Traumatic masturbatory syndrome (TMS) is an atypical masturbatory style that has been linked to erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation. It typically involves a specific pattern of masturbation, often performed while lying on the stomach.
The traumatic masturabatory syndrome symptoms often involve a combination of sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor issues. Because of the way TMS is performed, it can lead to chronic overuse of the pelvic floor muscles, which may result in pelvic floor incoordination. Some people may also experience bladder and bowel problems, such as constipation or urinary urgency.
It’s important for both healthcare professionals and people experiencing these symptoms to understand TMS. Recognizing it early on and getting the right treatment is key to managing the condition and improving quality of life. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider who can properly assess your symptoms and recommend the best course of action.
Understanding Traumatic Masturbatory Syndrome (TMS)
Let’s break down what’s really meant by “traumatic masturbatory syndrome” and how it might relate to your symptoms.
Defining Atypical Masturbatory Behaviors
What exactly does “atypical” mean when we’re talking about masturbation? It can refer to a few things. Some people might rub against objects through their clothes or practice prone rubbing (lying face down). Others might use a particularly intense or forceful grip, sometimes referred to as a “death grip.”
These behaviors aren’t inherently bad, but they’re associated with a higher chance of developing TMS. The theory is that they can lead to chronic overuse of the pelvic floor muscles.
Factors Influencing TMS Development
So, what makes someone more likely to experience TMS? The frequency, duration, intensity, and whether a particular masturbation style is the only way someone can achieve arousal all seem to play a role. The more intense and repetitive the behavior, the more strain on the pelvic floor.
It’s important to note that there’s a real lack of solid research on this. There’s no peer-reviewed data on how common TMS is in the general population. This makes it hard to say definitively how big of a problem it is.
The Role of Pelvic Floor Muscles
Your pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support your pelvic organs (bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs). They’re also crucial for controlling bladder and bowel function, and they play a role in sexual function, including arousal and orgasm.
The problem with TMS, as the theory goes, is that these atypical masturbation habits can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. Because TMS involves chronic overuse of the pelvic floor muscles, it can potentially result in pelvic floor incoordination. That means the muscles aren’t working together as efficiently as they should be.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of TMS
So, how do you know if you might be experiencing traumatic masturbatory syndrome? It’s important to remember that this isn’t a formally recognized medical diagnosis, but let’s break down the kinds of symptoms that have been associated with the idea of it.
Physical Symptoms
The physical symptoms often center around the pelvic region and sexual function. These may include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pelvic floor incoordination (difficulty controlling the muscles in your pelvic floor)
- Bladder and bowel problems, such as constipation, urgency (a sudden, strong need to go), and frequent urination
- Pain in the pelvic region, lower back, or hips
Some people have described experiencing specific issues like needing to urinate very frequently (10-15 times a day), feeling a sudden urge to urinate, or having difficulty emptying their bladder completely.
Problems with bowel movements, sometimes referred to as dyssynergic defecation (difficulty coordinating the muscles needed to have a bowel movement), have also been mentioned.
Psychological Symptoms
The potential psychological impact shouldn’t be overlooked. Experiencing sexual dysfunction can lead to:
- Anxiety, depression, and stress
- Negative feelings about your body and low self-esteem
If you’re experiencing these kinds of symptoms, it’s really important to talk to a mental health professional. They can help you sort through your feelings and develop coping strategies.
A thorough psychological assessment can help rule out other emotional disorders, like delusional disorders, ritualistic behaviors, or mood disorders, that might be contributing to the symptoms.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Because TMS isn’t a recognized medical condition, there’s no specific diagnostic test for it. However, if you’re experiencing the symptoms described above, a doctor might recommend:
- Urological and neurological assessments to rule out other causes
- A physical examination to check the function of your pelvic floor muscles
- A detailed discussion about your masturbation habits and sexual function
Doctors might also use tools like the Dyssynergic Dysfunction Scale to assess bowel function if that’s a concern.
TREATMENT APPROACHES FOR TMS
Because traumatic masturbatory syndrome is complex and often involves multiple factors, a multidisciplinary approach is often the most effective way to address it. Ideally, you’ll want a team of healthcare professionals that may include urologists, neurologists, psychologists, and physiotherapists.
