Death grip

[Seraph]

Hello!
I heard about something called death grip syndrome (at least that is the nickname for it i assume there is a more professional name for it). I have a limited understanding of it and I was wondering if I could get some clarification on what it is, what can cause it, and what are signs that somebody may have it. From what ive heard, its caused by using too much friction during masturbation, weaking the nerves and making it harder to feel pleasure during sex or even during masturbation.

I also have a separate question. Ive heard rumors that masturbation can cause ED, (the sex kind not an eating disorder) is this true? Or is it false (or kinda real but heavily exaggerated)

[char]

Hi Seraph! I'm afraid I won't be able to answer your question about death grip syndrome, since it is beyond my expertise and comfort. Someone else from our volunteer team will get to you about that.

As for your second question: nope, masturbation does not cause erectile dysfunction. This myth comes from the assumption that masturbation will make you "numb" towards partnered sex. There are multiple reasons why this assumption is false: it frames partnered sex as "better" than solo sex, it assumes everyone who masturbates wants to have partnered sex, and it also assumes that everyone with a penis will always want their penis stimulated during sex. Erectile dysfunction refers to a recurring and persistent recurring condition, typically in older folks with penises, and it's often affected by medical conditions. You might find these articles useful:
- ED: Why You Don't Have to Get So Down About Not Getting It Up
- The Bigger Picture on Erections
- No erection four times now: what can I do?
- Going Solo: The Basics of Masturbation

[Seraph]

Thank you so much for answering my question! Really helped clear up one of my misconceptions

[Heather]

Hi there, Seraph.

There is no medical term for the made-up “death grip syndrome,” because this is not a medical or clinical thing. This is slang, and some of it comes from misinformation and scare tactics.

What it refers to — and makes sound like a giant problem — is that some folks with penises who use a tight grip during masturbation can have a harder time sometimes reaching orgasm through things like oral sex or sexual intercourse. But this isn’t a “syndrome.” Instead, it’s just something anyone of any gender can experience where the way they masturbate and get used to reaching orgasm makes it more challenging to orgasm with a partner with some sexual activities. If and when someone wants to try and change that, all they generally need to do is give themselves time to get used to these newer sensations and ways of exploring pleasure, and do less of what they do during masturbation that’s making it harder to enjoy those other kinds of sex.

I also want to add that there’s nothing wrong with having other kinds of sex with a partner then reaching orgasm (with them) via masturbation. Plenty of people do that sometimes, and it’s just as okay to orgasm that way during partnered sex as any other!