Is masturbation bad? Masturbating is normal and healthy—except when it’s excessive, causing physical or emotional problems.
Is masturbation bad? The answer is nuanced: masturbating is common and natural, but when the activity becomes excessive, it can harm a man’s life. Excessive masturbation can negatively affect the perception of healthy sex and relationships, leading to an increased frequency of masturbation—especially when paired with heavy pornography use. Keep reading to understand the limits.
Is excessive masturbation bad for your health?
Masturbation itself isn’t harmful and can be considered normal and healthy as long as it doesn’t become compulsive. Besides triggering endorphin release—linked to well-being—it can support sexual self-knowledge, help with stress relief and even improve sleep quality. However, excessive masturbation may have negative effects, especially when tied to compulsive pornography use. According to a study in the Journal of Sex Research, overuse of such content may be related to difficulties living sexuality in real-life situations.
How many times is it normal to masturbate per day?
There’s no fixed number that defines how often it’s “normal” to masturbate. Frequency varies widely by age, sexual orientation, health status, and personal circumstances. In general, the habit is harmless when:
- It doesn’t interfere with daily activities and you can maintain relationships, work, and studies;
- It’s a source of pleasure and relief;
- It’s for pleasure—not a substitute for healthy social or sexual interactions;
- The practice is comfortable and doesn’t cause problems in other areas of your life.
On the other hand, when masturbation becomes uncontrollable and starts interfering with your sex life, social relationships, job performance, or other areas of daily life, it’s a sign the frequency may not be healthy. 
Does excessive masturbation cause infertility?
Masturbation frequency doesn’t affect sperm production or a man’s ability to fertilize—so it doesn’t cause infertility. As with any aspect of sexual health, though, excess matters. When discussing compulsive masturbation and reproductive health, consider the following:
- Excessive masturbation may cause fatigue or a temporary drop in libido, which can affect partner intimacy; this does not impair fertility itself;
- Stress, anxiety, or guilt about overdoing it can impact sexual health;
- Heavy pornography use tied to compulsive masturbation may lead to sexual dysfunctions, such as porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED). While not a direct cause of infertility, it can temporarily reduce the ability to have satisfying intercourse.
When does masturbation become a compulsion?
Masturbation becomes compulsive when there’s a clear negative impact on daily life and emotional well-being. Signs that may indicate compulsive behavior or addiction to masturbation include:
- Masturbating many times a day to the point of affecting responsibilities;
- Interference with social or sexual relationships with partners;
- Loss of control over the urge to masturbate;
- Using masturbation to cope with stress, anxiety, boredom, or depression;
- Feeling guilt, shame, or regret afterward but continuing compulsively;
- Pain, irritation, or other physical issues due to frequency;
- Repeated failed attempts to cut back.
Benefits of masturbation
Masturbation can be part of a full, healthy life. In fact, masturbation has benefits for mental, physical, and sexual health. They may include:
- Stress reduction;
- Better sleep and mood;
- Pelvic floor strengthening;
- Prevention of erectile dysfunction;
- Lower prostate cancer risk;
- Immune support;
- Self-knowledge and relaxation;
- Increased sexual arousal and pleasure response.
See yourself in this? Don’t wait.
If you feel masturbation is harming your routine, affecting relationships, or shows signs of compulsion, seek qualified care—such as a psychologist, sex therapist, or urologist—for personalized guidance.
Understanding the drivers of compulsive behavior and building strategies is key to managing it in a healthy way.
Book an appointment with Dr. Paulo Egydio
Dr. Paulo Egydio is a urologist with experience in male sexual health, including erectile dysfunction and penile deformities.
If masturbation or other factors are impacting your sex life, consider an evaluation with a healthcare professional. Dr. Paulo Egydio provides specialized care and can advise based on each clinical situation.
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