It’s the great bate debate.
The rising popularity of a solo sex act that may seem relatively harmless can have devastating effects on an intimate relationship with a partner, experts caution.
Gooning, the act of masturbating to porn without climaxing for hours, if not days at a time, is all the rage lately for the psychological impacts brought on by deprivation — with self-pleasurers reportedly often sending themselves into a trance-like state, according to numerous published accounts.
The act is similar to edging — a less extreme version of withholding climax — that is predicted to be a top fetish of 2025. Interest in the awkward act of onanism has gone up 800% in the last five years, the Daily Mail reported.
But, some experts warn, the new way to wank can have a damaging impact on the fetishist’s relationships.
“Relying heavily on pornography can desensitize the individual to real sexual encounters, increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction when engaging in sex with a partner,” Dr. Richard Viney told the outlet.
“A man can find he needs pornography to get aroused rather than on the presence and touch of his partner,” he added.
Viney also explained that challenges with erections often lead to performance anxiety, leaving sexual woes “more embedded.”
And Dr. Paula Hall, who works in recovery therapy, says frequent gooning can lead to a porn addiction.
“Your brain is undoubtedly becoming more habituated to that behavior, and the more often it’s repeated, the more likely you are to struggle to stop and enjoy other activities,” she told The Mail.
Dr. Hall added that the extreme self-abuse act can lead to a lower libido as well as impact social relationships and finances, along with “general mental health and wellbeing.”
Meanwhile, other sex experts have warned that even just a month without sex can trigger anxiety and aggressive behavior.
