Masturbating While Sick: Is It Safe?
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Dr. Warisha holds an MBBS degree from GMERS Medical College, Ahmedabad. She has an in depth experience on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
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Updated on 22 July, 2024
- Article was updated as part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Being sick can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, leaving you feeling drained and unable to focus on anything else. Masturbation is a natural human desire that can have a positive impact on our physical and mental well-being.
However, when a person falls sick, their sexual experience can be impaired, especially if they do not feel like doing anything. There are many factors to consider in deciding whether masturbating while sick is safe or not. This article aims to explore the topic thoroughly to help you make an informed decision.
The Benefits of Masturbating While Sick
First, let’s look at the benefits of masturbation when you’re feeling under the weather. Masturbation is known to be a natural stress reliever that releases endorphins to boost your mood.
- It can help you feel more relaxed and at ease, which can be especially helpful when you’re dealing with a cough, common cold, or flu symptoms.
- Masturbation can also enhance your immune system and make you feel better. Various studies have suggested that engaging in sexual activities can stimulate the body’s production of natural killer cells and other immune-boosting cells, which can help you get better more quickly.
- It can help you sleep better. When you’re feeling unwell, it can be difficult to get a good night’s rest. Masturbation can release hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin, which can help you feel more relaxed and sleepy. This can lead to a better quality of sleep, which is essential for your body to heal and recover. But this doesn’t essentially mean one must masturbate everyday to get good sleep.
Lastly, masturbating can also help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with certain illnesses. For example, if you’re experiencing menstrual cramps or headaches, masturbation can release endorphins that act as natural painkillers.
This can provide temporary relief and make you feel more comfortable while you recover.
The Risks of Masturbating While Sick
While masturbation can have benefits, it’s also essential to consider the risks that come with it.
- When you’re sick, your body is fighting infection and may be weaker than usual. Engaging in sexual activities can put a strain on your cardiovascular system and make it harder for your body to fight off infection.
- It’s also vital to consider personal hygiene when masturbating while sick. Any form of sexual activity requires attention to hygiene to avoid the spread of infections.
- When you’re feeling unwell, you should avoid sharing sex toys with others and make sure to clean them thoroughly before using them yourself.
- If you’re taking medication for your illness, it’s crucial to consider how it may affect your sexual function. Some medications can cause erectile dysfunction or decreased libido, which can make masturbation less enjoyable or even impossible.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have regarding sexual activity while taking medication.
Masturbation as a Natural Painkiller: Fact or Fiction?
Masturbation as a natural painkiller is a subject that has been explored throughout the years. Many people have reported feeling pain relief from self-stimulation, which may be attributed to the release of endorphins, which can help manage pain more effectively while you’re sick.
While there is not a lot of research to support the idea, there is sufficient anecdotal evidence that indicates general release, feelings of euphoria and relaxation produced by masturbation can contribute towards being more comfortable when uncomfortable are felt when ill.
Additionally, some studies have shown that masturbation can also help alleviate menstrual cramps in women. The contractions of the uterus during orgasm can help relieve tension and reduce pain in the pelvic area.
Masturbation should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment for chronic pain or illness. It can be a helpful complementary therapy, but it is not a cure-all solution.
How to Approach Masturbation When You’re Feeling Under the Weather
So now that we’ve looked at the benefits and risks of masturbating when you’re sick, how can you approach self-pleasure in a way that is comfortable and safe for your body? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid overexerting yourself. Listen to your body and stop if you feel fatigued or unwell.
- Stay hydrated. If you’re coughing or have a fever, make sure to replenish your fluids regularly to avoid dehydration.
- Practice good hygiene. Clean your hands, genitals, and sex toys before and after masturbation to avoid spreading germs.
- Take it slow. Be gentle with your body and avoid pushing too hard or over-stimulating yourself.
- Use pain medication if necessary. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, don’t be afraid to take pain relief medication before masturbating.
Masturbation can also have mental health benefits, especially when you’re feeling under the weather. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, and promote feelings of relaxation and pleasure. However, if you’re not feeling up to it, don’t feel pressured to engage in self-pleasure.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat or congestion, you may want to avoid deep-throating or using sex toys that may irritate your throat or sinuses. Instead, try using your hands or a gentler toy that won’t cause discomfort.
