One of the most common questions that sexual health professionals hear from younger men is: Does frequent masturbation cause weak erections? Many boys are told by parents or other authority figures who want to discourage this practice that masturbating is unhealthy, and men then experience a sense of shame or guilt about what is, in fact, a normal and healthy practice. There are many causes of weak erections not related to masturbation. This article discusses the physical and emotional factors that can affect penis health and cause erectile loss.

As Dr. Shaun Thompson of livestrong.com explains, getting an erection involves a complex series of interactions between the mind, the central and peripheral nervous systems, the hormones, the blood vessels and the smooth muscle tissue of the penis. A disruption in any part of this process can lead to erectile problems, meaning there are a number of factors to consider when seeking the source.

Some of the most common causes of erectile loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, are:

1) Cardiovascular disease. Numerous heart and circulatory problems can lead to loss of function in men, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels) and heart disease. Taking care of the heart by eating right and exercising can reduce the chances of experiencing erectile loss.

2) Neurological issues. Diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or multiple sclerosis, can interfere with erectile function. Patients who have suffered a stroke may also be affected.

3)Hormonal problems. Getting an erection is highly dependent on testosterone levels; men who have low testosterone tend to have problems with penile function. High levels of prolactin and high or low levels of thyroid hormone can also cause erectile loss.

4) Diabetes. Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects many bodily functions, including erectile ability. According to the National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearing House, 35 to 50 percent of men with diabetes also have erectile dysfunction (ED).

5) Substances. Aside from the physiological problems that can lead to erectile loss, various substances, including tobacco, alcohol and certain recreational substances, can inhibit function. Medications such as those used to treat anxiety and depression are also associated with ED.

6) Psychological problems. Up to 20 percent of all cases of erectile loss, and approximately 40 percent of cases in younger men, are related to psychological rather than physiological problems. Anxiety, stress, relationship problems and guilt or shame associated with sexual issues can cause loss of function. Men who are worried about loss of function may experience ED simply because of this anxiety, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

When it comes to masturbation and erectile loss, there is no evidence at all that there is any link between the two. In some cases, men who have ejaculated recently may have temporarily lowered testosterone levels, resulting in weaker erections if they attempt masturbation again within a short period of time. However, as the body recovers from the previous ejaculation, testosterone levels will be restored, and erections should return to normal.

For men who experience weak erections or have difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection more than 25 percent of the time, it is important to talk to a doctor and address any underlying health issues that may be present. But for men who simply enjoy their alone time, there is no need to worry about permanent loss of function. Masturbation is a normal and healthy practice that can relieve stress and help men to become more familiar with their own bodies, making them better sexual partners. In fact, using the organ frequently can even help it stay strong and last long into old age.

Men who masturbate frequently can improve the overall health of the member by adding a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to their daily personal care routine. A product with a high-end emollient such as Shea butter can relieve sore, chafed penile skin, while vitamins and amino acids support healthy cellular function for a penis that is supple, responsive and ready for action, whether a man is spending time alone or with a partner.