#LetsTalkSex: Can Frequent Masturbation Affect Erection?

In a country where any mention of penis, phallus, that-thing-between-the-legs takes place only in the context of sexual innuendos and boastful size comparisons, it’s difficult for men to have an open conversation about their issues!

(Photo: iStockphoto)

We asked you to send in your queries on sexual health issues and the response was overwhelming.

We got Dr Rajinder Yadav, Director – Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplant and Dr Apurva Prakash, Associate Consultant from Fortis Hospitals, Shalimar Bagh to answer your queries.

Do write to us with more questions on [e-mail]

Read to know the answers to some of the queries.

My Penis was Strong and Big, but Now it’s Soft and Small. Why?

Three months ago, my penis was strong and big. But in the last 2-3 months, it has become soft and not that hard like before. It is also a bit smaller in comparison to my earlier size. Both, my partner and I have noticed that. I am worried. Please help me.

Age effects erection. With age hormone levels decline so medication might be required. Health issues like diabetes can compromise erection or if there has been an injury, you will not be able to sustain erection for a longer period of time. We normally prescribe certain medication and monitor the response for a few days. Usually, it helps.

Sometimes, the issue can also be purely psychological and can be treated with some counselling sessions and medication on SOS basis. I suggest you visit a doctor to get the prescription.

Is 5.5 inch Above or Below the Average Indian Size?

Just curious and wanted to know something. I have a shaft size of about 5.5 inch. Can you let me know if it is above or below the average size in India? Sorry if it offends you.

It is absolutely normal!

I Am Unable to Maintain an Erection. Is It Because I Masturbate?

In some cases, frequent masturbation might lead to erectile dysfunction.(Photo: iStockphoto)

I’m 20 years old and I masturbate 4-5 times a week. During sessions with my partner, there’s always this problem with my penis. It does not stay completely erect during insertion. It tends to reduce in its size. Is this due to masturbation?

Frequent masturbation can affect erection. At 20, it is less likely that you have hormonal problems. So, frequent masturbation could be the reason why you are having issues with penetration.

In some cases, frequent masturbation might lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). So it is advisable to try and control the frequency. While it is normal to masturbate, you can do so once in 3-4 days. If the issue still persists, then it is advisable to consult a doctor who might prescribe certain medication.

Does an Injury to the Penis Foreskin Make You Impotent?

The wound might have healed superficially but it is important to check for internal injury. (Photo: iStock)

I have a problem. While I was zipping back my pants after peeing, the skin of the shaft of my penis got stuck in my zipper. I was in the middle of a meeting and had to rush back after the leak, so I pulled my zip hard to the top. In the bargain, I stretched my penis foreskin and it tore. I started bleeding, but felt embarrassed to visit the doctor or tell anyone in the family. The area turned red. As I write this to you, it has been two days since the incident. I feel no pain, the thing has dried up. But I am scared and not getting any erections now. Have I become impotent?

That sounds painful. The wound might have healed superficially but it is important to check for internal injury. A urologist might need to conduct a few tests and a thorough physical examination before prescribing the right medication. The wound might be the reason for your difficulty in getting erections.

It does not mean that you have become impotent but such wounds should not be left untreated. Proper medication can certainly help treat the issue.

My Penis is Always in a Shrunk Position. Need Help!

Sir I need your help. I have lost a very important reason to be happy in life. I feel terrible because of my penis. My penis is in shrunk position always. It does not stand normally even if a young sexy girl is being unclothed in front of me. To get it to stand, I need to masturbate very hard. Then it becomes erect but goes limp shortly when I penetrate my partner, right after thrusting it once or twice inside the vagina. I am desperately seeking a good treatment and am ready to pay whatever is within my means.

Has your penis always been in a shrunk position or it is a recent issue? This requires more details.

If you were getting normal erections previously but are having trouble now then you need to visit a urologist. It could probably be a case of erectile dysfunction (ED). Medication will help solve the issue.

But, if you have never had erections then you need to be evaluated thoroughly by a doctor. In such cases, it could be a hormonal problem or a physical deformity or a genetic issue. A doctor will need to conduct a thorough physical and genetic examination. Many a times, a man doesn’t show the physical traits of a normal male body. Such cases need to be handled with care and sensitivity.

(Got more questions? No problem! Write to us at [e-mail] and our experts will answer them for you.)