Masturbating with a Cold: Dos and Don’ts
One of the most common illnesses that individuals experience is a cold. It’s important to remember that masturbating with a cold should not affect your immune system primary. Here are some dos and don’ts to consider:
- Do stay hydrated so that you’re comfortable and not exhausted
- Do clean your sex toys regularly, to avoid spreading anything that might hinder the healing process
- Do practice good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Don’t over-exercise, as it can cause your illness to worsen when you should be relaxing
- Don’t share sex toys with others while you’re ill, and avoid using them with closed cavity infections or prolonged medical conditions
The Role of Masturbation in Mental Health While Sick
Self sexual pleasure can also play a crucial role in your mental health, particularly when you’re feeling unwell.
As we mentioned earlier, masturbation can help you feel more relaxed and happy by generating endorphins. Engaging in sexual activities can help improve some mental illnesses and also can contribute to positive feelings reducing negative thoughts and emotions.
Masturbation can also help alleviate physical symptoms that may accompany illness, such as headaches and muscle tension.
By releasing tension and promoting relaxation, masturbation can provide temporary relief from discomfort and pain. While masturbation can be a helpful tool for managing mental and physical health, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or therapy.
What Doctors Have to Say About Masturbation When You’re Sick
It’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about engaging in sexual activities while you’re sick.
Your doctor may advise you to avoid masturbation temporarily, depending on your medical condition, to avoid undue stress on the body.
You can reach out to healthcare service providers, talk with healthcare professional who is qualified or get in touch with a sex therapist to get a better understanding.
Some medical conditions may require you to avoid any sexual activity, including masturbation, for a longer period of time. For example, if you have a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy or other treatments, your doctor may advise you to avoid any sexual activity to reduce the risk of infection.
Every individual’s medical condition is unique, and what may be safe for one person may not be safe for another.
Always consult with your doctor before engaging in any sexual activity, including masturbation, while you’re sick to ensure that you’re taking the necessary precautions to protect your health.
Exploring Other Sexual Activities That Could Be Safe During Illness.
If you’re feeling too sick to engage in masturbation, you may not be able to mutual masturbation. This activity can also help boost your immune system, maintain your mental health and enhance intimate moments with your partner.
Phone or video sex can be a great way to maintain intimacy with your partner while avoiding physical contact so you don’t make your partner sick. It’s important to make sure you’re both comfortable with this type of activity and to establish boundaries beforehand.
If you’re feeling up to it, gentle massage can also be a safe and enjoyable activity. This can help relieve stress and tension in the body, which can be especially beneficial during times of illness. Just make sure to communicate with your partner about any areas that may be sensitive or painful.
Final Words:
Masturbation while sick can have both benefits and risks. It can relieve stress, enhance the immune system, and promote better sleep. However, it may strain a weakened body and require attention to hygiene.
Masturbation can act as a natural painkiller, but it should not replace medical treatment for chronic pain or illness. If considering self-pleasure while unwell, it’s essential to listen to your body, stay hydrated, practice good hygiene, and take it slow.
Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for personalized advice. Other safe activities include mutual masturbation, phone or video sex, and gentle massage, depending on your comfort level and health condition.
Remember to prioritize your well-being and communicate with your partner about any limitations or sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to masturbate while sick?
A: Masturbation can be safe while sick, but it depends on your individual health condition. If you’re experiencing a mild illness and feel up to it, self-pleasure can have some benefits like stress relief and improved sleep. However, if you have a severe illness, a weakened immune system, or are taking specific medications, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before engaging in any sexual activity, including masturbation.
Q: Can masturbation help alleviate symptoms of illness?
A: Masturbation can offer temporary relief from certain symptoms, such as pain and stress. It releases endorphins that act as natural painkillers and helps promote relaxation and a sense of well-being. However, it’s important to remember that self-pleasure is not a substitute for medical treatment, and any persistent or severe symptoms should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Q?: Is it safe to use sex toys while sick?
A: If you choose to use sex toys while sick, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before and after use to prevent the spread of germs and infections. Avoid sharing sex toys with others while you’re unwell. If you have a weakened immune system, consider refraining from using sex toys until you have fully recovered to reduce the risk of infection.