What Happens When You Stop Masturbating
2024 M12 24
When you stop masturbating, you may notice several changes, both mentally and physically. While the effects vary from person to person, quitting masturbation can improve your relationships, self-esteem, and sexual performance. Plus, stopping can help you regain control over your sexual urges, especially if you’re dealing with a pornography addiction. If that’s the case, you may even find it difficult to enjoy sex with a partner because porn has rewired your brain and created unrealistic expectations.
Stopping masturbation may not be easy, especially if you’re dealing with an addiction. Using porn addiction apps can help you learn what happens when you stop masturbating, track your progress, and stay motivated. This article will help you understand the effects of quitting on your body and mind and what to expect on your journey. Quittr is one such app that enables you to quit porn and regain control of your sexual health.
Table of Contents
What is Masturbation?
Masturbation involves self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure, often culminating in orgasm. This typical behavior among people of all genders and ages is critical to human sexuality. So, why do we engage in masturbation? Emotional reasons, such as stress relief, boredom, or seeking comfort during loneliness, account for many instances of masturbation. Physical reasons include sexual gratification and exploration of one’s own body.
While masturbation is a normal part of human sexuality, some individuals may want to stop for a variety of reasons. Excessive masturbation can lead to fatigue, reduced motivation, and dependence on pornography. It may contribute to feelings of shame, guilt, or low self-esteem if it becomes compulsive. Furthermore, it can negatively impact one's quality of life when it disrupts daily routines, work productivity, or personal relationships.
Related Reading
• Porn Addiction Symptoms
• Porn Addiction Effects
• Why is Porn Addiction Bad
• Why Do I Feel Bad After Masturbating
• How Much Porn is Too Much
• Does Porn Ruin Relationships
7 Things That Happen When You Quit Masturbating
1. The Urge Hits Hard
You want to masturbate. Quitting masturbation is easier said than done, especially in the first few days. You might find your thoughts consumed by the desire to give in, with urges feeling more intense than ever. This stage often feels like a mental tug-of-war: your body craves the dopamine release, but your mind is set on resisting. Nights can feel incredibly challenging, with physical sensations heightened and the temptation to "just this once" creeping in.
How to Cope
Distract yourself with activities like journaling, reading, or squeezing a stress ball to redirect your energy.
2. You Might Get Cranky
The absence of those feel-good chemicals released during masturbation may lead to withdrawal-like symptoms, leaving you cranky, stressed, or even emotionally sensitive. You may notice you’re snapping at loved ones or coworkers more than usual, even over minor issues. This irritability is your body’s way of adjusting to a new normal without relying on quick dopamine hits.
How to Cope
Practice mindfulness exercises, engage in physical activity, or use breathing techniques to reduce stress.
3. You Might Feel Aroused All the Time
Without the usual outlet to release sexual tension, you might find yourself stuck in a constant state of arousal. Everyday things that previously went unnoticed might now seem unusually provocative or stimulating. Over time, however, this heightened state of arousal becomes more manageable and can lead to deeper connections with your sexual desires.
How to Cope
Channel your energy into creative outlets or intense physical workouts to release pent-up tension constructively.
4. You Might Feel Desperate
When the initial urges don’t fade, desperation can kick in. You might consider shortcuts or alternative ways to satisfy the need for release. This phase can feel frustrating, mainly if you rely on a partner to fulfill sexual needs and they’re unavailable or uninterested.
How to Cope
Communicate openly with your partner (if you have one) and remind yourself of your long-term goals to stay committed.
5. Your Mind Will Start to Clear
Once the initial withdrawal subsides, your mind may feel more precise and focused. The time and mental energy previously spent on masturbation can now be redirected toward personal or professional goals. Tasks that once felt daunting might now feel more achievable as you gain mental discipline.
How to Cope
Use this clarity to plan and work on long-term projects, reinforcing the benefits of your journey.
6. You May Feel More Emotionally Stable
Emotional highs and lows from the cycle of gratification and guilt start to even out. You may feel less anxious or shameful, with greater control over your emotions. This newfound stability can improve your relationships as you feel more present and open with loved ones.
How to Cope
Practice self-compassion and regularly remind yourself of your progress.
7. Your Sex Life May Improve
Quitting masturbation can lead to a stronger connection with your partner (if you have one), as sexual energy builds naturally instead of being expended elsewhere. You might find that sex becomes more exciting, with stronger orgasms and a deeper emotional connection. This is often because abstaining from masturbation can rekindle the novelty and anticipation of intimacy.
How to Cope
Embrace the opportunity to explore and strengthen your bond with your partner, focusing on mutual satisfaction.
