masturbation

Too Much of a Good Thing: Signs of Over-Masturbation

Written by: Dr. Joshua Gonzalez

Shakespeare said it best when he asked, "Can one desire too much of a good thing?"


I don't think he was talking about masturbation when he wrote this. Or maybe he was? Masturbation does indeed fall into the "good things" category, but how much is too much? Is there such a thing? Popstar is back with the tips (and not just the tip) on over-masturbation. 

Masturbation is a completely normal and healthy part of sexual expression. But, contrary to pop sensation P!nk's beliefs, sometimes just you and your hand can be a wonderful thing! It is a great way to connect with yourself, explore your body and discover what feels good. Knowing your body can also help strengthen connections with sexual partners. But how much masturbation is too much, and what are the signs of over-masturbation?

When it comes to masturbation, there is no exact number that qualifies as "too much"; everyone is different. Generally, if masturbation interferes with your daily life, it may be time to scale back and reevaluate. For example, if you actively choose to choke the chicken over a social gathering, you might be overdoing it.


Melatonin > Masturbation

Trouble sleeping is a common sign of over-masturbation. While masturbation can help you relax and fall asleep, over-masturbation can have the opposite effect. Lack of sleep can impact your overall health negatively, like lowering your immune system or interfering with stress management. If you find that you are staying up late or waking up in the middle of the night to cuff the carrot when you should be counting sheep, you may be over-masturbating.

If you have difficulty falling asleep without ejaculation, try melatonin or avoiding screen time before bed. 


Pleasure, Not Pain

While getting your rocks off sounds like something that might hurt, masturbation should be painless. If you are experiencing pain during or after masturbation, it may be a sign that you are doing it too much. Friction from flicking the bean can cause soreness, redness, and irritation. While we don't want blue balls, we also don't want black and blue balls. 


Suddenly ED

Suppose you are someone who doesn't usually deal with erectile dysfunction and is suddenly experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during sex. Overstimulation from masturbation can lead to desensitization, making it harder to achieve an erection when you’re trying to get down and dirty with a partner.  Reducing how often you masturbate or even adjusting your grip can sometimes help address this issue.. 


Masturbation in Moderation

Choking the chicken, shaking hands with the milkman or however you describe it, masturbation is a normal and healthy part of sexual exploration. However, just like candy or cocktails, it should be done in moderation. Too much of even a great thing can become an issue. If you are experiencing trouble sleeping, pain during or after masturbation, and erectile dysfunction, you may want to try and slow your roll. If you have difficulty controlling your habits, talk to your doctor or a therapist. Always remember sexual and mental health are just as important as physical health.