Does Masturbation Cause PCOS?
According to research, masturbation does not cause PCOS. PCOS is the condition of excess androgen hormones in the body (hyperandrogenism), which enlarges the ovaries.
Masturbation neither affects fertility nor causes PCOS. It is just an enjoyable sexual activity done for self-pleasure.
When Does Masturbation Become Harmful?
Masturbation is the natural way of exploring one's own body. A question that pops into women's minds is - When does it become harmful? Let's find out:
- Masturbation addiction is harmful. It can impact relationships with friends, family, and relatives. It can even interrupt work and studies, lowering one's productivity.
- Too much masturbation, particularly every day (twice or thrice daily), just to escape daily stress is not good for health. Frequent urge to masturbate hampers one's social life, making one feel self–centred amidst a group.
- Masturbating daily only to satisfy one's sexual desire is not harmful. However, if it affects your energy level, it gets harmful. Doing more masturbation to satisfy the genital urge causes fatigue and weakness.
- Doing frequently or daily can also affect orgasm when having sex with a partner.
- Excess masturbation reduces sex urge, further reducing the orgasm frequency. Lower sex desire often turns into forceful sex just to appease the partner. If that is the case, open communication with your partner regarding your feelings is very important.
If one witnesses missing important routines like work, family gatherings, or friend obligations to masturbate, it is time to see a sex therapist.
Also Read: Masturbation Effects on Kidney, Back Pain & Stomach Pain | What You Didn't Know
Causes of PCOS
1. Hormone Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is one of the prime reasons for PCOS. An increase of androgens or male-type testosterone in the body can lead to PCOS. Increased androgens inhibit the ovaries from releasing eggs, affecting one's menstrual cycle. Eventually, irregular ovulation causes the development of small and fluid-filled sacs. Masturbation does not cause hormonal imbalance.
2. High Insulin
The pancreas produces insulin that controls the blood sugar level. Insulin acts as a guide that allows blood sugar processing in the body. When the body is resistant to insulin, it releases more insulin. Increased insulin level in the body tends the ovaries to release more androgen hormones, leading to PCOS.
3. Bodyweight
PCOS can occur in both overweight and slender women. But the risk increases if one has obesity. How? Excess weight enhances androgen hormone production, which is responsible for causing PCOS.
4. Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle and lack of nutritional diet directly relate to PCOS in young women. Improper diet results in an increase in androgen levels, leading to PCOS.
References
- Rebecca Tzalazidis, May 2021; Continuum of Symptoms in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Links with Sexual Behavior and Unrestricted Sociosexuality - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32077320/
- Beena Joshi, Srabani Mukherjee, May 2014; A cross-sectional study of polycystic ovarian syndrome among adolescent and young girls in Mumbai, India - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4056129/