Is Masturbation Dangerous?
Masturbation, or self-stimulation of the genitals for pleasure, is not a dangerous or bad activity for men or women. In fact, it is quite normal. It cannot cause any health problems-- even though there are many myths that warn of dangers. Masturbation does not cause fertility changes in men or women, such as decreased sperm or egg counts.
There is no numerical safety limit to how many times a day one can or should masturbate. The only time a person should be concerned is if his or her masturbation is so frequent that it significantly interferes with other aspects of the individual's life. For example, if a young man stops socializing because all he wants to do is masturbate, he may become socially withdrawn which creates its own problems. Otherwise, pleasuring oneself is safe and enjoyable.
Masturbation has benefits as well. It relieves sexual tension and helps people become more comfortable with their own bodies. Masturbation while alone gives the individual sexual gratification without needing to engage in sexual activities with others, and it does not carry the risks of STDs or pregnancy. Through masturbation, a person can learn how he or she likes to be touched. Once in a sexual relationship, the individual can share this information with his or her partner to maximize pleasure. Some couples even masturbate with one another to broaden their range of sexual activities. For men, masturbation with stop-start techniques (halting stimulation just prior to orgasm, then touching oneself again once the orgasmic feeling has subsided) can help increase ejaculatory control.
Am I normal if I do not masturbate?
Many people do not want to masturbate for personal, religious or cultural reasons, and that is completely fine. In fact, 40% of female and 12% of male college students in a 1997 study reported that they never masturbate.1 If you are not comfortable with masturbating, you can still have a very healthy and enjoyable sex life.
References:
1. Robert Crooks and Karla Baur, Our Sexuality. Seventh ed. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company: New York, 1999. Pg. 251.