Experiencing guilt is a common and unexpected side effect of masturbation, which can be linked to various factors, including social stigma, religious views, culture, trauma, and more. “Feeling guilty after masturbating is often deeply rooted, influenced by cultural messages and internalized beliefs about sex going back to childhood,” licensed therapist Megan Ann Corrieri told Choosing Therapy. “The guilt can be very distressing, but exploring where the guilt comes from and developing a healthier self-image can help.”
Corrieri explains that some cultures and religions have a negative view of masturbation, which can contribute to feelings of guilt, shame, or fear of committing sins or having bad morals if you masturbate. Depending on your background and upbringing, these beliefs can shape your perspective and relationship with masturbation. Social stigma perpetuates these notions, often portraying personal play as the punchline in movies, TV shows, and everyday conversations. This negative portrayal can lead to feelings of guilt, embarrassment, fear of judgment, or ridicule for engaging in or being caught masturbating. In addition, if you’ve ever experienced sexual trauma in your life, complicated and unexpected emotions may arise during or after masturbation. Due to the sensitive nature of these feelings, seeking the support of a sex-positive therapist may help.
