Masturbation is a natural practice. But can masturbating kill the desire we have for our partner? Sex therapists respond.
Masturbation is still taboo. However, it has several positive effects on physical and mental health. First, it can help you love, accept, and know your body. This can then let you know what you like and communicate it to your partner. According to sex therapist Chanta Blue, interviewed by Well and good, masturbation is “Associated with lower blood pressure, decreased pain from period cramps, and reduced feelings of stress and anxiety.” If it has all these positive effects, can masturbation have a negative impact on the couple? Can she kill the desire for her or her partner?
“Experts agree that it does not replace a person’s desire to have sex as a couple”, says Chanta Blue. “Humans are naturally social beings (…) The need for social connections varies for each individual, but studies have shown that people who engage more with others have longer life expectancies and problems with reduced health. “ For sex therapist Sadie Allison, masturbation cannot replace sex with her partner. Each has its uses and advantages.
Masturbation could reduce sexual desire in a certain case
If the desire is not impacted in a stable relationship, it could be if the person is not in a formal relationship. The results of a 2021 US survey indicate that masturbation may decrease sexual desire without a deeper emotional connection. This investigation was conducted on nearly 5,000 singles in America. She also reports that one in three single people learned to please themselves better during the pandemic and that 78% say they are picky when it comes to choosing a partner for casual sex.
Some people find having sex with a stranger stressful and cannot let go or reach an orgasm. Another possible reason is that casual partners don’t know each other well enough to listen to their desires and tastes. If you are more satisfied with masturbation than this type of partner, then you can do without it.