Masturbation / Question
Published: April 23, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a boy of 16 almost 17. I masturbate very frequently like twice a week. Will this cause a future problem after marriage? Should I stop doing it? I have heard that masturbation has many defects. Will you please tell me those (only serious defects). How can I control it? Please advise me.
Signed: Heard Masturbation Has Many Defects
Dear Heard Masturbation Has Many Defects,
Masturbation is a normal healthy activity. It does not cause any medical problems or have any serious side effects. It should not hurt or cause any future problems in your marriage either.
Masturbating can be done as frequently as you wish as long as it does not interfere with your life. Twice a week sounds fine, you can do it more if you would like. If you feel that your masturbation has turned into an addiction (an addiction is something that must be done everyday regardless of other life circumstances, something that you think about several times a day at least and is beginning to interfere with you everyday activities), then you may want to talk to a therapist or to your doctor. They will be able to determine if you have a problem or not and how to help you.
Masturbation questions are asked a lot at TeenHealthFX. Check out our answers to these questions: Curious About Masturbation (SH305), What Is Masturbation, Masturbation - How Much Is To Much, Masturbation & My Health for more information. Also, you can use the FX search and find even more questions.
As always if you feel that something is not right, get it checked out by your doctor. If you do not have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475. If you have any other questions, please feel free to write back to AskFX or search our website for more information.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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