This article was reviewed by Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD.
There’s a lot of curiosity, confusion, and misinformation around how solo time affects the body, including its effects on kidneys.
But is it harmful? Beneficial? Or does it have no real impact at all.
The short answer: Solo time has many potential benefits. But it probably won’t do much for your kidney.
Below, we dig into the connection between solo time and kidney health in more detail, including how your kidney health can influence your intimate health.
Can Solo Time Cause Kidney Problems?
Solo time doesn’t harm your kidneys — period. The idea that it does is just another intimate health myth. There’s no evidence linking it to:
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Kidney failure
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Kidney stones
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Kidney pain
Can Solo Time Actually Benefit Your Kidneys?
Solo time won’t harm your kidneys, but there’s also no evidence it benefits them either.
The following factors are more likely to influence your kidney health than solo intimacy:
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Diet
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Genetics
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Exercise
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Medications or drug use
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Health conditions like diabetes
Solo time might indirectly support your kidney health by helping you manage stress, which is linked to kidney disease. When you’re done, your brain releases feel-good chemicals, like oxytocin, that can help you unwind.
If it helps you relax, it could lower your risk of high blood pressure and kidney disease — especially when paired with healthy habits like eating well and staying active.
How Lifestyle Choices Impact Your Kidney Health
Solo time has little influence on kidney health compared to your overall health. Factors like diet, exercise, hydration, and sleep play a much bigger role.
Here are some simple ways to support healthy kidney function:
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Eat smart. Stick to a diet low in sodium, rich in fruits and vegetables, balanced with enough protein. Swap salt for spices to cut back on sodium.
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Stay active. Regular physical activity can improve blood flow and control blood pressure — all key for kidney health. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends aiming for at least 30 minutes of activity on most days.
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Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water helps your kidneys flush out waste function properly.
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Prioritize sleep. The NIDDK recommends getting at least 7–8 hours of sleep per night for optimal kidney health.
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Quit smoking. Tobacco products can damage your kidneys and overall health.
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Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure, which increases the risk of kidney disease.
Solo Time and Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are calcium deposits that can form in your kidneys and get trapped in your urethra. They often cause severe lower back pain. While they can pass on their own, they sometimes require medical treatment.
Does ejaculating help pass kidney stones?
A small 2020 study suggests it’s possible. Researchers looked at 128 men with kidney stones and found that solo time 3–4 times a week was as effective as the drug tamsulosin for clearing kidney stones.
Solo time also reduced the need for a procedure called ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy, which helps break up the stones.
It’s important to note that if you suspect you have kidney stones, you should see a medical professional for proper care.
What Else Causes Kidney Pain?
Another potential cause of pain in your lower back around your kidneys is a kidney infection. This type of infection generally causes pain that starts quickly. You might also have a fever or chills.
If you think you may have a kidney infection or any type of upper urinary tract infection (UTI), it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional. You’ll likely need antibiotic treatment.
Solo Time Benefits
Solo time is a perfectly normal part of a healthy intimate life.
So far, researchers haven’t found any health benefits to avoiding solo time — despite some wild claims floating around online.
In fact, many men feel more relaxed after solo time, thanks to the brain’s release of endorphins and other pain-relieving chemicals during the process.
Solo time may even help:
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Improve sleep
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Boost mood
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Help manage anxiety and depression
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Release intimacy tension
Regular solo time is also a safe way to explore your needs. This can promote:
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Healthy intimate development
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Better self-esteem
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Body positivity
Other Potential Benefits of Solo Time
According to research, some of the reasons people report solo time include:
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Relieving stress
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Feeling pleasure
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Experiencing pleasure
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Learning about their body
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Helping with sleep
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Learning to love themselves
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To make up for having less partnered intimacy than they’d like
Potential Intimate Side Effects of Kidney Disease
Intimacy related dysfunction, like ED, is a common challenge for men with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Some may even find solo time difficult due to trouble getting or keeping an arousal.
For those with end-stage kidney disease, treatment often involves dialysis or a kidney transplant. Studies show that up to 59 percent of males on dialysis report struggling to achieve the pleasure, and as many as 92 percent experience ED.
Solo Time Side Effects
Solo time is normal and generally safe. But there are a few things to watch out for, including:
Death Grip Syndrome
Always using a super tight grip during solo time can desensitize your privates and even affect intimate experiences with a partner. This is sometimes called death grip syndrome.
Lubrication
Think twice about skipping lube. Solo time without lubrication can lead to chafing, irritation, or even sores.
Intimacy Addiction
Overdoing it on solo time — especially when coupled with excessive adult content use — could be a sign of intimacy addiction.
If you’re doing it at the expense of other aspects of your life, like your relationships, job, or other social commitments, you may benefit from talking to a mental health professional.
Takeaway: Solo Time Effects on Kidneys
Solo time isn’t harmful to your kidneys — there’s no scientific evidence to support that.
Let’s recap what we know about solo time and kidney health:
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Solo time is a healthy, normal part of life. In moderation, it’s generally harmless and won’t damage your kidneys. That’s a myth.
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Solo time might help pass kidney stones. But the research on this only looked at solo time combined with medication. Don’t try to self-treat a kidney stone with solo intimate time.
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Kidney issues might impact your intimate function. Kidney diseases and kidney failure can negatively impact your intimate life by making it more difficult to achieve or maintain an arousal.
Worried your ED symptoms might be a sign of kidney health? Talk to a healthcare provider. They can help pinpoint the underlying cause of your intimate function issues.
Related:
How to stay intimately connected in a long-distance relationship
What all does Viagra help with, really?
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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
