The topic of over masturbation, what sometimes gets called chronic masturbation, can be a confusing one. While there is a lot of sex talk in our culture, masturbation is usually left out of the conversation. As a result we don’t learn very much about masturbation, and as teens and adults those of us who enjoy masturbating may wonder if we are over masturbating or how much masturbation is “normal” and healthy.
What Is Over Masturbation?
Let’s start with the fundamental point: The vast majority of people find masturbation to be a healthy and positive aspect of their sexuality. While there isn’t concrete data on this, most sexual educators and therapists, who have extensive experience discussing individuals’ sexual lives, generally concur that what might be considered “excessive masturbation” is quite rare.
It’s crucial to recognize that there is no universally defined threshold for healthy or unhealthy levels of masturbation. Unlike items like candy or eggs, there’s no “recommended daily allowance” for it. Masturbation means different things to different people, and we all engage in it in unique ways, which can have both positive and negative effects on our lives. Therefore, the question of whether one is masturbating too much or whether they can adjust their feelings about masturbation to experience more enjoyment should be approached on an individual basis.
That being said, some individuals do experience distress and even physical, emotional, or psychological pain due to their masturbation habits. For these individuals, it might be beneficial to seek guidance and explore whether adjustments in their approach to masturbation can help them find a healthier and more enjoyable balance.
And aside from individual experience with masturbation it should be noted that some people believe that masturbation itself is harmful as it is a form of sexual expression that doesn’t rely on a partner. Many so-called sex addiction professionals believe that stopping or at least reducing masturbation is an important part of their treatment plans. These claims, of course, remain highly debatable.
Is It All or Nothing? If I Over Masturbate Do I Have to Stop Altogether?
No credible health care professional who is working in your best interest would ever tell you to stop masturbating forever. A healthy sexual life includes masturbation across the lifespan, and stopping for a week or two doesn’t mean you have to stop forever. If you feel like your masturbation is a problem you may want to take a break for a while and take some time to think about what is going on for you. But you should never feel like taking a break means dropping masturbation from your sexual repertoire permanently. If someone tells you that masturbating is wrong or you need to stop it, they are probably doing so in their own interests, not yours.
The Difference Between Feeling Guilty About Masturbating Too Much and Actually Masturbating Too Much
Many of us are raised with negative messages about our bodies, sex, and specifically masturbation. We can respond by feeling guilt and sexual shame when we masturbate. The result is that masturbation comes with negative feelings and/or distress. But is it the sexual activity that is causing the distress, or the unrealistic expectation that you won’t do it? Masturbation can be very healthy and guilt is not a required part of it. Guilt is a predictable response to being told bad things about masturbation. The solution in this case is not to stop masturbating (although you might chose to take a break while working things out), the solution is to deal with your feelings of guilt, to recognize them as unnecessary, and to work towards feeling good about your ability to give yourself pleasure and knowing that masturbation is a part of sexual health.
FAQ
Question: Does Masturbation Cause Memory Loss?
Answer: No, masturbation is not thought to cause memory loss.
Question: Does Masturbation Cause Baldness?
Answer: No. Masturbation is not thought to cause baldness.
Question: Does Masturbation Change Penis Size?
Answer: No. There is no evidence that masturbation makes the overall size of the penis smaller or larger.
