Is masturbating 4-5 times a day normal?

r/

I (20M) have been masturbating 4-5 times a day for a while, and I honestly have no idea how often other people do it. I’m starting to wonder if this is too much and whether it could have any negative effects on my health, energy levels, or overall well-being.

Could frequent masturbation cause any physical or mental harm? If so, what are the best ways to cut back or gain better control over the habit? I’d really appreciate any advice.

The main reason I do it that much isn’t just for pleasure, it’s because when I don’t, I constantly feel aroused, and it becomes hard to concentrate on anything. Masturbating helps me release that tension and get back to focusing on my tasks. It feels good, of course, but that’s not the main reason I do it so often.

Added:
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been doing it starting with once a day even before I knew anything about sex. I just knew it felt good. As I got older, especially during my teenage years, the frequency gradually increased from once a day to twice a day. Now, it’s up to five times a day.

Comments

  1. hellshot8 Avatar

    its a bit much

  2. Illustrious_Pen_5711 Avatar

    At 20 years old it’s not the most abnormal thing in the world but I think a majority of people would agree it’s a bit much.

  3. purpledragon478 Avatar

    Maybe two or three times per day at that age is normal. If it doesn’t negatively affect you though then I guess it’s no big deal.

  4. Pretend_Work_2994 Avatar

    It may be a symptom of depression

  5. explosive-diorama Avatar

    I never went more than 3 times in a single day, and even then, only a handful of times. It hurt by the end.

    4-5 times a day every day… my dick would fall off.

  6. AppearanceMedical464 Avatar

    There’s no way that can’t be negatively affecting you. Just the time loss alone has to be staggering.

  7. rockymountainway777 Avatar

    Find a different way to get those happy hormones flowing

  8. Sea-Woodpecker-610 Avatar

    For you? Apparently.

  9. Quirky_Ambassador284 Avatar

    Is fine, but it means you probably aren’t doing much during the day. Unless you are a fast charger. Should find an hobby.

  10. BennyBagoong Avatar

    You’re likely addicted to the dopamine.

  11. KeyLog256 Avatar

    Physically (and to an extent mentally) masturbating is good for you.

    The “no fap” abstinence bullshit is 4chan incel bullshit.

    It’s good for your health, especially prostate health.

    However, five times a day is quite a lot. If it isn’t impacting on your day to day tasks, isn’t an unhealthy obsession, then you’re probably fine. If you’re having to skip classes/work/social events to blow a load in a public toilet then yeah, you might have a psychological issue.

    But if it’s under control, and isn’t negatively affecting your life, then you probably just have high testosterone levels. Trust me, this is WAY better than low testosterone.

  12. TadpoleFun1413 Avatar

    damn. i don’t think it ever got that bad for me. if you keep doing it this much, you could end up with ED before you get to your early to mid 30s.

  13. azuth89 Avatar

    Thats a lot

  14. Mythamuel Avatar

    At 20 I was like 5 times a week, so like once every other day. Couple times I did once in the early morning then again that same night, but that hurt like hell and decided a 24 hour cooldown at least is for the best. 

    5 times a day is just downright impressive on a mechanical level, but you’re gonna injure yourself at that rate.

    As stated elsewhere, it sounds like there’s some mental element that’s worth working on. It’s normal to be hormonal af at this age but it sounds like there’s a deeper issue if you need that much of it every day just to function. 

    Hormones are wierd, everyone’s different. But just take care of yourself and if it gets to the point where it hurts there’s zero shame in asking for help

  15. Eastern-Star-2805 Avatar

    those are rookie numbers, gotta pump up them rookie numbers….

  16. QuitComprehensive93 Avatar

    Why don’t you see if you can not for a week and then decide if it’s a problem?

  17. More-Path4982 Avatar

    Bro you need help if you do that gotta control yourself because it can ruin a lot of your self discipline

  18. YoungLorne Avatar

    From webmd (don’t ask reddit haters)

    “If you masturbate many times a day and have a healthy, satisfying life, good for you.”

    https://www.webmd.com/men/male-masturbation-5-things-you-didnt-know

  19. TheUpperLeft Avatar

    At ur age it’s fine. Don’t listen to the other fuckers. 

