One of the most common questions that health professionals hear from younger men is: Does frequent self-pleasuring cause weak tumescence? Many boys are told by parents or other authority figures who want to discourage this practice that manual stimulation 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 tumescence not related to self-pleasuring. This article discusses the physical and emotional factors that can affect male organ health and cause loss of function.

As Dr. Shaun Thompson of livestrong.com explains, getting hard 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 male organ. A disruption in any part of this process can lead to male problems, meaning there are a number of factors to consider when seeking the source.

Some of the most common causes of function 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 loss of function.

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

3) Hormonal problems. Getting hard is highly dependent on androgen levels; men who have low androgen tend to have problems with male organ function. High levels of prolactin and high or low levels of thyroid hormone can also cause loss of function.

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

5) Substances. Aside from the physiological problems that can lead to function 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 function loss.

6) Psychological problems. Up to 20 percent of all cases of decreased function, 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 sensual issues can cause loss of function. Men who are worried about function loss may experience impotence simply because of this anxiety, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

When it comes to self-pleasuring and loss of function, there is no evidence at all that there is any link between the two. In some cases, men who have gotten off recently may have temporarily lowered androgen levels, resulting in weaker tumescence if they attempt self-pleasuring again within a short period of time. However, as the body recovers from the previous emission, androgen levels will be restored, and tumescence should return to normal.

For men who experience weak tumescence or have difficulty achieving and maintaining tumescence 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. Self-pleasuring is a normal and healthy practice that can relieve stress and help men to become more familiar with their own bodies, making them better sensual partners. In fact, using the organ frequently can even help it stay strong and last long into old age.

Men who pleasure themselves frequently can improve the overall health of the member by adding a male organ 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 manhood skin, while vitamins and amino acids support healthy cellular function for a male organ that is supple, responsive and ready for action, whether a man is spending time alone or with a partner.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving male organ sensitivity, and what to do to maintain a healthy male organ. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.