Searches for “does masturbation causes infertility” grew by 800% in Nigeria over the past year, according to Google Trends. The answer has not changed. Here is what the medical sources say about the myths people keep repeating.
“It makes you infertile”
Masturbation will not affect your sperm count or your fertility, however often you do it. Infertility is one of the claims the research does not support.
“It causes erectile dysfunction”
There is no evidence for this either, and the same goes for lower libido.
“It lowers your sperm count”
No. There is no scientific support for the claim that it decreases your sperm count.
“You will go blind or grow hair on your palms”
Neither happens. There is no research linking masturbation to blindness or hairy palms, and the same goes for mental illness and penis shrinkage.
“It makes you weak”
There is no evidence of physical weakness.
“It is only for people with no partner”
Surveys of adults of all ages find it is common well into older age, and plenty of people in relationships do it too, alone or together.
“It is a male thing”
Searches for “masturbation side effects for women” grew by 950% in Nigeria, so women are asking. Research suggests women who masturbate are more likely to orgasm during partnered sex, and it may ease menstrual cramps. A 2024 study found that women aged 18 to 80 who used a vibrator for three months had better sexual and pelvic floor function and lower rates of depression.
“You should feel guilty about it”
Guilt and shame are common, and they often come from cultural, spiritual or religious beliefs and not from any physical harm. If the feeling is heavy, talk to someone you trust or a sexual health counsellor.
The religious side of the argument is playing out on X this week.
Does it help with anything?
Some studies suggest it may reduce stress and improve sleep and mood, but direct research is limited, so that is not a promise.
What is actually true
It is not completely free of side effects. Rough masturbation can cause chafing, and frequent sessions can cause temporary swelling of the penis that usually clears within a day or two. A very tight grip can reduce sensation during sex, sometimes called “death grip syndrome”, and changing technique may help. There is no “normal” frequency. It only becomes a problem when it starts getting in the way of work, sleep or relationships, and that is worth talking to a doctor or counsellor about.
Sources: Google Trends (Nigeria, 12 months to 28 October 2026).