    I’d suggest u go get an external source to share this with or focus ur mind on otherwise. 

  20. LumplessWaffleBatter Avatar

    Baseline for disordered behaviors is the inability to go about your day-to-day life.

    The one I see a lot is people who skip breakfast or show up late for work because they had to crank one out in the morning.

  21. AlmightySheBO Avatar

    manboobsmaxxing

  22. shoresy99 Avatar

    Ever try Destroy your Dick December?

  23. Mean_Fig_7666 Avatar

    Yeah that last paragraph kinda makes me a little concerned. Maybe your a sex addict lol kinda sounds like the “mental obsession to drink ” from AA to me . But only you know the answer to that

  24. Hugo-Spritz Avatar

    4-5 times a week – normal and healthy 

    4-5 times a day – an actual addiction

  25. CalgaryChris77 Avatar

    5 times every day is a lot. Actually just the fact you have that much free time is a bad sign.

  26. xplosiv_constipation Avatar

    You must either study online or work from home with those numbers. But it’s your body, use it how you like, just not in front of non consenting persons. As we learned from comedy legends

  27. DrinkOrganic964 Avatar

    Are you watching porn and masturbating? I think it’s quite normal to masturbate/watch porn, but 5 times a day seems like it could be becoming an escape for you. Next could potentially be addiction. Does 5 times a day mean you are sex/porn addicted? No. But, it could end up there. Do you have a hard time sitting alone with your thoughts? That can be the reason many people turn to shopping, drugs, drinking, porn, gambling. So, just try to be really honest with yourself about it.

  28. BlazerWookiee Avatar

    God, I hope so…

  29. SweetSexiestJesus Avatar

    Between the ages of 12 and 21, yes.

    After that, it’s concerning, but whatever, you do you boo

  30. Ancient_Wait_8788 Avatar

    You’re 20, relax, if you keep at it this much for a few years, then yeah, it’s excessive and if it starts impacting your life and relationships, then it is arguably an addiction, but masturbation is often a stress release tool and the amount you want to do it varies a lot.

  31. hallerz87 Avatar

    I think its safe enough to say that its significantly more than average and perhaps a little obsessive. I’m more like 4-5 times a week. My only suggestion is that your masturbation habits may be behind the constant arousal i.e., its a bit of a vicious circle. I’d try going cold turkey for a few days and see how it goes.

  32. Futurama_Nerd Avatar

    I do it. I also have fairly severe ADHD and live in a country without access to stimulants. So, no it’s probably a symptom of something or other.

  33. Warm_Hat4882 Avatar

    You got to build that stuff up for a few days and go to gym or get decent work out to tire you out some. After a 3-4 days build up you’ll be on the hunt for woman with renewed confidence and bravo and certainly find some to release on.

  34. Astimar Avatar

    Typically it’s smart to stop for the day when the only thing shooting out is dust

  35. No_Salad_68 Avatar

    It’s toward the upper end but if it’s not hurting your dick or adversely affecting your sex life or relationships it’s probably fine. A warning sign might be if it’s getting difficult to nut.

  36. bentreflection Avatar

    No that is not really normal nor healthy. That is more a sign of porn addiction or compulsive behavior caused by stimulants. Do you have ADHD? Are you in stimulants? Are you being aroused by people/situations in real life or are you being aroused by the idea of looking at porn? 

  37. Few-Bee-3166 Avatar

    I’m jealous somehow

  38. AssignmentFar1038 Avatar

    Maybe a little bit excessive. Are you sexually active yet (with other people)? I’d be worried that you may become too reliant on masturbation and not be able to enjoy sex or climax with a partner.

  39. Ridersfan73 Avatar

    Only if you’re a spider monkey

  40. Own_Marzipan_6360 Avatar

    I’m trying to stop masturbating not just because I’m Muslim and it’s not allowed in my religion
    But i feel kinda lazy and don’t wanna do anything and I can’t focus on anything more than 1 minutes and f i slept i will wake up after at least 10 hours and i will be lazy as f too
    Every time I’m trying to stop i don’t do it to five days and comeback again to that mf porn

  41. Aaxper Avatar

    1-2 is normal for me. The most I’ve done is 6 and that kinda hurt.

