Billions of individuals engage in this activity daily, with its roots traced back to primate behaviors over 40 million years ago.

However, a small group of men, who have never engaged in masturbation, are sharing their experiences.

Speaking anonymously on Reddit, these men discuss their reasons for abstaining from self-pleasure.

One 27-year-old participant mentions that he has never felt the desire to masturbate, attributing this to his busy lifestyle and regular exercise routines.

He finds the notion of ‘using one’s hands’ unappealing, viewing masturbation as a form of infidelity.

He shares: ‘In terms of refraining from sex, I have faced moments of temptation, but I hold firm to my belief that if I engage in sexual activity, it would be akin to considering [masturbation] as an act of betrayal against my future wife… I uphold the principle of sex after marriage.’

In a similar vein, a 19-year-old revealed that his strict religious background plays a significant role in his hesitation to indulge in self-pleasure.

He states: ‘I have never masturbated in my entire life.

In a 2023 study from Indiana University, the main reasons cited for not masturbating were lack of interest, being in a committed relationship, moral or value conflicts, or religious beliefs.

‘My very conservative Christian parents instilled a stigma against any sexual activity, leading me to grow up without even understanding how to masturbate.’

He mentions that his resolve to refrain from masturbation was mainly out of indifference, though now that he’s in college, he feels pressured to try it.

He adds: ‘Discussion about masturbation is common in dorms, making it awkward for me. I’ve contemplated trying it for the first time, just to alleviate the discomfort.’

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that approximately 92 percent of men engage in masturbation at least once in their lives.

According to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, about one-quarter of men aged 18 to 59 reported masturbating a few times each month to weekly.

Meanwhile, approximately 20 percent reported engaging in masturbation two to three times weekly, with less than 20 percent stating they did so more than four times a week.

Older men were more likely to report a lack of masturbation over the past year.

Experts at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia suggest that boys typically begin to masturbate between the ages of 9 and 11.

One college-aged Reddit user shared that his upbringing instilled a belief that masturbation was ‘dirty’ and ‘undignified.’

Over time, he developed a ‘peculiar sense of pride’ in being among the few heterosexual males who have never masturbated.

He expressed concerns about potentially developing a masturbation addiction, claiming he lacks willpower.

A 2023 study from Indiana University reaffirmed that common reasons for abstaining from masturbation included lack of interest, being in a relationship, moral dilemmas, or religious objections.

While some men reflect on their abstinence, others share their experiences of masturbating frequently, discussing this openly in separate threads on Reddit.

One user worries about his possible addiction to masturbation.

He shares that he began this habit as a teenager and now finds himself masturbating on a daily basis.

At his peak, he confessed to engaging in self-pleasure up to five times a day.

Experts from the telehealth company Hims point out clear indicators of excessive masturbation, such as skin irritation or injury.

Some of the symptoms they highlight include irritation, redness, or bleeding, and painful erections.

The Reddit user discussing his addiction mentioned that self-pleasure has been a coping mechanism for him, providing temporary relief from anxiety and depression.

He has attempted to quit several times, but his urges have proven too powerful.

An expert from men’s sexual health site Maximus stated that while self-pleasure may enhance erectile function, excessive masturbation could lead to decreased sexual desire for partners.

Conversely, a 22-year-old man from India revealed that he began to masturbate at age 12 and now engages in it up to three times daily.

He admits that this habit has negatively impacted his college performance and romantic relationships.

Experts from Maximus reiterate that masturbation can have both beneficial and adverse effects.

They clarify, ‘On the positive side, it can aid in maintaining sexual function and may even enhance erectile health. Regular sexual activity, including masturbation, can help keep the sexual response system active and responsive.’

However, they caution that excessive use can lead to complications such as reduced sexual desire and challenges with arousal and orgasm during partnered experiences. Maintaining balance and being attuned to one’s body is essential.

In terms of frequency, experts assert that there is no universally ‘ideal’ amount of masturbation, as it varies widely among individuals.

They conclude that the most crucial factor is ensuring masturbation habits don’t disrupt daily activities or intimate relationships.

Additionally, testosterone levels can significantly influence sexual health. Some research indicates that optimizing testosterone can enhance libido, erectile function, and overall sexual satisfaction.