Experts warn of ‘death grip syndrome’ – a bedroom mistake that makes it impossible to climax
Leading medics have raised concerns about rising cases of erectile dysfunction and other male sexual problems due to a phenomenon known as ‘death grip syndrome’.
The term refers to habitual, overly-tight gripping of the penis during masturbation which, some report, leads to decreased sensitivity.
This may result in difficulty achieving orgasm through any other form of sexual activity, say experts.
Men may notice they are struggling to ‘finish’ with a partner, suffer penile pain or numbness in the genital area, and a complete inability to climax, they add.
Death grip syndrome is not a recognised medical condition.
However men on social media forum who self-identify as having the problem complain that regular sexual intercourse ‘doesn’t feel good anymore’.
And in posts on Reddit many admit that they struggle to achieve erections with partners, due to the issue.
‘How can I recover from death grip syndrome,’ begins one thread on the site. ‘I’ve been going soft [during] my last two sexual penetration encounters. What steps should I take?’
Leading medics have raised concerns about rising cases of erectile dysfunction and other male sexual problems due to a phenomenon known as ‘death grip syndrome’
Up to 50 per cent of adult men suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction, according to the British Association of Urological Surgeons.
Meanwhile, between two and 10 per cent of men suffer from delayed ejaculation—a sexual dysfunction where a man takes a significant time to ejaculate during sexual activity, or in some cases, is unable to ejaculate at all.
Both problems may be associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, certain medications and psychological problems — but can also have no obvious cause.
And a lesser recognised culprit could be death grip syndrome, some believe.
On men’s health website forhims.co.uk, medical advisor Dr Mike Bohn explains: ‘Masturbating can be a safe and fun solo sexual experience.
‘Unfortunately, if you’re holding on a little too tight, your discrete solo session can have some unintended negative consequences.
‘Death grip syndrome is a nonscientific name to describe the consequences of masturbating with too tight of a grip on yourself.
‘Guys who squeeze too hard or masturbate with a tight grip might wonder what kind of damage they’re doing.
Men on social media forum who self-identify as having the problem complain that regular sexual intercourse ‘doesn’t feel good anymore’
‘Are they at risk of injuring themselves, desensitizing their penises or even causing nerve damage? It’s not outside the realm of possibility.’
At present, aside from anecdotes, there is little scientific proof that overly-tight gripping during masturbation triggers any physical changes in the penis.
However speaking to metro.co.uk Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP and writer at UK Care Guide, said: ‘The persistent use of a tight grip can condition the nerves and tissues to respond only to this specific form of stimulation.
‘This can make it challenging to experience pleasure and achieve orgasm through more typical forms of sexual activity.’
There is some evidence of this—in a 2016 study, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, suggested ‘penile hyperstimulation’ may be one cause of ‘delayed orgasm and anorgasmia’.
So what can be done? Reddit is awash with users offering their own tips, which often include the use of male sex toys that work in place of the hand during masturbation.
Dr Cunningham said: ‘I believe I’ve seen a number of men who experience these issues. It’s common enough that professionals encounter it regularly, but many men may not realise it’s the root of their difficulties.’
He suggests the situation is reversible and that men change their masturbation habits ‘using a gentler touch and exploring different types of stimulation’.
Dr Cunningham adds: ‘Incorporating more mindful and varied sexual practices [with a partner] can also help.
‘In some cases, professional counselling or can provide additional support and strategies to regain sensitivity and sexual satisfaction.’
American sex columnist Dan Savage, who is often credited with coining the term death grip syndrome, is more blunt in his advice to readers of his newsletter, Savage Love.
Responding to one man who is suffering the problem he writes: ‘You’ll have to swear off the death grip forever if you want your d*** to respond to more subtle sensations.
‘When you j*** off, use a light touch and let it take as long as necessary—and it may take a while.’
He also cations him not to ‘take matters into your own hands’ during intercourse if he is unable to climax.
‘If you don’t c***, well, tough s***. To avoid giving the women you’re with complexes, warn them in advance that you’re trying to retrain your d***.
‘While this approach may be frustrating in the short run, in the long run only this approach—a light touch, a firm resolve, and consistent denial—will kick your d***’s dormant nerve endings into gear.’