  42. TheGreatGoatQueen Avatar

    Hmmm, this makes me wonder, what exactly counts as one “masturbation session”?

    If I masturbate and cum three times, have I masturbated once? Or three times? If it only counts as one “session”, then how long do I have to wait in between orgasms before it turns into multiple?

    If I cum once, then don’t touch myself for 2 minutes, then do it again, is that two different sessions? What about 10 minutes? 30 minutes?

    Does a session have to have an orgasm at all? If I edge for 20 minutes, then do another activity for x amount of time, then edge for another 20, is that two sessions? Just one? Zero?

  43. Crun_Chy Avatar

    Bro what, I mean if your body can handle it I would assume it’s fine but you have a crazy tolerance. I’ve done 3 times in a day maybe 4 or 5 times in my life and each time it hurt. If I got hard after the third time it was so sore I did anything possible to get unhard again

  44. Professional_Wrap_57 Avatar

    It depends on how old you are.

  45. ExtremelyFilthyWhore Avatar

    Yes, but overdoing activities that involve activating pleasure centres in the brain isn’t good for you as it changes the neural pathways which can cause addiction, and it also down regulates the receptors for the feel good hormones. So just take it easy.

  46. tb2924 Avatar

    No lmfao get a job

  47. Upintheclouds06 Avatar

    Generally as long as it’s not interfering with your ability to carry out responsibilities. I don’t see it as an issue. Although it is quite frequent and I’m not you so don’t take my word but it seems like it’s escapism. Which is fun and all but can quickly go off the rails if you rely on it

  48. Prometheuz_23 Avatar

    Rookie numbers – gooners probably

  49. Generalrossa Avatar

    You’ll go blind 

  50. guyinoz99 Avatar

    They are your own personal genitals.
    You can do whatever you want with them.

  51. DilapidatedHam Avatar

    No sir it is not lol. No judgement, but if you’re aroused that often I would consider talking to a doctor or maybe a specialized therapist about it, you shouldn’t be so aroused that it disrupts your functioning several times a day.

  52. Myers1958 Avatar

    Yes if your 12

  53. austyngrayxo Avatar

    You’re 20 years and male. I think you’re fine. Enjoy it while it lasts. All this to say unless you can’t get off during actual sex…then it may be a problem

  54. DamnedDoom Avatar

    I mean, as long as you don’t do it watching porn…

  55. AdventurousCry4133 Avatar

    So you like masturbating, huh? Well why don’t you smoke a whole carton of cigarettes?!

  56. Just_Party96 Avatar

    I’ve been binging the last few days. Don’t have a partner and will not have one anytime soon.

  57. hopelessheqrts Avatar

    hell yea brother yolo

  58. Twenty_twenty4 Avatar

    No. Next question.

    /thread

  59. Specialist_War1410 Avatar

    Are you masturbating now?

  60. squidwurrd Avatar

    What you call constant arousal is really just addition. I would quit cold turkey for a short period. Maybe a week or two. You need to reset your brain so you aren’t associating the relief of arousal with masturbation. The consequences of maintaining that association will come at the detriment of associating arousal with real people.

    To be clear I’m not saying masturbation is bad but clearly you believe you have to do it which I just don’t believe. Just my opinion I could be dead wrong.

  61. Heim84 Avatar

    Depends. Are you 13 and just found out what power you hold in your hands? Or are you 35 and just can’t contain the power anymore? Either way could be stress, anxiety, depression.

  62. chapstickass Avatar

    Not really, why are you holding back?

  63. hikkenace Avatar

    Take up juggling or some kind of fidget based hobby and it might help.

  64. HiTechTalk Avatar

    No it’s not

  65. Ok_Long_4507 Avatar

    It slows down as you get older

  66. johnisgenius Avatar

    Honestly 4-5 is cray
    Most I got up to when I was struggling with that is 3 and yes it’s not good for your mental.

