Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

Sexual Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Sex, Lies, and the Internet

The web is full of bogus information about sex. Our expert tackles one common subject -- the alleged health risks of masturbation.

Question:


I've done some research lately and discovered that a history of masturbation, though I've not done it for some time, could be the cause of short-lasting erections and the leaking of pre-ejaculate. I've read about some herbs and drugs that supposedly will fix this problem, but I'm wondering if, over the next month or two, having stopped masturbating, my body will fix itself and these symptoms will go away. If not, will the herbs and drugs actually work? I'd like to get rid of this problem before I get married next summer.

Answer:

These types of concerns often are mentioned after some folks read certain web sites that are trying to worry their readers with very natural symptoms. They then try to sell a product to cure these very natural symptoms. I love the Internet, but I sure do feel frustrated when bogus ideas are spread to prey on someone's lack of information.

The pre-ejaculate fluid is completely natural and a normal response. And, of course, your erection may not be as strong if you try too soon after your most recent orgasm.

The thing that I mind the most about these bogus web sites is that they sometimes manage to create a problem with their misinformation. If you know that you have masturbated, then you might be susceptible to getting erection problems simply because the site says you will. It's the power of suggestion and what's called a self-fulfilling prophecy.

So you need to take my post as seriously as the other things you've read and know that masturbation has no effect on your erections (other than what we've already mentioned).