Scarleteen

It’s common, when masturbating is or feels new to you, to perhaps want to spend a lot of time doing it, just like when you find a band you really love, and want to listen to their latest song over and over in an endless, hypnotic loop. For some, it might start to feel a little compulsive or out of control—like if you find yourself masturbating in places that aren’t all that private, or find that your masturbation habits are starting to interrupt or intrude upon other parts of your life.
Generally, it’s a pretty simple formula: Is masturbation keeping you from doing other things you enjoy, like being with friends or partners, participating in sports, hobbies, goals, or interests? Is it interfering with your responsibilities (schoolwork, family duties, chores, or a job)? Is it infringing upon your health (keeping you up nights, keeping you from eating properly), causing any sort of injury (such as sore, swollen, raw, blistered, or chafed skin), or creating emotional conflict or distress for you? If it’s doing any of those things, then it’s probably time to cut back or ask for help (a mental healthcare provider⁠ can help, or you can just talk to anyone you trust and respect with something sensitive and loaded like this). If it’s not, and it feels good to you, don’t sweat it. There’s no “right” amount of masturbation just like there’s no “right” amount of sex with partners: it’s all about what just feels and is right for you.