it’s possible your refractory period could affect your sexual performance. 

Because of this, it’s important to know how often a man should ejaculate, plan ahead, and resist temptation if you’re going to spend some time with your partner later in the same day.

A diverse variety of different health issues can cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction, from physical factors to psychological ones. Other causes of erectile dysfunction include health conditions that affect blood flow to the penis, certain habits and lifestyle factors, and psychological issues.

Health Conditions Related to ED

Some health conditions can affect blood flow to your penis or the sensitivity of nerves, such as the pudendal and cavernous nerves located in your pelvis. This can lead to problems with erectile function.

Common physical causes of ED include:

• Heart and blood vessel disease

• High blood pressure

• Atherosclerosis (clogged arteries)

• Heart disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Multiple sclerosis

• Chronic kidney disease

• Peyronie’s disease

• Injuries that affect the nerves around your penis

In some cases, medications for certain health conditions may interfere with your ability to get an erection. Medications linked to ED include:

• Antidepressants

• Antiandrogens

• Tranquilizers

• Appetite suppressants

• Ulcer medications

• Some medications used to treat high blood pressure

Habits and Lifestyle Factors That Can Cause ED

In addition to certain medical conditions, some habits and lifestyle factors that affect your physical health may contribute to ED. 

For example, you may have a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction if you:

• Are physically inactive

• Have obesity

• Drink alcohol excessively 

• Smoke cigarettes or other tobacco products

• Use illicit drugs

Psychological Issues Linked to ED

Finally, certain psychological issues and emotional factors can contribute to ED. These mental health conditions include sexual performance anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, and feelings of guilt or fear regarding sexual activity.

Studies show that chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression contribute to elevated cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which can disrupt erectile processes. Even worse, ED symptoms can exacerbate psychological distress, including feelings of emasculation and humiliation, low self-confidence, and loneliness.

Our guide to stress and ED provides more information about the bidirectional relationship between stress and erectile dysfunction and what you can do about it.

If you find it difficult to get or maintain an erection, it’s important to understand that options are available to help you stay hard and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling sex life.

Currently, the most effective treatment options for erectile dysfunction are medications such as sildenafil (the ctive ingredient in Viagra^®), tadalafil (Cialis^®), vardenafil (Levitra^®), and avanafil (sold as Stendra^®).

These erectile dysfunction medications work by increasing blood flow to the tissues of your penis, which makes it easier for you to get and maintain an erection when you’re sexually aroused.

In addition to medications, options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lifestyle changes can also improve your sexual health and function. 

Erectile dysfunction is a very common issue. Research has found that around 30 million men are affected by ED. However, masturbation is most definitely not the main cause.

Here's what we know:

• Masturbation itself does not cause erectile dysfunction. Masturbation habits do not lead to ED, but excessive pornography use, aggressive masturbation, or psychological factors like guilt could contribute to erectile difficulties.

• Psychological factors can influence ED. Anxiety, guilt, and stress can all affect sexual performance and contribute to sexual dysfunction. The relationship between mental health and ED is bidirectional, with one exacerbating the other.

• Other health and lifestyle factors play a significant role in ED. More likely causes of ED include conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and poor lifestyle habits. Medications for certain health issues may also interfere with sexual function.

If you're struggling with ED and ready to get support get advice from a healthcare professional today to learn about your treatment options in more detail.