  67. Electrocat71 Avatar

    How? My dick would be raw

  68. Machine8851 Avatar

    You need to get a girlfriend

  69. MartinSucksCox Avatar

    I’ve struggled with that in the past too, sex addiction. What got me through it pretty much was hanging out with friends and art. Distraction is key. It’s what my therapist taught me. Good luck man, it’s not easy :/

  70. moccasins_hockey_fan Avatar

    It sounds like you are comparing yourself to others when it cums to competitive masturbation.

    I challenge you to a cum off.

    Meet me at the closest elementary school 10 minutes before the final morning bell with your pants at your ankles.

  71. helIyeahbrother Avatar

    damn i thought my 1x a day to every other day was bad

  72. listeningspeaker4 Avatar

    I feel like I read this post word for word earlier with a significantly higher total

  73. yoitsme_obama17 Avatar

    Wth. That’s so much time.

  74. Enslaved_M0isture Avatar

    i do more than that but i can tell you more than 2x a day is too much

    replace the time with literally anything else

  75. Square_Huckleberry53 Avatar

    There are more productive hobbies to have.

  76. KYO297 Avatar

    Damn I’d be wasting a quarter of my day if I did that

  77. clevelandrocks14 Avatar

    At 20? From a health standpoint, you’re probably fine. A regular young man with a libido. Mentally, just be careful. Don’t let this seep into how you view, treat, or pursue women (or men). Don’t become incel. Don’t start thinking every woman out there owes you sex. Porn is fine, but don’t get porn brain.

  78. SwingOfTheAxe420 Avatar

    On a light day brother

  79. buffalo171 Avatar

    Are you fourteen??

  80. VoodooBat Avatar

    Do you look at porn each time? Your body may be looking for dopamine hits, but it’s a slippery slope. You should channel the energy into some other things. Ex: gym, a sport, hiking, crafting hobby, etc. Porn is poison for the mind, try to quit. Also intermittent fasting can be helpful for overactive libido.

  81. WD40Capital Avatar

    Seems like a lot. If your not in pain or hurting anyone, it’s probably fine.

  82. SirTheRealist Avatar

    I would say it’s not normal because that means you are not really doing anything with your day if you have the time to bust 4-5 nuts. Or if you’re at work or school or out with your family/friends and you just HAVE to carve out some time in your day to get your nut off, then yeah, that’s not normal either.

  83. HailFredonia Avatar

    Anything that you fear might be an addiction, from masturbation or other compulsive behaviors to chemicals, need to pass three questions (answer ‘no’)…

    1. Has this thing negatively impacted my job?
    2. Has this thing negatively impacted my relationships?
    3. Is doing this thing more important to me than basic self-care (bathing, eating, etc)?

    If you answer all three with no, there’s no problem. If you answer just one of those yes, you might have a problem. If you answer two of them yes, you likely have a problem. If you answer yes all three, you definitely have a problem. Good luck!

  84. weberlovemail Avatar

    i feel like a lot of people are missing the fact that you feel constantly aroused. do you have a GP you can talk to about this to make sure something else isn’t going on?
    it could be your baseline horniness too. some people have higher libidos than others just by default, and that’s just how it is. if you’re able to function day to day normally and it doesn’t affect your life negatively, it might just be your normal.

  85. TheSpartyn Avatar

    did any of these commenters even read the 3rd paragraph lol

  86. HappyChains Avatar

    Was pretty normal for me that age. In the morning always twice, once then a short wait for the second. Always one before bed. Since I was in college often helped for a midday nap between classes. Occasionally another. That’s when I wasn’t getting sex, of course, otherwise just once a day at most.

    I will say I got a bit desensitized and used to the feeling of masturbation over penetration since I did it so much more often. Made it difficult to orgasm during actual sex, so just make sure you make the sensation match as close as possible. Other than that, go for it (after adjusting to similar sensations I had no problem during sex).

  87. EatSleepWell Avatar

    Just make sure you alternate hands to avoid pennis elbow.

  88. BobT21 Avatar

    What is “normal?” If you are doing no harm to anyone including yourself and are able to keep up with family, job, social stuff, why not? Street drugs are expensive.

