How Often Should You Masturbate?

Taking yourself out on a "date" and engaging in some self-pleasure is something that should never be thought of as bad or wrong, yet society has always made people feel like they have to exist in the shadows. But masturbation is great for you! In some ways, it is the best research you can do on yourself.

According to Dr. Uchenna Ossai, a pelvic health physical therapist and sex educator for LifeStyles Condoms, “It is the best way to not only learn about your body, but to also understand how your pleasure can be cultivated through touch... It is no secret that research has shown that women who masturbate has higher levels of self-esteem, positive body and genital image, as well as reporting higher satisfaction in their sex life.”

The benefits are endless! But how often should you masturbate? Of course, everyone is different, and some may pleasure themselves more than others. What do the experts have to say? Is there such thing as too much?

1. If you are in the mood, go for it.

"Hormone levels fluctuate, so one's arousal levels will naturally go up and down," advises sex expert Antonia Hall. Self-pleasuring should be a positive, healthy experience.

2. You can improve your mood.

"Masturbating releases feel-good hormones like endorphins; it boosts your immune system, can reduce pain symptoms, and is healthy for the body. Taking time to slowly masturbate to get to know your arousal cycles and what feels best to you is a great way to increase pleasure in your life," says Hall.

"Life gets busy, but if you stop making time for self-pleasuring, it can create a disconnect from your sexuality and potent sexual energy. Use it or lose it comes to mind."

3. It relieves stress.

Are things kind of intense in your life? Are you feeling tension at work and having trouble sleeping? Masturbation is also amazing at relieving stress and improving your perception of pain. So, if you need a way to relax and unwind, this is a great option.

4. You can check to make sure you're healthy.

“Another side bonus to masturbation is that you are regularly 'assessing' your genitals and other parts of your body, which means you are more likely to notice any changes that may require medical attention,” Dr. Ossai warns.

5. It's not dangerous.

Masturbation is not dangerous, nor does it have a negative effect on your overall health. However, it can be associated with elevated levels of emotional distress in more conservative, religious, cultural and social environments.

6. But it's important to maintain a balance.

On the flip side, masturbating to excess isn't healthy either. According to Hall, "Too much loving will create physical imbalances and even pain in both men and women. The right amount of self-pleasuring will leave you feeling good, physically and emotionally."

7. Because there's too much of a good thing.

How often is to “too often”? The key thing to remember is that it should not impede your functional daily life, nor should it be used in a compulsive manner. “If that is the case, reach out to a mental health professional who specializes in sexuality,” advises Dr. Ossai.

One thing we must all keep in mind is that being sexual is your right as individual, and pleasure should also be the purpose of sexual exploration. Remember, there is no shame in learning your pleasure.

Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her at alywalansky@gmail.com.