What the Science Really Says

What We’ll Cover in This Post

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• Does masturbation cause premature ejaculation?
• Why this myth is so common
• What research says about masturbation and ejaculation
• Can certain masturbation habits affect ejaculation control?
• Does pornography play a role?
• Is masturbation harmful to sexual health?
• Healthy masturbation habits
• When you should be concerned
• How FlexiCare can help

“Did Masturbation Cause My Premature Ejaculation?”

It’s a question many men ask—but few feel comfortable talking about.

Some men worry that masturbating too often has damaged their sexual performance.

Others believe that masturbation has “trained” their body to ejaculate quickly.

You may even have heard statements like:

• “Stop masturbating and you’ll last longer.”
• “Masturbation causes premature ejaculation.”
• “If you masturbate too much, you’ll lose control.”

These claims are common on social media and online forums.

But are they true?

The short answer is:

Current medical evidence does not show that masturbation itself causes premature ejaculation.

However, certain masturbation habits may influence sexual response in some men, and that’s an important distinction.

First, What Is Premature Ejaculation?

Before discussing masturbation, it’s helpful to remember what premature ejaculation actually is.

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM), premature ejaculation involves:

• Ejaculating sooner than desired during most sexual encounters.
• Having little or no control over delaying ejaculation.
• Feeling distressed or frustrated because of it.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms fit this description:

Read more: Do I Really Have Premature Ejaculation?

Why Do People Think Masturbation Causes Premature Ejaculation?

This belief has existed for many years.

Part of the reason is that many boys and young men first learn about sex in situations where they feel they must finish quickly.

For example:

• Fear of being interrupted.
• Lack of privacy.
• Feeling guilty or anxious.

Over time, some people wonder whether repeatedly rushing masturbation has influenced how their body responds during partnered sex.

It’s a reasonable question.

What Does the Research Say?

Researchers have studied masturbation and sexual function for many years.

So far, there is no good evidence that masturbation itself causes premature ejaculation.

In fact:

Masturbation is considered a normal part of human sexuality for many people.

Medical organisations do not list masturbation as a cause of premature ejaculation.

Can Certain Masturbation Habits Affect Ejaculation Control?

Although masturbation itself is not considered harmful, the way some people masturbate may influence their sexual response.

For example, if someone consistently rushes to orgasm because they are afraid of being discovered, they may become accustomed to reaching ejaculation very quickly.

This does not mean permanent damage has occurred.

It simply means that sexual habits, like many behaviours, can sometimes be learned and modified.

Fortunately, these patterns can often improve over time.

Can You “Train” Yourself to Last Longer?

Some behavioural techniques used to treat premature ejaculation are actually practiced during masturbation.

Examples include:

• Stop-start technique
• Learning to recognise the point just before ejaculation
• Slowing stimulation
• Improving awareness of arousal

Rather than avoiding masturbation completely, these techniques use it as an opportunity to practice better control.

Read more: How to Last Longer Naturally: 10 Evidence-Based Ways to Improve Ejaculation Control

What About Pornography?

Pornography is a separate topic from masturbation.

Some men worry that pornography has affected their sexual performance.

Research in this area is still evolving.

Current evidence suggests that pornography is not a proven direct cause of premature ejaculation.

However, in some individuals:

• Unrealistic expectations about sex
• Anxiety about performance
• Frequent use combined with other factors

may influence sexual experiences.

It’s important not to assume pornography is automatically responsible for every sexual difficulty.

Does Masturbating Before Sex Help You Last Longer?

Some men intentionally masturbate before sexual activity because they believe it will help delay ejaculation later.

For some individuals, this may temporarily reduce sexual arousal.

For others, it makes little difference.

There is no guarantee that this approach will improve ejaculation control, and it should not be viewed as a long-term treatment.

Is It Better to Stop Masturbating Completely?

Many websites recommend complete abstinence.

Current medical guidelines do not recommend avoiding masturbation as a treatment for premature ejaculation.

For most men, masturbation itself is not harmful.

The focus should instead be on:

• Healthy sexual habits
• Managing anxiety
• Improving overall sexual health
• Addressing underlying causes

What Actually Causes Premature Ejaculation?

As we’ve discussed throughout this series, premature ejaculation usually has multiple contributing factors.

These may include:

• Performance anxiety
• Lifelong biological factors
• Erectile dysfunction
• Stress
• Relationship concerns
• Certain medical conditions

This is why understanding the cause is far more important than blaming masturbation.

Read more: Why Am I Ejaculating Too Quickly? Common Causes of Premature Ejaculation

Healthy Sexual Habits That May Help

Rather than focusing on avoiding masturbation, consider these healthier approaches:

Don’t Rush

Take your time.

Learning to recognise changes in arousal may improve awareness and control.

Reduce Anxiety

If guilt or fear is contributing to stress, addressing those feelings may improve your overall sexual wellbeing.

Prioritise Sleep

Poor sleep affects mood, stress, and sexual health.

Read more: Why Can’t I Sleep at Night Even When I’m Tired?

Exercise Regularly

Exercise supports:

• Physical health
• Mood
• Confidence
• Sexual wellbeing

Seek Help When Needed

If premature ejaculation is persistent, don’t rely solely on online advice.

Evidence-based treatments are available.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Consider seeking professional advice if:

• You consistently ejaculate sooner than you’d like.
• You feel you have little control.
• It’s affecting your confidence or relationship.
• You’re avoiding intimacy because of embarrassment.

A proper assessment is much more helpful than guessing the cause.

How FlexiCare Can Help

At FlexiCare, we understand that there is a lot of conflicting information online about men’s sexual health.

Our pharmacists provide confidential consultations to help you:

• Understand possible causes of your symptoms.
• Separate myths from evidence.
• Discuss treatment options supported by medical guidelines.
• Develop a personalised plan that suits your needs.

You can speak privately with a FlexiCare pharmacist by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to:

09057798028

Key Takeaways

If you’re wondering whether masturbation causes premature ejaculation, remember:

• Current evidence does not show that masturbation itself causes premature ejaculation.
• Certain habits, such as consistently rushing, may influence sexual response in some men.
• Masturbation can even be used as part of behavioural techniques to improve control.
• Focus on understanding the real cause rather than blaming masturbation.
• Effective treatments are available if symptoms persist.

Read More

Continue learning:

• Do I Really Have Premature Ejaculation?
• Why Am I Ejaculating Too Quickly? Common Causes of Premature Ejaculation
• How to Last Longer Naturally: 10 Evidence-Based Ways to Improve Ejaculation Control
• Best Treatments for Premature Ejaculation: What Works According to Medical Evidence
• Premature Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction: Why They Often Happen Together

References

1. Althof SE, McMahon CG, Waldinger MD, et al. An Update of the International Society for Sexual Medicine’s Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Premature Ejaculation. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2014;11(6):1392–1422.
2. American Urological Association (AUA) & Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). Disorders of Ejaculation: AUA/SMSNA Guideline. Journal of Urology. 2020.
3. European Association of Urology. EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health – Male Sexual Dysfunction. 2025 Edition.
4. Rowland DL, Patrick DL, Rothman M, Gagnon DD. The psychological burden of premature ejaculation. Journal of Urology. 2007;177(3):1065–1070.
5. McMahon CG. Current and emerging treatment options for premature ejaculation. Nature Reviews Urology. 2012;9(2):79–88.