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Suggest Ways To Avoid Masturbation
Question: How can one stop masturbation?
Brief Answer:
Suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Masturbation in itself is not a bad thing unless it becomes excessive to the point that you feel it is too often or interferes with one's daily life. You are not alone as this is an issue for many young men. With easy access to online pornography, it can also interfere with men's ability to function in real life situations with a partner.
Excessive and unwanted thoughts and actions can be symptoms of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and excessive masturbation can fall into this category.
Treatment for OCD symptoms are certain antidepressants, such as the SSRIs. One example of such a medication with a lower risk of side effects is escitalopram (Lexapro). It can take several weeks to start to see improvement on an SSRI, and for OCD symptoms, sometimes the dose has to be increased (but not initially - start low). You would need to see your primary doctor or a psychiatrist for medical treatment with an SSRI or other OCD medication.
Talk therapy with a licensed psychologist can also help you with learning techniques for avoiding unwanted behaviors (in this case, avoiding masturbation). I suggest calling around to various therapists because not all are trained/skilled in treatment for OCD.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Masturbation in itself is not a bad thing unless it becomes excessive to the point that you feel it is too often or interferes with one's daily life. You are not alone as this is an issue for many young men. With easy access to online pornography, it can also interfere with men's ability to function in real life situations with a partner.
Excessive and unwanted thoughts and actions can be symptoms of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and excessive masturbation can fall into this category.
Treatment for OCD symptoms are certain antidepressants, such as the SSRIs. One example of such a medication with a lower risk of side effects is escitalopram (Lexapro). It can take several weeks to start to see improvement on an SSRI, and for OCD symptoms, sometimes the dose has to be increased (but not initially - start low). You would need to see your primary doctor or a psychiatrist for medical treatment with an SSRI or other OCD medication.
Talk therapy with a licensed psychologist can also help you with learning techniques for avoiding unwanted behaviors (in this case, avoiding masturbation). I suggest calling around to various therapists because not all are trained/skilled in treatment for OCD.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks doc. Very useful information.
Sometimes i try so hard to avoid the act.my best so far has been 15 days.but it seems i always go back.i dont want to go back to masturbation
Sometimes i try so hard to avoid the act.my best so far has been 15 days.but it seems i always go back.i dont want to go back to masturbation
Brief Answer:
Questions so that I can help:
Detailed Answer:
Occasional masturbation is not a problem. At your age you may need to do so to feel better. Is there a reason you want to give it up entirely?
Questions so that I can help:
Detailed Answer:
Occasional masturbation is not a problem. At your age you may need to do so to feel better. Is there a reason you want to give it up entirely?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I think it is a distraction and makes one weak and often hungry
Brief Answer:
Occasional is ok.
Detailed Answer:
I see. I thought perhaps that you were engaging in this several times a day - that's why I wrote information about OCD. If it is only occasional, a few times a week, that should not be harmful.
Occasional is ok.
Detailed Answer:
I see. I thought perhaps that you were engaging in this several times a day - that's why I wrote information about OCD. If it is only occasional, a few times a week, that should not be harmful.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sometimes i can do it several times a day.most of the time i can control the urge. But there are days i can do it thrice and there are times when i dont do it at all for a week
Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this:
Detailed Answer:
Usually people who suffer from obsessive/compulsive tendencies are not able to go for a week without feeling significant emotional distress because of withholding the unwanted behavior.
Thoughts on this:
Detailed Answer:
Usually people who suffer from obsessive/compulsive tendencies are not able to go for a week without feeling significant emotional distress because of withholding the unwanted behavior.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for the counsel doc.but is there a way i can completely stop the act? I need the will power to desist from it
Brief Answer:
Distraction techniques
Detailed Answer:
Well, when trying to reduce or stop a behavior, it is advised to replace it with something else.
When thoughts come about this, gently acknowledge that you are thinking about it, and then try to return your thoughts to whatever you are currently doing. If thoughts about sex come while you are in bed not doing anything, gently acknowledge these thoughts and focus on your breathing, counting your breaths in and breaths out for 4 minutes. (This is called "four by four meditation" of "four by four breathing" and you can find videos on this technique on Youtube.)
So engaging in something that distracts you until the urge passes is key.
Distraction techniques
Detailed Answer:
Well, when trying to reduce or stop a behavior, it is advised to replace it with something else.
When thoughts come about this, gently acknowledge that you are thinking about it, and then try to return your thoughts to whatever you are currently doing. If thoughts about sex come while you are in bed not doing anything, gently acknowledge these thoughts and focus on your breathing, counting your breaths in and breaths out for 4 minutes. (This is called "four by four meditation" of "four by four breathing" and you can find videos on this technique on Youtube.)
So engaging in something that distracts you until the urge passes is key.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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