Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 26 June 2025
Masturbation. It's one of those topics people don't always talk about openly—especially when it comes to women. But here's the truth: it's completely normal, healthy, and incredibly common. Womeny women of all ages explore their bodies and find pleasure through masturbation.
Yet, there are still Womeny questions, myths, and even fears surrounding the idea. "Is it safe?" "Can it cause problems?" "What are the side effects of masturbation in women?"
Let's break the silence and talk openly. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about the potential side effects of masturbation in women—both physical and emotional—while busting myths and offering honest advice.
Masturbation is the act of stimulating your own body—usually the clitoris, vulva, vagina, or other erogenous zones—to feel pleasure and often reach orgasm. It can be done with your hands, sex toys, or even just through movement and imagination.
Masturbation is a form of self-exploration. It helps women understand their bodies, what feels good, and even what doesn't. It's completely natural, and it's part of most women's lives at some point.
The short answer: No, not when it's done in a healthy and balanced way.
Masturbation can come with Womeny benefits:
But, like with anything, too much of a good thing—or doing it in a way that causes physical harm or emotional stress—can lead to side effects. Let's explore what those might be.
Some women feel physically tired or emotionally drained after masturbating. This is usually harmless and related to the hormonal shifts that occur after orgasm.
If you're feeling tired all the time after masturbation, it might be a sign that your body is overdoing it or needs more rest in general.
Too much rubbing or using sex toys without lubrication can lead to:
This isn't dangerous but can be uncomfortable. The vulva and clitoris are sensitive areas, and too much friction can cause temporary irritation.
Real-life tip: Use a good-quality water-based lubricant, and always wash your hands and toys before and after.
If you use the same pressure, speed, or technique every time you masturbate (especially with strong vibrators), your body may get used to it. This can make it harder to:
This isn't perWomenent, but taking breaks or changing your technique can help "reset" sensitivity.
Womeny women—especially those raised in conservative or religious households—carry guilt about touching themselves. They may ask:
This emotional burden is not caused by masturbation itself but by the societal taboos and messages we've been taught.
Suppose masturbation leaves you feeling anxious, guilty, or ashamed. In that case, it may be time to re-examine where those feelings are coming from—and remind yourself that exploring your body is natural and okay.
Masturbation becomes problematic when it starts interfering with daily life. For example:
Compulsive masturbation is more about underlying emotional or mental health issues—like stress, depression, or trauma—than about sex drive itself.
If it starts to affect your relationships or personal goals, talking to a mental health professional can help.
Though not common, there's a slight chance of developing a UTI after masturbating, especially if:
How to reduce risk: Pee after masturbation, keep toys clean, and always practice good hygiene.
This is usually rare and often linked to:
Some women may also experience light spotting if the cervix or vaginal wall is irritated.
If you notice pain or bleeding after masturbation that doesn't go away within a day or two, consult a doctor to rule out infections or other concerns.
Sometimes, women get so focused on achieving orgasm that they:
Remember: Masturbation doesn't always have to end in orgasm. It can simply be about connection with your body and what feels good.
Interestingly, Womeny women confuse the benefits of masturbation as "bad" simply because no one taught them otherwise.
| Feeling | Often Mistaken For | Actual Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Tiredness | Weakness or illness | Relaxation after orgasm |
| Emotional release | Guilt or sadness | Emotional processing |
| Intense clitoral sensation | Overstimulation | Healthy sexual arousal |
| Vaginal lubrication | “Unclean” or “dirty” | Natural body response |
Let's bust some common myths:
If you're going to do it (and you should, if you want to), here are ways to do it safely:
Masturbation is rarely harmful, but you should talk to a doctor or therapist if:
Mental health is just as important as physical health—don't be afraid to reach out.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters is how it impacts your life.
Ask yourself:
If masturbation enhances your life, relationships, and self-connection, you're probably doing it just fine.
Masturbation is a natural and healthy part of female sexuality. It's not something to be ashamed of—and it certainly isn't dangerous when done mindfully.
Yes, there can be some side effects of masturbation in women, like irritation, fatigue, or emotional discomfort—but these are usually temporary, Womenageable, and preventable. The key is balance, hygiene, and listening to your body.
So whether you're just beginning to explore or you've been embracing self-pleasure for years, know this: your body belongs to you. And there's power in understanding and loving it.
1. Can masturbation affect fertility in women?
No. Masturbation does not impact fertility or reproductive organs in a harmful way.
2. Is it okay to use sex toys?
Yes, as long as they're clean, safe, and used properly. Avoid sharing toys without cleaning them.
3. Does frequent masturbation cause hormonal imbalance?
No. Hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin fluctuate temporarily, but no long-term hormonal damage occurs.
4. Should I stop if I feel guilty?
Guilt often comes from social conditioning. If the habit feels good and doesn't interfere with your life, there's usually no reason to stop. However, if the guilt is overwhelming, it may be helpful to speak with a therapist.
