How much is too much Masturbation?

Masturbation is a healthy, normal sexual act that most of us engage in at some point in our lives. It is a safe way to feel one’s body, learn about your own sexual orientation, and release sexual tension. But, as with anything else, masturbation will become an issue if you take it too far. In this article, we will consider the issue of “too much” masturbation, and discuss how excess masturbation might be detrimental to sexual health and wellbeing.

Defining “Too Much” Masturbation:

It can be difficult to say exactly what “too much” masturbation amounts to because there is no definitive answer. The number of times one masturbates varies enormously between people, and what’s too much for one might be healthy and normal for another. That said, there are some general recommendations for determining if masturbation is a problem or not.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) describes compulsive sexual behaviour, also called sexual addiction, as habitual sexual activity that causes severe distress or disrupts normal functioning. Masturbation isn’t a sign of sexual addiction, but excessive or compulsive masturbation can be. If masturbation is hindering an individual’s functioning in the world around them – such as leaving them without work or close relationships – then the habit has become problematic.

Negative Impacts of Excessive Masturbation:

Too much masturbation has many negative effects on sexual health and wellbeing. These can include:

Decreased Sexual Sensitivity

One of the most obvious consequences of frequent masturbation is loss of sexual sensitivity. Habitual excessive masturbation can destabilise nerve endings in the genitals over time, making it harder to experience orgasm while having sex with a partner. It may also lead to disappointment and resentment, both on the part of the individual and the partner, which can eventually cause a dysfunctional sexual relationship.

Genital Irritation

Repetitive masturbation can lead to physical pains, including genital irritation. It can irritate the skin, cause irritation, and even damage the genitals from repetitive pressure. This not only causes pain and discomfort, but it also poses a risk of infection – adding to the physiology concerns that accompany excessive masturbation.

Sexual Dysfunction

In other words, excessive masturbation can lead to generalised sexual dysfunction. In men, it can lead to disorders such as erectile dysfunction, which means it becomes difficult to maintain an erection, or even premature ejaculation. Women might struggle to achieve orgasm during co-partner sexual interactions because they’re over-stimulated by excessive self-pity. These dysfunctions can impact intimate relationships, damaging both the emotional and the physical.

Mental Health Issues

Too much masturbation is often just a symptom of more subtle psychiatric conditions. People who are compulsive or overly masturbatory may be attempting to manage depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. This compulsiveness can result in a vicious cycle: psychological distress can encourage a person to turn to masturbation for comfort, and this can contribute to feelings of loneliness, guilt or shame. It’s only by working at the underlying mental health problems that we can interrupt this vicious circle.

Relationship Problems

Lastly, masturbation in excess can destabilise romantic and sexual relationships. Partners feel neglected, like they aren’t getting enough for their emotional and sexual well-being. This neglect creates resentment and confusion, resulting in further emotional distance between partners. Communication is the key to solving such issues; developing an understanding of each other’s sexual needs will often save a relationship from becoming problematic due to one partner’s overheating.

Striking a Balance:

The trick to keeping a healthy masturbation relationship going is finding that sweet spot. We should masturbate, if we are to do so intentionally, in a manner that is not disruptive to life or intimacy. Some techniques to keep masturbation in check include:

Setting Boundaries

Probably the single best step to creating a healthy relationship with masturbation is setting limits. This means that we know the frequency and duration of the activity. Putting restrictions on oneself-whether it’s reducing the amount of sessions, or scheduling specific times when masturbation can occur-keeps the activity from getting obsessive or abusive. It will foster self-awareness and control so that masturbation can remain a healthy and enjoyable habit without becoming a delinquent one.

Mindfulness Practice

In a world that has long required an unthinking consumer culture, it is actually refreshing and somewhat transformative to be able to practice a mindful way of masturbating. Mindful masturbation enables you to feel the physicality and emotional impact of the experience. Not only can such an exercise improve sexual satisfaction, it also allows the experience to become fully integrated into emotional and physical consciousness. Presence and intentionality might offer that kind of awareness – that prevents you from getting into automatic routines that drain away the pleasure. Mindfulness can even increase one’s physical closeness to oneself, thereby intensifying the sexual experience.

Professional Help

Some of us might feel guilty, ashamed or distressed if it disrupts normal life, relationships or self-confidence. Looking to professional support might be a necessary first step towards understanding and treating these issues. Talking to a mental health professional or sex therapist can provide a safe, confidential environment to sort out masturbation problems. Such practitioners can provide a range of skills, perspectives and coping skills, individually designed for each person, that can help him/her manage difficult emotions in ways that bring sexuality back to a healthy state of equilibrium.

Conclusion: How much is too much Masturbation?

Masturbation is a natural and healthy sexual practice that can be a significant aspect of a person’s sexual health and wellbeing. Yet, as with any behaviour, masturbation can be harmful if practiced too intensely. It’s important to keep masturbation at a moderate level, and professional support if needed can help to reduce and/or mitigate any of the negative effects of masturbation.