How often should you masturbate? 

Masturbation is a normal, healthy part of sexuality – but can you do it too much and are there side effects? We help you sort the facts from the fiction.  

What is masturbation?

Is it bad to masturbate too much?  

Masturbation addiction

Key points 

Masturbation is normal and extremely common – most people have done it.

But how often should you masturbate? As with any sexual activity, this will vary. Some people rarely masturbate, while others may do it several times a day. Many people still masturbate when they’re in a sexually satisfying relationship with another person.

Is there a ‘normal’ amount of masturbation, and what happens if you masturbate too much? Read on to find out.

## What is masturbation?
Masturbation is when you get sexual pleasure from touching your genitals, generally with your hand. It can involve using your fingers or hand to rub the area around your vagina and clitoris (a small soft bump in front of the entrance to the vagina), or rubbing and moving your hand up and down your penis. 

There’s no right or wrong way to masturbate and you can do it alone or with another person. Some people may hold disapproving views about masturbation, but it’s important to know that masturbating is completely normal – and healthy. Many people use it to figure out what they like sexually and what helps them to orgasm.


Get help with this

## Is it bad to masturbate too much?  
There’s no ‘normal’ amount of masturbation and masturbation isn’t harmful, even if you do it often.

If you masturbate a lot in a short space of time, however, your genitals might feel sore. This can sometimes lead to a swollen penis caused by fluid in the tissues (oedema). While it may look alarming, the swelling will go away within a day or 2.

If you masturbate with another person, there’s a very small risk of getting or passing on a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but only if you pass fluids, such as semen, to one another’s genitals – on your fingers, for example.

Does masturbation cause low sperm count? Unlike what you may have heard, masturbation doesn’t affect sperm count. After someone with a penis has ejaculated, it can take a bit of time before they can do it again – this is normal and doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong.

If you get any bruising, cuts or soreness from masturbation, you’re probably masturbating too hard or roughly.

## Masturbation addiction
Masturbation is a normal part of sexuality. But if you feel like you're becoming addicted to masturbating and it’s getting in the way of your life, you may want to try to cut down.

Masturbating so much that it feels ‘out of control’ is sometimes referred to as sex addiction. Some people may develop this in order to block out negative emotions or difficult experiences, and it can negatively affect their life and the life of their loved ones.

If you’re concerned about masturbation addiction, you can find resources and support online or speak to your doctor for advice.

## Key points 
- masturbation is a normal and healthy part of sexuality
- the amount you masturbate is a personal choice
- masturbation isn’t harmful, even if you do it often 
- if you masturbate too much in a short span of time, you may get sore genitals 
- if you think you might be addicted to masturbation, you can look for support online or speak to your doctor for advice

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References

Caroline Bodian

Susie Parker

Dr Ann Nainan

Article information

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Masturbation is a normal, healthy part of sexuality – but can you do it too much and are there side effects? We help you sort the facts from the fiction. 