Let’s talk about something most people do—but few talk to their doctor about: masturbation. And its slightly more intentional cousin, edging. Beyond pleasure, both actually play a meaningful role in physical, mental, and sexual health—especially for men as we age.
Masturbation Is Normal. And Healthy.
From a medical perspective, masturbation is one of the safest forms of sexual expression. No STI risk, no performance pressure, and no one else’s schedule to coordinate with. But the benefits go well beyond convenience:
Stress reduction & better sleep: Orgasm releases endorphins and oxytocin, helping lower cortisol and promote relaxation.
Pelvic floor health: Regular ejaculation engages pelvic muscles, which supports erectile function and urinary control over time.
Prostate health: Some studies suggest regular ejaculation may be associated with a lower risk of prostate issues later in life.
Body awareness: Knowing what feels good (and what doesn’t) translates into better communication and satisfaction with partners.
What Is Edging—and Why Do People Do It?
Edging simply means bringing yourself close to orgasm, then backing off, repeating this cycle before eventually ejaculating—or not. While often discussed in the context of pleasure, edging also has real health implications.
Potential benefits include:
Improved ejaculatory control, particularly helpful for men with rapid ejaculation
Stronger, more satisfying orgasms due to prolonged arousal
Mind–body connection, encouraging awareness of arousal cues and nervous system regulation
Sexual stamina training, which can translate into partnered sex
For some men, edging also helps decouple arousal from performance anxiety—something I see a lot in clinical practice.
Hormones, Dopamine, and Mental Health
Healthy sexual activity—including masturbation—supports balanced dopamine signaling. When practiced mindfully (not compulsively), it can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even support testosterone regulation indirectly by reducing chronic stress.
That said, context matters. Excessive or compulsive masturbation—especially when paired with sleep deprivation, extreme porn use, or stimulant drugs—can work against mental and sexual health. Like most things in medicine, dose and intention matter.
Aging, Erections, and “Use It or Lose It”
As men get older, erections can become less spontaneous. Regular erections—whether from sex or masturbation—help maintain healthy blood flow to penile tissue. Think of it as physical therapy for your penis.
This becomes especially important for men with:
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Prior anabolic steroid use
Low or fluctuating testosterone levels
Bottom Line
Masturbation and edging aren’t indulgences—they’re part of normal sexual self-care. When practiced without shame and with awareness, they can support physical health, emotional well-being, and better sex—solo or partnered.
If you have questions about libido changes, erections, ejaculation issues, hormone levels, or how your sexual health fits into your overall medical picture, this is absolutely something we talk about at Tom of P-Town Health—openly, clinically, and without judgment.
Your body. Your pleasure. Your health.
— Dr. Tom
Tom of P-Town Health
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