Doctor explains how to tell if you're addicted to masturbating

First off, let's be clear: masturbating is a perfectly normal, healthy activity that shouldn't be discouraged, but in certain cases, it can become an addiction, experts warn.

Masturbation addiction is not a diagnosable mental health condition, though it can have a significant effects on one's day-to-day, as experts have pointed out how it falls under the same category as porn and sex addiction.

All three types of addiction are part of behavioural or process addictions, that are compulsive behaviours that share similar traits with addictions to substances.

Let's have a look at the benefits of self-pleasure and what the signs of a potential addiction to masturbation are, and what other conditions they may be linked to.

Starting with the fun stuff - masturbation is nothing to be ashamed of. Whether you're single or in a relationship, knowing how to pleasure yourself is crucial to a healthy sex life, and can also offer a mood boost.

Masturbating regularly can improve mood, help relieve stress and sleep better. (Getty Stock Images)

According to Healthline, masturbating not only helps you understand better your wants and needs in terms of physical pleasure - which, in turn, will help you have better sex - but it can also improve self-esteem, relieve stress and anxiety, and may support a better sleep routine.

As such, it's a great activity to engage in regularly. While masturbating regularly, or even often, doesn't mean you necessarily have an addiction, there are some signs that will help you identify if you do masturbate chronically to the detriment of your daily life.

When masturbating takes up a lot of your time, and is impacting your personal and professional life, it's definitely a big indicator of it being used as a potential coping mechanism.

Read on for the signs you may be addicted to masturbation. (Getty Stock Images)

Choosing masturbation over in-person activities like social gatherings or spending time with your friends or partner is also a worrying sign, as is masturbating in public or in places you wouldn't normally do so.

If masturbation becomes a constant thought to the point you're doing it even if you're not aroused and/or you end up feeling guilty during or after, it may be a sign of addiction.

An article published on verywellmind.com analyses the causes of compulsive masturbation, which can be varied.

Certain individuals can manage underlying depression or anxiety by using masturbation to lift their mood, relax, or reduce stress. Some may have an inclination toward addiction because of their neurobiology, while others can help soothe emotional pain by focusing on addictive sexual behaviours.

If you think you have a masturbation problem, it's worth seeking professional help from your doctor, a counsellor, or a sex therapist.