Why you shouldn't stop masturbating

Published by Better Sex on September 6th, 2010

feature 1 - By Better Sex on Monday, September 6, 2010 - 15:21

Question: I am 53 and currently am single. I've been divorced for over 10 years. I seem to have a high sex drive and often resort to masturbation to relieve myself. Is this normal? I would much prefer a partner but it seems hard to find the right one. I've had numerous dates and but haven't had a steady girlfriend in sometime.

Thanks,
DJ

Dr. Lori's Answer: Masturbation is not only “normal”, it’s healthy. There is truth to the saying if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. And besides, masturbation is a wonderful thing…what else feels so good, is good for you, is legal and costs nothing? It is also healthier to go it alone than settle with the wrong partner due to sexual frustration. And, playing with yourself doesn’t have to end when you find a partner. Many men and women continue to Jack (or Jill) off when in a relationship. Why stop a good thing? If you love oranges, you wouldn’t give up eating them just because peaches are in season.

Photo by: gaelx

Dr. Lori Buckley

Dr. Lori Buckley is a licensed clinical psychologist and an American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) certified sex therapist. We know that there are a lot of people who have questions about all kinds of sexual things, so we teamed up with Dr. Lori to answer your questions.

Tags: feature 1
Brandie's picture
Stress Relief
Submitted by Brandie on Fri, 2010-12-03 15:58.

I love masturbating as a mode of stress relief. With the rush of happy chemicals that get released I always feel better and have a more clear mind after I jill off. Not only that but I find much muscle relaxation as well, and as a sufferer of fibromyalgia I'll be darned if I let go of any mode of muscle relaxation! LOL :)

Imnluv2's picture
Healthy Masturbation
Submitted by Imnluv2 on Mon, 2010-11-15 18:39.

I am currently 61 and have masturbated since my teen years and into my marriage at age 40, and continue to do so ever since, as my honey can't always satisfy me with intercourse due to her medical issues. I have a high sex drive, and must do it often to relieve tension, stress and frustration when we can't be together as often as I need her to be with me. I have always heard and read many articles that masturbation is good for you to maintain a healthy prostate, relieves tension. I wouldn't worry about it, it's a natural thing guys do, and it's better to do that than get diseases or have children when you aren't ready for them.

Mr. and Mrs. Pegging Life's picture
The fountain of youth
Submitted by Mr. and Mrs. Pe... on Tue, 2010-09-14 23:07.

I have always felt that masturbation is essential for prostate health as it keeps the fluids moving. There seems to be some evidence to support this if you are willing to believe what you read on the internet (at least some of it!). Another theory that I have that has less medical support is that masturbation is key to keeping you body believing that you are young. If you ascribe to the belief that as animals we have a strong instinct to procreate, masturbating tricks the body into thinking you are (at least from a male perspective) still out there sowing the wild oats and therefore still a viable organism. I am currently collecting empirical data to support this theory. I'll get back to you when I'm 90 and still going strong ;).

Clearance and Candy's picture
If you don't you should start!
Submitted by Clearance and Candy on Sun, 2010-09-12 15:15.

Candy as a middle age woman had not felt comfortable enough to masturbate before we found the better sex series of videos. Two years later you can find her watching an adult video masturbating when I am not available. Masturbation has not only improved Candy's sex life but has improved my enjoyment too! We also now like to watch each other touch ourselves which was taboo in our relationship before. I owe better sex a great dept for helping us find our own sexuality. Clearance