Don’t believe claims that masturbation harms health or that abstaining improves wellbeing; what really matters is whether it interferes with sleep, work, or relationships.

27. Don’t believe claims that masturbation harms health or that abstaining improves wellbeing; what really matters is whether it interferes with sleep, work, or relationships.

Cost: Zero. You save money you’d otherwise spend on dubious “kidney‑tonic” remedies, “abstinence” courses, and the chronic anxiety that comes from self‑blame.

In plain terms: No credible research shows masturbation harms health. One large U.S. study found men who ejaculated more often had roughly 20% fewer cases of prostate cancer. A British study, however, noted a higher risk among men who reported frequent ejaculation in their twenties and thirties, so neither figure should be taken as a health‑boosting prescription. Many people who feel “addicted” to pornography actually struggle because the behavior clashes with their personal moral beliefs.

Benefit: A U.S. study followed 31,925 men through 2010, asking each to report how often they ejaculated each month. Compared with men ejaculating 4–7 times monthly, those ejaculating more than 21 times had a hazard ratio of 0.81 (95% CI 0.72–0.92) for prostate cancer — a roughly 19% reduction — when the count was measured at ages 20–29. At ages 40–49 the ratio was 0.78 (0.69–0.89), a roughly 22% drop, mainly affecting low‑risk prostate cancers. A British case‑control study of 431 prostate‑cancer patients and 409 controls found a higher risk for men reporting frequent masturbation in their twenties and thirties, but a lower risk for those who reported it frequently after age 50. Regarding pornography, a meta‑analysis concluded that many people labeling themselves “addicted” are simply experiencing a conflict between their actions and personal values, rather than being driven solely by excessive exposure.

Evidence grade: B

Sources: Rider JR, Wilson KM, Sinnott JA, et al. (2016). Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up. European Urology, 70(6), 974–982. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2016.03.027>; Dimitropoulou P, Lophatananon A, Easton D, et al. (2009). Sexual activity and prostate cancer risk in men diagnosed at a younger age. BJU International, 103(2), 178–185. <https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-410x.2008.08030.x>; Grubbs JB, Perry SL, Wilt JA, Reid RC. (2019). Pornography Problems Due to Moral Incongruence: An Integrative Model with a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48(2), 397–415. <https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-018-1248-x>

Notes: This topic remains controversial. Both prostate‑cancer studies merely observed correlations without controlled groups, and the frequency figures were self‑reported, so the evidence only supports the conclusion that there is no evidence of harm; it does not justify encouraging more frequent ejaculation. The British authors themselves note that the later‑age protective effect could reflect illness preceding reduced activity. The pornography meta‑analysis did not provide effect sizes, so only a directional trend is reported. The modest benefit rating reflects that the reduction applies mainly to low‑risk prostate cancers, not to mortality. Red flags that warrant a visit to a psychiatrist or psychologist include chronic sleep loss, missed work, damaged relationships, and an inability to cut back despite wanting to. For sleep issues, see Section 3, Item 9 (avoid staying up late for games, short videos, or porn). If you’re concerned about erectile problems linked to porn use, follow Section 1, Item 28: get a cardiovascular check‑up first. Legal consequences of sharing or selling pornographic material are outlined in Section 9, Item 4. Ultimately, the only person who benefits is you.