It’s also important to remember that TMS treatment should be individualized. Every person’s experience is unique, so treatment should be tailored to your specific symptoms and needs.
Physical Therapy Interventions
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can play a key role in TMS treatment by helping to rehabilitate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. A pelvic floor rehabilitation protocol could include:
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT)
- Dietary education
- Exercise
- Manual therapy, including abdominal massage
- Electrical stimulation (ES)
- Thermotherapy
Behavioral and Psychological Therapies
Behavioral therapies can help address the problematic masturbatory style that contributes to TMS. Often, an abrupt cessation of that style is recommended, along with finding alternative ways to experience pleasure during the abstinence period.
The overarching treatment strategy is often resensitization, which starts with minimal stimulation and gradually increases arousal, similar to the technique of edging. Exploration of the entire genital area is encouraged as part of this process.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be helpful to address any anxiety, depression, or negative thoughts that are linked to TMS.
Lifestyle Modifications
Dietary changes can have a big impact, especially when it comes to improving bowel habits. A focus on dietary changes, relaxation techniques, and exercise can be beneficial. Consulting with a registered dietician can help you create an individualized plan.
Proper hydration and good toileting habits are also important. Patient education is crucial for long-term management of TMS, and this education should include information about dietary changes, fluid intake, and healthy toileting strategies.
Case studies and examples
There isn’t a ton of peer-reviewed research on traumatic masturbatory syndrome, but the information we do have can be helpful.
Article 1 summary
One case report describes an adult male who had developed urinary and bowel dysfunction. Doctors believed his issues stemmed from pelvic floor incoordination, which, in turn, was caused by traumatic masturbatory syndrome. The patient had first noticed a change in his urine output 7 years earlier. Over time, he began to experience urinary urgency, intermittent voiding, and increased frequency (10 to 15 times per day).
The doctors designed a specialized treatment plan that included dietary education, exercise, manual therapy, electrical stimulation, and cognitive behavioral therapy. After undergoing the treatment, the patient experienced significant improvements. His score on the Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) assessment decreased from 74 to 50, indicating a better quality of life.
Hypothetical examples
Let’s look at a few other ways TMS might present.
Imagine a young man who masturbates very frequently and intensely. Over time, he develops erectile dysfunction. He may have strained the muscles and nerves in his pelvic region, leading to his difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection.
Or, consider a woman who experiences chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia (painful intercourse). She might have developed these issues because of overly aggressive or frequent masturbation, leading to muscle strain and nerve damage in the pelvic floor.
Preventative Measures and Long-Term Management
While the idea of “traumatic masturbatory syndrome” might sound a bit outlandish, the underlying issues—pelvic floor dysfunction, pain, and anxiety around sexual activity—are very real. Here’s how to manage and, ideally, prevent these problems:
- Learn proper techniques: Avoid excessive pressure or friction on your pelvic floor muscles during masturbation. Experiment to find what feels good without causing strain or pain.
- Cultivate healthy sexual habits: Explore a variety of sexual activities and interests. Masturbation is just one piece of the puzzle.
- Seek early intervention: If you suspect you’re experiencing TMS or any pelvic floor issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A physical therapist or sex therapist can provide valuable guidance.
- Involve your partner (if applicable): Open communication and understanding with your partner can be incredibly beneficial in managing these issues. A supportive partner can help foster adherence to treatment plans and create a more comfortable sexual environment.
In Summary
Traumatic masturbatory syndrome (TMS) is a condition that can arise from masturbatory practices that are atypical in some way. This can lead to sexual dysfunction and problems with the pelvic floor.
If you think you may have TMS, it’s important to seek professional help. The sooner you get a diagnosis and begin treatment, the better your chances of managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
While we’ve learned a lot about TMS, there’s still much more to learn. More research is needed to understand how common it is and what the long-term effects may be.
If you’re struggling with TMS, know that there is hope. With the right treatment and some changes to your lifestyle, you can overcome TMS and improve your sexual health and your overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance and support.