NHS website - Am I masturbating too much and can it be bad for me?

Am I masturbating too much and can it be bad for me?

Masturbation is a normal, healthy part of human sexuality. But if you feel like you're losing control, or the need to masturbate is interfering with your everyday life or taking the place of sex in a loving relationship, talking to a GP may help.

Many men and women masturbate to become sexually aroused and to satisfy a sexual need but, until fairly recently, it was regarded as taboo and not talked about. Now attitudes have changed, and masturbation is, in fact, the safest sex of all. You don't have to worry about catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or becoming pregnant. 

However, if you feel like masturbation is affecting your social life or personal relationships, or causing injury to your genitals, you should cut down.

If you have any concerns, speak to your GP.

Further information:

• Is masturbation normal?
• Masturbation Q&A
• Sexual health
• Terrence Higgins Trust: masturbation