Is there such a thing as masturbating too much?
Is there such a thing as masturbating too much?
--iVillager brodie01
Michael Ra Bouchard, MA, PhD
Dr. Bouchard is a board-certified clinical sexologist with a PhD in human sexuality. He lives in Hawaii, where he founded the Aloha Sexual... Read more
Dear friend:
The initial answer is yes, if you get bored with it or your fingers, or other parts, go numb. Seriously, as with any other aspect of sexual expression, sexual frequency is highly individualistic to each of us. And what you're really asking is also the most commonly asked question of sex therapists, namely, "Am I normal?"
Not only is masturbation highly individual, it also varies in frequency and desirability throughout each person's life, depending on a wide variety of elements, including age level, availability of a partner, hormones, horniness, stress, anxiety and fatigue. The best way for you to decide whether you're overindulging is to ask yourself whether your self-pleasuring life is causing you any problems outside of the act itself. For example, it could be a problem if your masturbation frequency or habits affect your keeping relationships or a job. You should also note the effects on your desire and ability to enjoy emotionally intimate or sexual relations with a partner, such as the side effects that sometimes occur with continual use of an electric vibrator.
But more than frequency, what usually matters most is the overall effect that your masturbation may, or may not, be having upon your ability to have a full, satisfying and emotionally fulfilling life, both inside and outside the bedroom. Generally speaking, not only is masturbation harmless, it is actually overall quite beneficial to us. Masturbation not only effectively discharges sexual tension but also floods us with sexually released energy and pleasure in a healthy and life-affirming way. In fact, solo sex play helps many people lessen sexual frustration both in and outside of a relationship, thereby supporting and assisting the individual in upholding their sense of faithfulness.
Frequent masturbation is essentially harmless, just so long as it isn't interfering or negatively impacting upon other facets of your life. If you seem to be in balance, then I'd have to say continue with whatever you're doing.
Dr. M
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