Can you die from masturbation? Study reveals how people have accidentally died by taking it too far

The phrase 'seventh heaven' is often used when describing an orgasm. Usually because orgasms take you to a different dimension, and make you feel 'heavenly'. However, risky sex practices can often go wrong giving the phrase 'seventh heaven' a darker connotation.

In 2018, a German doctor sent a stern warning that your masturbation practices could lead to death, especially if you find yourself risking your life for that one breath-taking orgasm.

Here's what he said and why you should pay attention to this warning.

Between 80 to 100 people die each year in Germany

Forensic examiner Harald Voß worked on a study that found that up to 100 Germans die every year from 'risky masturbation practices'.

He explained his study in an interview with the German magazine, Bild. These deaths—mostly male—had mostly been caused by electric shock and autoerotic asphyxiation, which is self-inflicted suffocation caused, for example, by placing your head in a plastic bag or by strangling yourself with a rope.

Harald Voss explained that:

Being unconscious is faster than people think… If, for example, both carotid arteries are squeezed, it takes a maximum of 30 seconds and this could be fatal.

Voß's study found that the most common reason of death was because many deprived themselves of oxygen in the process of having an orgasm.

As reported by the Daily Mail, in one of the cases mentioned in the study, a man was found suffocated to death by chains around his body and neck.

Read more: Sexual strangulation: This dangerous practice is now a popular trend among youngsters

So, can you really die from masturbation?

Masturbation, in itself, is a very healthy and normal practice. You don't die from the act itself. In fact, many wonder if masturbating too much is an unhealthy practice and that is simply not the case. Worst case scenario, you may get a skin irritation because of frequent friction in the area.

However, it is the art of mixing extreme pain with pleasure that can increase the level of risk and potentially put your life in danger.

It’s also worth remembering that autoerotic asphyxiation is one of the most common causes of death during masturbation and as far as sexuality is concerned, this cause of death tends to be more common among those who are into sadomasochism.

Read more:

⋙ Here's why having sex in space could be very dangerous for your health

⋙ Peegasm: This common sex trend can be dangerous and can cause serious health problems

Sources used:

Daily Mail: Masturbation kills 100 Germans every year: Study discovers bizarre ways people died pleasuring themselves including a man who tried to melt sliced cheese over himself

Planned Parenthood: Does excessive masturbation have health risks?