Doctor explains how often you should really masturbate to be healthy

Contrary to popular belief, having a venture downstairs can be good for you and no, I'm not on about raiding the fridge for snacks.

Masturbation was once a highly stigmatised and secretive topic but in 2026, it's a pretty normal topic of conversation when it comes to health and wellbeing.

While new restrictions have been put on the age at which young people can access explicit content on the internet, which could drive numbers down, it's still a pretty common thing among adults.

Obviously, experts have weighed in on the effects of watching too much pornography and how it can cause issues in the bedroom, though it is said that the occasion/fairly regular orgasm can go a long way in doing us some good.

But as many want to know, how much is too much?

Is there such a thing as too much masturbation? (Getty Stock Image)

A medical expert and content creator called Dr. Jen Claude revealed her answer to the age-old question in a recent video on her YouTube channel.

She explained: "Before I give you the answer let me remind you that masturbation is perfectly fine, okay? Masturbation actually can be a very healthy part of overall life and fulfilment, so I don't want you to think that masturbation is not okay."

The health professional highlighted that there is no 'top limit threshold', explaining: "It's nothing like 'oh you can't masturbate more than this amount of times', there's not a lower threshold, there's not a number of times in a day, a week, a month."

She pointed out that the number is different for each person.

"Certain people masturbate multiple times a day, some people masturbate only certain times every few months depending on whatever. Some people masturbate when they're in a certain mood, some people masturbate at other times, it just depends," the doctor stated.

How much a person masturbates is unique to their own lives and personal health (Getty Stock Image)

Can you masturbate too much?

Dr Claude highlighted: "The only caveat [is] you can masturbate as much as you want so long as it doesn't interfere with your daily life; it doesn't interfere with your mental wellbeing, it does not interfere with your relationships; interfere with your ability to go to your job or lead a happy, healthy, productive."

She reiterated that there's no real set maximum number of times you should do it in a set amount of time, though that if you notice the habit affecting your day-to-day life, it's worth stepping back.

"In certain situations you can see how masturbation becomes compulsive, in which case we say that you need to be evaluated, you need to discuss this with a licensed professional, okay?"

There is no set number to aim for, or stay below - everyone has their own situation (Getty Stock Images)

What happens when you stop masturbating?

Similar to No Nut November, some people may challenge themselves to stop masturbating altogether, with the goal of enjoying the benefits of that time off.

One man who successfully completed a month, and then a year, said there were several changes that he noticed, most of which were positive.

A sex expert even shared some of the changes you could experience by stopping for just a short while, for those who may be considering it.

Apparently, it could cause mood swings or uncontrollable urges, with extended arousal also likely, so it's not like you'll reap the rewards from day one.

Obviously, patience is key and waiting may even lead to better sex in the long-term, according to the expert.