Use Quittr’s AI Therapist for Real-Time Guidance
QUITTR is a science-based and actionable way to quit porn forever. Our app combines practical tools with supportive features like an AI-powered support system and community leaderboards, meditation exercises, and progress tracking. We've included essential features like a content blocker, streak tracker, AI Therapist, recovery journal, leaderboard, meditation games, lessons, education, relaxing sounds, side-effect awareness, life tree features, and more!
Whether you're seeking support, education, or practical tools to quit porn forever, QUITTR offers a private, understanding space to work toward your personal goals. Try the #1 science-based way to stop porn by joining our 28-day challenge to compete with other people for the longest streak.
Strategies to Stay Committed to the Journey
Use Clear Goals to Drive Motivation
Setting clear goals gives you a sense of purpose and milestones to strive for on your journey to quit porn. Why does this help? It enables you to stay focused and motivated, especially when cravings hit.
How to implement
Define your “why” behind quitting. Is it for improved relationships, mental clarity, or self-discipline? Set short-term goals, like achieving a 7-day streak, and celebrate each success. Use Quittr’s streak tracker to track your progress and stay motivated visually.
Identify Your Triggers and Actively Avoid Them
Understanding what drives your urges allows you to develop proactive strategies to manage and avoid triggering situations.
How to implement
Reflect on emotional or environmental triggers like stress, boredom, or late-night phone use. Replace habits: Instead of reaching for your phone at night, pick up a book or journal in Quittr’s recovery journal. Use Quittr’s content blocker to eliminate access to triggering websites or apps.
Build a Supportive Environment
Recovery is easier when you have a network of encouragement and accountability.
How to implement
Engage with Quittr’s community leaderboard to connect with others on the same journey. Share progress, celebrate wins, and seek encouragement when facing challenges. Let trusted friends or partners know about your journey and ask for their support in creating a judgment-free environment.
Replace the Habit with Positive Activities
Filling the void left by porn with meaningful activities keeps you busy, distracted, and fulfilled.
How to implement
Take up a new hobby or revisit an old one, like painting, writing, or playing an instrument. Incorporate regular physical exercise, which releases endorphins and reduces stress. Use Quittr’s meditation exercises and relaxing sounds to center your mind and redirect energy.
Track and Celebrate Your Progress
Seeing how far you’ve come reinforces your commitment and keeps you motivated for the long haul.
How to implement
Log your daily thoughts, struggles, and victories in Quittr’s recovery journal. Celebrate small milestones, like reaching 3, 7, or 14 days without relapsing. Treat yourself to rewards (e.g., a movie night or a new book) for achieving significant streaks.
Practice Self-Compassion
Recovery is a journey with ups and downs. Being kind to yourself prevents guilt or shame from derailing your progress.
How to implement
Acknowledge that relapses are a normal part of growth. Use them as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. Engage with Quittr’s AI Therapist for personalized advice and emotional support during challenging moments. Remind yourself that progress matters more than perfection.
Plan for High-Risk Situations
Being prepared for tricky moments reduces the likelihood of relapse.
How to implement
Identify potential high-risk scenarios, like being alone for extended periods or feeling stressed after a tough day. Develop a plan for these situations, such as journaling in the Quittr app or contacting a supportive friend. Use Quittr’s life tree feature to visualize your growth and remind yourself why you started.
Stay Educated and Informed
Understanding the science behind habits and recovery empowers you to make better decisions.
How to implement
Explore Quittr’s educational lessons to learn about the effects of porn and masturbation on the brain. Watch videos, read articles, or listen to habit-building and personal development podcasts. Reflect on how these insights can be applied to your journey.
Related Reading
• Is Porn Bad for Mental Health
• Does Porn Cause Depression
• Masturbation Withdrawal
• Does Porn Cause Anxiety
• Porn Relapse
• Why is Porn So Hard to Quit
• How Many People Are Addicted to Porn
• Porn Withdrawal Symptoms
• How to Stop Porn Addiction
• How to Stop Watching Porn
Join Our 28-day Challenge & Quit Porn Forever with the #1 Science-based Way To Quit Porn
QUITTR is a science-based and actionable way to quit porn forever. Our app combines practical tools with supportive features like an AI-powered support system and community leaderboards, meditation exercises, and progress tracking. We've included essential features like a content blocker, streak tracker, AI Therapist, recovery journal, leaderboard, meditation games, lessons, education, relaxing sounds, side-effect awareness, life tree features, and more!
Whether you're seeking support, education, or practical tools to quit porn forever, QUITTR offers a private, understanding space to work toward your personal goals. Try the #1 science-based way to stop porn by joining our 28-day challenge to compete with other people for the longest streak.
Related Reading
Ready to finally quit?
Start your journey today and start becoming the best version of yourself. The benefits feel great, trust us - The QUITTR Team