Masturbation

MASTURBATION

EFFECTS AND CAUSES

One of the most concerning situations for any animal or human is the ability to access repeated surges of dopamine without any effort or self-directed pursuit. Take cocaine, for example, a drug that significantly increases dopamine levels. Similarly, methamphetamine, a potent stimulant, also leads to a surge in dopamine without requiring any adaptive action except acquiring and spending money on the drug. This lack of sacrifice or effort means that the only behavior that gets rewarded is drug-seeking, while other behaviors do not provide the same intense dopamine release. This is why these drugs are so harmful and addictive. Moreover, the reinforcing effect of dopamine not only provides a pleasurable kick but also strengthens the behaviors that preceded the drug ingestion. If the only behavior that gets reinforced is the act of taking drugs, it creates a monster in the mind. This understanding can be applied to the issue of pornography as well. As a male, I have received unexpected questions about pornography, and it made me realize that there is a need to address this topic directly.

Why people feel comfortable asking me about pornography and masturbation is a question that has come up frequently. It seems that many individuals are concerned about whether masturbation, specifically with ejaculation, is bad for them. As a biologist and neuroscientist, I can provide some insights on this topic. Repeated engagement in activities like masturbation and watching pornography on screens can have certain effects. The primary consequence is the reinforcement of a high dopaminergic response to observing others engaging in sexual behavior. This differs significantly from firsthand sexual experiences. It's important to note that this reinforcement does not necessarily lead to improvements in communication skills but rather fosters voyeuristic tendencies. As I received more questions on this subject, I began to notice underlying concerns related to sexual dysfunction that can be attributed to pornography consumption, particularly in males. I should clarify that I am not familiar with the literature regarding females and pornography, but it seems that they may prefer literary pornography over visual content. Considering the process of sexual arousal and orgasm, it becomes evident that there is a cascade or arc of events. Initially, there is a parasympathetic response that leads to heightened arousal.

When someone is excessively stressed, their ability to participate in sexual activity is hindered. The arousal response is diminished and they may experience difficulty achieving an erection. However, the orgasm response and ejaculation are closely linked to the sympathetic nervous system. Contrary to its name, this system is not related to sympathy but rather functions as a stress response. Eventually, this response is reversed.

Males experience a significant decrease in dopamine release and testosterone levels following ejaculation. This prolonged decrease in hormones aligns with the concept of pair bonding and the exchange of molecules with potential partners. Masturbation and pornography primarily target the dopamine system and can undermine the healthy processes involved in finding and developing relationships, including dating, communication, and appropriate sexual interactions. Additionally, engaging in sexual release through pornography raises the question of whether bonding with oneself occurs. Biologically, this results in an open loop or a sense of emptiness, as self-bonding is a complex concept with both healthy and unhealthy aspects.

Self-love and self-referencing play a crucial role in understanding what constitutes a healthy self-relationship. In the absence of a genuine sexual partner, there is a continuous cycle of neurochemicals, such as oxytocin and prolactin, that remain unfulfilled. It is important to note that dopamine levels surge during the pursuit and participation stages, only to plummet below baseline after orgasm and ejaculation. This decline often induces a sense of demotivation, which individuals tend to fear. Consequently, it can be perceived as a state of lacking drive.

Expanding on this concept, it can be compared to the effect of creating a dirty living environment. Although it doesn't directly lead to a positive increase in dopamine levels, it does deplete the dopamine system. This is similar to what happens with drugs of abuse and addiction, where the repeated use eventually depletes the dopamine system. Initially, there is a significant surge in dopamine with drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. However, over time, individuals need to use more and more of the drug to achieve the same level of satisfaction, which isn't necessarily a great high. This phenomenon can also be observed with the consumption of energy drinks. People consume more of them, seeking the combination of chemicals, loud music, and fast-paced energy. This can be seen as a stacking of dopaminergic tools, although it is not as pathological. Personally, I occasionally enjoy some energy drinks myself, without any significant concerns.

We must have a complete fear of pursuing or engaging in activities that trigger the release of dopamine, such as healthy sexual behavior, food we enjoy, and social interaction. All of these activities have the potential to stimulate dopamine production. However, it is the significant dopamine surges that occur without any prior effort or self-control that pose a particular danger to humans. This is illustrated by the fact that rats living in their natural environments cannot become addicted to cocaine, whereas isolated rats in cages readily become dependent on it.

The reason why individuals from affluent backgrounds often engage in alternative sources of dopamine gratification is quite intriguing. In my observations, I have witnessed this phenomenon numerous times, and it is undeniably a sorrowful sight. These individuals are not optimally deprived, which is a significant concern in affluent societies. Additionally, there is another aspect of pornography that is not frequently discussed. It is essential to acknowledge that the brain, particularly in males, functions as a learning prediction machine. While I am not suggesting that all pornography is inherently detrimental, there is substantial evidence to support the notion that if one's brain becomes accustomed to deriving arousal from watching others engage in sexual activities, it may not necessarily translate into the ability to become aroused in a one-on-one intimate setting. This is particularly relevant for young individuals who consume a significant amount of pornography. Consuming explicit content teaches the brain to associate sexual arousal with observing others, potentially leading to difficulties in establishing satisfying sexual connections with real partners. Mary Harrington, in her three laws of polynodynamics, presents the second law of pornodynamics – the law of FAP entropy. According to this law, the intensity of one's preferred sexual content tends to escalate over time. This constant need for increasingly stimulating material can ultimately result in a diminishing sexual response. It is crucial to note that my perspective is solely based on biological factors, as I am not a psychologist, nor do I intend to engage in any political discussion. The availability of pornography, particularly in extreme forms, serves as a highly potent stimulus. Similarly, other extreme stimuli, such as excessively palatable food or thrilling experiences like bungee jumping, set a threshold for dopamine release. It is important to understand that the higher the dopamine peak, the more significant the subsequent drop. These stimuli are not inherently good or bad; however, they must be regulated. When individuals continuously pursue activities that provide dopamine peaks without attaining satisfaction, it is often a consequence of excessive engagement. Taking a break from such activities allows the system to reset itself. The concepts discussed regarding pornography can also be applied to food or real sexual experiences. Caution must be exercised in these realms as well. The oscillation between states of high and low dopamine, or even engaging in dopamine fasting, represents the natural rhythms of the nervous system. It is crucial to comprehend the purpose of the dopaminergic system, which primarily serves as a general form of motivation and pursuit. Imagine a hungry or thirsty human or animal. They require energy to pursue their needs, just as eating provides energy to continue the pursuit. In this context, dopamine and epinephrine represent the energy within our nervous system. While glucose and glycogen are utilized during the pursuit, dopamine serves as the motivating force to seek out sustenance or reproductive opportunities. Reproduction is an innate desire embedded within every successful species, including humans, whether individuals choose to fulfill this desire or not. The innate desires to protect offspring and propagate one's genetic lineage are fundamental aspects of our species.