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Do you find it more difficult to ejaculate during sex than before? Do you find it necessary to have an extremely firm grip in order to climax naturally?
If this sounds like you, you may be suffering from death grip syndrome.
Death grip syndrome is a condition where the penis loses sensation due to over-masturbation and gripping the penis too tightly during the act.
This condition is characterized by a persistent or recurrent inability to maintain an erection due to reduced sensitivity to tactile stimuli. While a high frequency can lead to this condition, the way the penis is gripped can also cause problems.
If you masturbate too forcefully to achieve an orgasm, your penis may become overly accustomed to this method. This can negatively affect your performance when the time comes for penetrative sex.
Unfortunately, DGS is not a recognized medical condition in the medical community at this time. However, that doesn’t mean that the condition itself isn’t real or serious.
Let’s learn more about death grip syndrome, what causes it, and how to treat it.
What Is Death Grip Syndrome (DGS)?
Death grip syndrome is a condition in which males can orgasm during masturbation but not during sex. It’s often the case that males suffering from DGS have to pull out from their partner and masturbate by themselves to reach an orgasm.
The term first originated back in the early 2000s, when it was first popularized by sex columnist Dan Savage.
While doctors don’t officially recognize the condition, this disorder shares similar characteristics with a recognized sexual health condition known as delayed ejaculation.
Delayed ejaculation (as opposed to premature ejaculation) occurs when a person is unable or finds it very difficult to reach orgasm through sexual activity.
Risk factors of DGS typically include:
- Aging
- Relationship problems
- Medications
- Psychological conditions
Moreover, death grip syndrome ranges in severity. Some people may simply need a little more time to reach orgasm, whereas in other cases, the promise of an elusive nut is all in vain.
What Causes Death Grip Syndrome (DGS)?
Death grip syndrome refers to reduced sensitivity in the penis. According to research, when the penis is exposed to a specific form of sexual stimulation and sexual pleasure, it’ll crave that particular type of stimulation over other methods.
This means that if a person gets significantly more pleasure from ejaculation via masturbation than through penetrative sex, they are more likely to continue the habit.
If the technique is deeply-rooted and difficult to recreate in partnered sex settings, it’ll take more effort to reverse it.
Aside from excessive and tight-gripped masturbation, there are a number of possible causes of DGS, including:
- Medical conditions: Certain types of conditions like Peyronie’s disease and diabetes can contribute to health problems like DGS, including reduced sensitivity and damaged nerves. Low testosterone levels may also give rise to sexual performance issues.
- Porn addiction: Overexposure to pornographic material can stunt sexual habits, making it difficult to become or stay aroused during sexual intercourse. One study proved that men who had porn in their minds during sex are more likely to have a harder time reaching orgasms than those who didn’t think about it.
- Performance anxiety: If negative thoughts in bed are getting in the way of you achieving an orgasm, then that’s performance anxiety. Some studies have discovered that men who suffer from performance anxiety during sex are more likely to experience forms of sexual dysfunction – including a reduced penile sensation. These thoughts include the shame of failing to satisfy your partner, fear of getting your partner pregnant, and traumatic memories.
- Certain medications: Some medications like SSRIs make it difficult to reach orgasms due to their altering effect on brain signals. These medications may also cause unwanted side effects like low libido which may lead to a diminished desire for sex.
The causes above are not exclusive, either—men are more than susceptible to experiencing a combination of two or more of these factors.
If you find yourself in this unwanted predicament, consult a doctor to learn more about your condition and how to reverse it.
How to Treat Death Grip Syndrome
While sexual disorders can feel debilitating, it doesn’t have to be permanent. There are a number of ways to treat the infamous death grip syndrome.
Here are some tips on how to overcome this condition and improve your life:
Speak with a Medical Professional
Sexual health specialists and mental health professionals can help identify the underlying cause of your problem and recommend specific treatment plans customized for you.
Psychotherapists are especially helpful in treating anxiety or relationship issues that may be causing or exacerbating your symptoms. They are trained in identifying, understanding, and changing the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to sexual problems.
Furthermore, if DGS is affecting your relationship, you should make an effort to talk to your partner about it in an open and honest manner.
Limit Erotic Media Consumption
While reading or watching porn in moderation is fine, constantly binging on porn can negatively change the way you think about sex. Moreover, studies have shown that watching too much of it can also affect the quality of your relationships.
As a start, limit watching porn for as long as you can, preferably over a month. If your sexual stamina has improved over this period, don’t watch porn at all.
Masturbate More Gently
When you masturbate, don’t tightly grip your penis. If your body is accustomed to tight and firm strokes, switch things up and try a slower and lighter technique. Asking your partner for a handjob may also be worthwhile.
Consider using a lubricant instead of stroking dry to avoid friction.
Consult St. Louis’ Leading Men’s Clinic for a Sexual Health Consultation
Masturbating is a healthy and natural activity. You shouldn’t feel ashamed about it, and there’s nothing wrong with it in moderation.
However, if you can only cum as a result of tight-gripped masturbation, it may be wise to switch up your technique to improve your sex life. It’s possible to keep an erection without medication, pills, or a firm grip. These techniques include:
- Talking with a medical professional
- Limiting porn consumption
- Masturbating more gently
If you’re having issues with erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE) due to death grip syndrome, contact the team at Paramount Men’s Medical Center in St. Louis now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are St. Louis’ leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
