Why I’m Cutting Out All Masturbation While Quitting Porn

Been thinking about why it actually matters to cut out all forms of masturbation when you’re quitting porn even if it’s just using imagination or a partner’s pics. It’s not about being extreme or anti-sex. It’s about giving your brain and body a real reset. When you’re constantly chasing that release, even without porn, you’re still feeding the same habit loop. You’re not really letting your brain learn how to be content without that hit. Whether it’s from a screen or your mind, it’s still reinforcing those patterns. If you want real change, you have to break the cycle. That means giving your reward system time to reset so you can actually feel things again without needing something extra all the time. It also sharpens your discipline. You start facing boredom, stress, and emotions without defaulting to escape. And just to be clear, this doesn’t mean avoiding sex altogether. If you’re in a relationship and the sex is real, mutual, and connected, that’s not a step back. That’s actually a step forward. Porn and compulsive habits are about escaping. Sex with someone you care about is about showing up and being present. Big difference. That kind of intimacy helps rewire things in a good way. This is about building something better not just quitting something. You don’t have to be perfect but don’t lie to yourself either. If the goal is to rewire and take back control, then this part matters. Keep going. Keep showing up. This process is bigger than just quitting porn. It’s about who you’re becoming.