Here are five things that can happen if you decide to quit masturbating long-term, after one reality TV star said she stepped away from it for a decade.
Masturbation is often discussed in a positive light, with some research linking frequent ejaculation to certain health benefits.
For example, one study suggested that people who have around 21 orgasms per month may lower their risk of prostate cancer by about 20 percent.
The findings came from research published in European Urology in 2016.
“We evaluated whether ejaculation frequency throughout adulthood is related to prostate cancer risk in a large US-based study.
“We found that men reporting higher compared to lower ejaculatory frequency in adulthood were less likely to be subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“These findings provide additional evidence of a beneficial role of more frequent ejaculation throughout adult life in the aetiology of PCa [prostate cancer], particularly for low-risk disease.”
That said, those stats weren’t what drove former Bachelor star Madison Prewett’s decision. She previously spoke about why she stopped masturbating.
She said her progress came through her faith, support from people around her, and moving away from porn and other adult content that she felt had become a problem.
“This has been a struggle,” she said on her podcast. “This has been a huge part of my testimony, something I’ve struggled with since middle school.
“And thankfully, by the grace of God, and by the power of the Godly community and people around me, I have been free from porn and masturbation for…I don’t even know, 10 years?”
So what might change if you quit masturbating for good? Here are five common effects people report or researchers have explored.
1) Your body may feel different at first
One of the earliest changes can be physical, and it isn’t always comfortable. Psych2Go notes that some women may feel more tension than usual, including pelvic tightness, because “regular sexual activity increases blood flow to the pelvic region, which helps with relaxation and overall pelvic health.”
For most people, this doesn’t become a major issue, and stress relief can come from other options like stretching, gentle exercise, breathwork, or relaxation routines.
For men, the body may still seek release in other ways. Research discussed in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that going long periods without ejaculation can increase the likelihood of nocturnal emissions (wet dreams).
2) Your mood and motivation can shift
Masturbation and orgasm can produce a dopamine “reward” response, so stopping may change how you feel day to day. In the short term, some people report feeling a temporary lift—like extra drive or clarity—when they pause the habit.
One small study found that men who abstained for a week showed a spike in testosterone, which could translate to feeling more energetic or confident.
On the other hand, going a long time without any release can also lead some people to feel more wound up, stressed, easily irritated, or preoccupied with sex.
3) It may affect your relationships and sex life
For some, stopping solo sex changes where their sexual energy goes. Psych2Go notes that some people feel they can redirect that attention toward dating or a partner, and that intimacy can feel more intense.
Many of these experiences are personal and anecdotal, and they don’t play out the same way for everyone.
It’s also worth noting that research points in the other direction too. A study in Sexual Medicine Reviews suggests masturbation can help with self-knowledge and ease performance anxiety—both of which can improve partnered sex.
In practice, abstaining can heighten anticipation for some people, while masturbation can help others feel more comfortable and confident with a partner.
4) Focus and “willpower” claims are mixed
Communities like NoFap often argue that quitting masturbation improves discipline, concentration, and motivation. Some people do report personal gains in these areas.
But the research isn’t clear-cut. While some studies suggest improved focus, other findings indicate that actively trying to suppress sexual thoughts can backfire—making them more persistent and distracting.
For many, building self-control doesn’t necessarily require total abstinence; it may come down to balance, habit management, and what feels healthy for you.
5) Your sense of intimacy and identity can change
Long-term abstinence can also alter how someone relates to desire, sex, and emotional closeness.
Some people say they feel more in control and less driven by impulse. Others describe feeling disconnected or frustrated, like they’ve muted a part of themselves.
A study in the Journal of Sex Research found that extended time without self-pleasure can shift people’s experience of intimacy—leading some to value emotional connection more deeply, while others may experience guilt, tension, or dissatisfaction.