Potential Physical Side Effects of Prone Masturbation - What You Need to Know?

Masturbation is a natural part of sexual expression, with most men and women following the league. It is a safe, healthy way for people to explore their bodies, reduce stress, and experience pleasure.

The method one follows may also lead to certain physical side effects. One such technique is prone masturbation, which involves lying face down and stimulating the genitals by rubbing against a surface like a bed or a pillow.

In this blog, we will learn about specific risks of prone masturbation and provide tips on how to avoid these issues while still enjoying a healthy sexual life.

Prone Masturbation

Unlike the more common method of using the hands to stimulate the genitals, prone masturbation relies on pressure and friction from the body’s weight.

Though most people find this method pleasurable, it can come with side effects due to the unique stress it places on the body.

Why Is Prone Masturbation Risky?

Prone masturbation can be problematic for several reasons including -

Excessive pressure: Prone masturbation puts too much pressure on the pelvic area, genitals, and surrounding muscles as compared to other methods.

Restricted movement: The prone position hinders flexibility and might increase the risk of strain injuries.

Increased friction: Rubbing against surfaces can lead to skin irritation and may induce sensitivity issues.

Not everyone who practises prone masturbation may face the side effects, and it happens more frequently in people who use it as a primary method of sexual gratification.

While not everyone will experience negative side effects, prone masturbation can pose risks for some, especially if it becomes the primary or exclusive method of sexual gratification.

Physical Effects of Prone Masturbation

There are several physical effects of prone masturbation that can have various implications including -

Pressure on the Genital Area - One of the main concerns with prone masturbation is the pressure it places on the genitals and pelvic region.

In this position, the weight of the body presses down on genital areas, which can lead to both immediate and long-term discomfort.

Possible Side Effects

Genital Desensitization: Excessive pressure can result in a temporary decrease in sensitivity which makes it harder to experience pleasure during other sexual activities.

Pelvic Discomfort: After repeated acts of prone masturbation, your pelvis may become sore due to the pressure on the muscles and tissues.

How to Manage

- Try to alter the techniques and positions which may avoid overreliance on a single method.

- Use soft surfaces like blankets or pillows to minimise the direct pressure put on genitals due to the act which may reduce potential desensitization.

Potential Penile Damage - Men who engage in prone masturbation can be at a higher risk of developing certain penile conditions. It may happen due to an unnatural way of bending or twisting the penis during stimulation.

In such situations, Peyronie's disease may develop due to persistent stress or trauma.

Possible Side Effects

- Penile Curvature: Persistent pressure and bending during prone masturbation can lead to the development of scar tissue that may form a bend in the penis.

- Skin Abrasions: The friction caused by rubbing against surfaces can lead to irritation or small skin tears, which may also increase the risk of infection if not properly cared for.

How to Avoid Issues:

- Try to limit the frequency of prone masturbation while being cautious of any discomfort or irritation. If you notice any unusual symptoms, consult a sexual health expert.

- Use a lubricant and smooth surfaces that will reduce friction and minimise the risk of skin damage.

Erectile Dysfunction - Men who frequently practice prone masturbation are at a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. Men with ED find it hard to get or maintain an erection sufficient for successful sexual intercourse.

It can be linked to damage caused by repeated stress on the sensitive nerves and blood vessels involved in the erection process.

Erectile dysfunction may have various causes ranging from physical issues to psychological factors. Along with that, physical strain on the pelvic floor is also a contributing factor.

The unnatural type of force applied during prone masturbation can lead to nerve compression and impaired blood flow. Both the issues hamper the usual erectile function.

Possible Side Effects

Difficulty with Erection: Over time, the repeated pressure during prone masturbation may lead to weakened erectile function which may make it harder to maintain an erection during intercourse.

Nerve Damage: Persistent strain on the pelvic floor can cause nerve compression, which may reduce sensitivity in the genital area, and compromise firm erections.

How to Avoid Issues

- One should try to reduce the frequency of the habit and switch to alternative habits of sexual stimulation to lower the stress on the pelvic floor.

- Try to incorporate the Kegel exercise and other pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the pelvis.

If you face persistent erectile issues, you should consult a sexologist.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction - The pelvic floor muscles play an important role in sexual health. They help with core stability, strength, and bladder control.

Prone masturbation is known to disturb the musculature by putting an extra burden on the pelvic muscles.

Potential Side Effects

Pelvic Pain: Extended periods of prone masturbation can lead to muscle spasms or tightness, and might ultimately cause chronic pelvic pain.

How to avoid

- Focus on strengthening the pelvic floor through exercises like Kegels. It can help protect against strain and improve overall sexual function.

- Keep changing masturbation techniques and take breaks to avoid pelvic floor dysfunction.

Ejaculation Issues - Prone masturbation involves intense stimulation which may also lead to ejaculatory disturbances.

The extra stimulation required for prone masturbation can interfere with partnered sex or getting pleasure from other sexual activities.

Possible Side Effects

-Delayed Ejaculation: Men who engage in prone masturbation for prolonged periods may find it harder to ejaculate with stimulation that has less friction or intensity.

Premature Ejaculation: On the contrary, some men may experience premature ejaculation due to being conditioned to rapid, intense stimulation.

How to Avoid

- To combat these issues, it is helpful to alternate between different masturbation techniques that mimic the sensation of partner sex, which can help have successful intercourse in real life.

- If these issues persist, a sexologist can guide you on how to regain better ejaculatory control.

Back and Neck Strain - Prone masturbation often leads to poor posture as the head is turned to one side and the back can be arched differently. This can lead to neck and back pain.

Potential Side Effects

- Muscle Strain: Poor posture during prone masturbation can lead to stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.

- Posture Problems: Prolonged practice of this position can contribute to long-term posture imbalances. The chances may even increase if you are already sedentary.

How to Avoid

- One should stretch before and after the session while paying attention to posture while masturbating.

- Incorporate exercises that strengthen the core and back muscles that might resolve the strain.

Understanding the potential physical effects can help you identify the changes early on and might save you from lasting effects.

Bottom Line

Prone masturbation is not harmful on its own, but it does come with potential physical and psychological side effects when practised regularly or intensely.

By understanding the risks and taking steps to avoid them, you can continue enjoying self-pleasure that keeps both your body and mind healthy.

If prone masturbation is leading to discomfort, performance issues, or erectile dysfunction, it is essential to adjust your ways and consult with a sexologist.