Let's talk about jerking off. It's a normal part of being human, and doing it daily isn't the big deal it's made out to be. In fact, regular self-pleasure can be a game-changer for your sexual well-being and even step up your partnered experiences. So, let's stop asking, "Is it bad to masturbate every day?"
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Screw the shame and misconceptions! Instead, let's embrace the benefits of a daily hands-on habit.
Benefits of Masturbation
Embracing your own pleasure through masturbation can result in stress relief, improved sleep quality, and enhanced immunity. Masturbation also lets people explore their erogenous zones, cultivate comfort in their skin, and communicate desires with partners.
Kiana Reeves, Chief Education Officer and resident sex expert at Foria, poetically describes self-pleasure time as "stepping into an oasis," a chance to disconnect from the demands of daily life and reconnect with one's body and mind.
As Reeves puts it, "Masturbation is at its core about connecting with yourself."
This perspective highlights that masturbation is just as good for your mental and emotional health as it is for your physical health. Reeves encourages a shift in focus from merely achieving orgasm to cultivating a deeper sense of connection with one's own body and pleasure.
"Some people find they masturbate more when they're not in a romantic relationship, to meet sexual desire and find release through orgasms," says Reeves.
However, it's also important for people in relationships to make time for solo sessions or enjoy mutual masturbation. Life gets busy, but prioritizing self-pleasure can help you de-stress and reap the benefits of those sweet, sweet orgasms.
Read More: Thanks, Science! 13 Fascinating Masturbation Facts
Is it bad to masturbate every day?
Before we address this question directly, let's make one thing very clear. As Reeves tells us, there is no "right" or "wrong" amount of masturbation. However, masturbation habits can sometimes lead to feelings of shame or stigma, particularly if one's frequency or approach to self-pleasure doesn't align with societal norms or expectations. That shame is where the concern about frequent masturbation comes from. Well, that and ancient stigmas rooted in various religious dogmas, but that's a conversation for another time.
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According to Certified Sex Therapist Aliyah Moore, Ph.D., there aren't any significant issues with masturbating on the daily.
"Masturbating is totally normal and has several benefits," she insists.
Basically, it's a common and healthy part of a person's sex life.
And there's no reason to worry if your masturbation habits change over time. Reeves notes that hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menopause, can impact libido. Some might lose interest, while others get more turned on. During these times, embracing self-pleasure can be a catalyst for reclaiming your sexual wellness, and tools like vibrators or CBD-based arousal oil can help us get back into our pleasurable self-care routines.
In rare instances, there is such a thing as too much masturbation, though. Moore notes that when masturbation becomes a compulsive practice, it can disrupt daily life, employment, and relationships, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and solitude. This is particularly concerning if someone is masturbating so much that it's causing physical discomfort or pain.
Read More: Is There Such a Thing as Chronic Masturbation?
Moore emphasizes balancing masturbation with other aspects of life, warning that using it as a primary coping mechanism may mask bigger issues. In some cases, daily masturbation might indicate underlying issues like anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma. If you cancel plans to masturbate or it interferes with your daily life, consulting a healthcare professional or therapist might be necessary.
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As Moore suggests, "healthy sexual practices should, ideally, supplement other types of closeness and self-care."
Masturbation Myths Debunked
Myths about the effects of masturbation have long perpetuated misconceptions about health and sexuality, but scientific evidence debunks these false beliefs. Contrary to outdated claims, masturbation does not cause physical harm such as blindness or hair loss. No scientific studies support the idea that masturbating affects eyesight or leads to alopecia.
Similarly, masturbation does not lead to infertility or erectile dysfunction. Research shows that these conditions are influenced by a range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, not by the frequency of masturbation. Additionally, concerns that masturbation inherently decreases sexual performance with a partner are unfounded.
Dr. Rachel Gelman, DPT, CSC-pelvic floor specialist, and sexuality counselor, says, "Masturbation can help someone learn what they enjoy sexually, so it can actually enhance sexual pleasure and performance."
Dr. Gelman suggests that mutual masturbation, watching each other, or discussing thoughts during masturbation can initiate conversations about pleasure. Prioritizing open communication and mutual pleasure creates a healthier and more fulfilling sex life.
As Dr. Gelman notes, "Sex is so much more than just penetration."
Exploring various facets of sexual pleasure — like trying different masturbation methods or incorporating sex toys, with or without your partner — can lead to a more satisfying experience for everyone.
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Read More: Good News: These Old Myths About Masturbation Aren't True
Healthy Sexual Practices
We'll say it again for the people in the back: Regular masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human sexuality, with no inherent adverse effects on physical or sexual health. So, carve out some quality time and spend it indulging yourself!
Resources
Learn more about positive sexual health by checking out some of Kinkly's favorite sex education resources.
Sexuality and relationships websites:
Scarleteen: Comprehensive sex ed and relationships resource.
SexInfo Online: University-based sex education website.
Go Ask Alice!: Columbia University's health and wellness resource.
Sex-positive and educational blogs:
Check out Kinkly's Sex Blogger Directory
Health and wellness websites:
Planned Parenthood: Reliable information on sexual health and wellness.
American Sexual Health Association: Educational resources on sexual health and relationships.
Healthline: Comprehensive health and wellness website with sexual health resources.
Online forums and communities:
Reddit's r/sex and r/masturbation: Active communities discussing sex and masturbation.
Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN): Asexual community with resources on sexuality and relationships.
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