Masturbation Effects on Kidneys: Is It Harmful?

There’s a lot of curiosity, confusion, and misinformation around how masturbation affects the body, including masturbation’s effects on kidneys.

But is it harmful? Beneficial? Or does it have no real impact at all.

The short answer: Masturbation has many potential benefits. But it probably won’t do much for your kidney.

Below, we dig into the connection between masturbation and kidney health in more detail, including how your kidney health can influence your sexual health.

Masturbation doesn’t harm your kidneys — period. The idea that it does is just another sexual health myth. There’s no evidence linking masturbation to:

• Kidney failure

• Kidney stones

• Kidney pain

Masturbation won’t harm your kidneys, but there’s also no evidence it benefits them either.

The following factors are more likely to influence your kidney health than solo sex:

• Diet

• Genetics

• Exercise

• Medications or drug use

• Health conditions like diabetes

Masturbation might indirectly support your kidney health by helping you manage stress, which is linked to kidney disease. When you orgasm, your brain releases feel-good chemicals, like oxytocin, that can help you unwind.

If it helps you relax, it could lower your risk of high blood pressure and kidney disease — especially when paired with healthy habits like eating well and staying active.

Learn more about how often men should ejaculate.

How Lifestyle Choices Impact Your Kidney Health

Masturbation has little influence on kidney health compared to your overall health. Factors like diet, exercise, hydration, and sleep play a much bigger role.

Here are some simple ways to support healthy kidney function:

• Eat smart. Stick to a diet low in sodium, rich in fruits and vegetables, balanced with enough protein. Swap salt for spices to cut back on sodium.

• Stay active. Regular physical activity can improve blood flow and control blood pressure — all key for kidney health. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends aiming for at least 30 minutes of activity on most days.

• Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water helps your kidneys flush out waste function properly.

• Prioritize sleep. The NIDDK recommends getting at least 7–8 hours of sleep per night for optimal kidney health.

• Quit smoking. Tobacco products can damage your kidneys and overall health.

• Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure, which increases the risk of kidney disease.

Kidney stones are calcium deposits that can form in your kidneys and get trapped in your urethra. They often cause severe lower back pain. While they can pass on their own, they sometimes require medical treatment.

Does ejaculating help pass kidney stones?

A small 2020 study suggests it’s possible. Researchers looked at 128 men with kidney stones and found that masturbating 3–4 times a week was as effective as the drug tamsulosin for clearing kidney stones.

Masturbation also reduced the need for a procedure called ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy, which helps break up the stones.

It’s important to note that if you suspect you have kidney stones, you should see a medical professional for proper care.

What Else Causes Kidney Pain?

Another potential cause of pain in your lower back around your kidneys is a kidney infection. This type of infection generally causes pain that starts quickly. You might also have a fever or chills.

If you think you may have a kidney infection or any type of upper urinary tract infection (UTI), it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional. You’ll likely need antibiotic treatment.

Masturbation is a perfectly normal part of a healthy sex life.

So far, researchers haven’t found any health benefits to avoiding masturbation — despite some wild claims floating around online.

In fact, many men feel more relaxed after masturbating, thanks to the brain’s release of endorphins and other pain-relieving chemicals during orgasm.

Masturbation may even help:

• Improve sleep

• Boost mood

• Help manage anxiety and depression

• Release sexual tension

Regular masturbation is also a safe way to explore your sexuality. This can promote:

• Healthy sexual development

• Better self-esteem

• Body positivity

Other Potential Benefits of Masturbation

According to research, some of the reasons people report masturbating include:

• Relieving stress

• Feeling sexual pleasure

• Experiencing orgasm

• Learning about their body

• Helping with sleep

• Learning to love themselves

• To make up for having less partnered sex than they’d like

Sexual dysfunction, like erectile dysfunction (ED), is a common challenge for men with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Some may even find masturbation difficult due to trouble getting or keeping an erection.

For those with end-stage kidney disease, treatment often involves dialysis or a kidney transplant. Studies show that up to 59 percent of males on dialysis report struggling to achieve orgasm, and as many as 92 percent experience ED.

Read more: Does masturbation cause ED?

Masturbation is normal and generally safe. But there are a few things to watch out for, including:

Death Grip Syndrome

Always using a super tight grip during masturbation can desensitize your penis and even affect sexual experiences with a partner. This is sometimes called death grip syndrome.

Lubrication

Think twice about skipping lube. Masturbating without lubrication can lead to chafing, irritation, or even sores.

Sex Addiction

Overdoing it on masturbation — especially when coupled with excessive pornography use — could be a sign of hypersexuality (AKA sex addiction).

If you’re masturbating at the expense of other aspects of your life, like your relationships, job, or other social commitments, you may benefit from talking to a mental health professional.

Learn more about how much masturbation might be too much.

Masturbation isn’t harmful to your kidneys — there’s no scientific evidence to support that.

Let’s recap what we know about masturbation and kidney health:

• Masturbation is a healthy, normal part of life. In moderation, it’s generally harmless and won’t damage your kidneys. That’s a myth.

• Masturbation might help pass kidney stones. But the research on this only looked at masturbation combined with medication. Don’t try to self-treat a kidney stone with solo sex.

• Kidney issues might impact your sexual function. Kidney diseases and kidney failure can negatively impact your sex life by making it more difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.

Worried your ED symptoms might be a sign of kidney health? Talk to a healthcare provider. They can help pinpoint the underlying cause of your sexual function issues.

We can connect you with a medical professional who can go over your ED treatment options. Take our quiz to get started today!