    As for medical impact I don’t know. I’m not a doctor. If you asked a dozen of them I expect you would get at least fourteen opinions

  89. sesujtrisch Avatar

    start with some strong indica, it might stop the arousal

  90. SycomComp Avatar

    You need a job dude…

  91. samuentaga Avatar

    Before I started on antidepressants, I masturbated around that much, maybe a bit less. Now I’m down to once a day, and can skip multiple days if needed, and don’t feel the need for it until like 4 days without.

    Not saying you’re depressed, but I think it’s worth looking into. Talk to your doctor about it at the very least. In the meantime, try to slow down a bit, and try some sorts of non sexual physical activities like running or bike riding instead of wanking.

  92. bryonus_1231 Avatar

    This is called gooning don’t do that.

  93. DadooDragoon Avatar

    The only time in my life I’ve ever done it that many times in a day, I was 16 and it was for science

    1x a day is about normal, and it’s normal to miss some days. At 20 I was masturbating maybe 4x/week.

  94. TerribleWerewolf8410 Avatar

    For horny people. I mean I can have sex 3x a day and still want to rub one out

  95. ALNRooster Avatar

    Matthew says them’s rookie numbers

  96. Ok-Aside-8854 Avatar

    My max was 6 times a day. Let me ask you ? When busting do you even release ? After 3 times I was shooting blanks and got some cramps where my balls were.

  97. yesjess11 Avatar

    Psych and sex researcher here 👋
    Frequent, overuse of porn as a visual stimulant, especially in males, (if thats what you’re doing) along with the consistent, repetitive physical sensations can cause both mental and physical repercussions in the future. I saw a comment that said you’re likely dopamine seeking, and that could definitely be true. It might be worth self reflecting on other things in your life that could bring you some dopamine so you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket. We can get that same dopamine hit from a lot of things, but in terms of big dopamine hits, there is a kind of ‘big three’. Food, drugs, sex. So those 3 things are what most people turn to, subconsciously, to get that hit.
    What else brings you joy? Is there anything else in your life you could implement to relieve your stress? Dopamine can come from healthier/less addictive sources, like, if you’re a creative person, making art will do it. You like exercise or sport? That will cause a dopamine increase too. It’s individual, and sometimes a trial and error kind of thing. Easy to say i know, harder to implement!
    In saying that, there’s no shame in masturbating that frequently if it’s not causing you any harm physically (e.g. soreness, pain, desensitisation), or not interfering with your sex life outside of masturbation (e.g. not being able to stay aroused or finish with a partner).

    Not to scare you, but look up ‘death grip syndrome’ – it’s effects and how to rectify it. Not saying that is happening to you, but it is the biggest side effect of excessive masturbation and it can be pretty debilitating for some people. I know some people who have experienced it (from teens to older adults), and the literature also shows its high prevalence in young men. And the likely overall cause is the amount of exposure to porn and sex related things online. Algorithms are strong these days, the more you look, the more you are shown.
    I think the most important thing is that you’re already self reflecting and trying to make the best decisions for yourself which is amazing!

  98. underratedfellow Avatar

    It isn’t normal. Careful, your brain might be adapting to the sensation of your hand pleasuring yourself and you penis might not respond when you want to have actual sex with someone.

  99. Super-Kirby Avatar

    If you’re single or don’t have consistent sex it’s normal. If you have a steady relationship and they’re willing to have sex but you rather masterbate, it’s not normal.

  100. rel1800 Avatar

    Damn 4-5x a day for years shit son. Most I done was 3 in one day. Did that twice felt so lazy and unproductive. I wanna know are you outta shape cuz you’re losing so much protein and energy with all that jackin off?

  101. forgetaboutfreeman1 Avatar

    How do you find the time?

  102. BadDreamInc Avatar

    It’s a bit much… Sounds like you need a hobby or some other outlets.

  103. KawaiixEevee Avatar

    Nah I think your like pushing it and your junior could get some wear and tear bro 😹

  104. IsmaelT19 Avatar

    Only if you have teen in your age.

  105. Time_Relationship125 Avatar

    4 – 5??? Hell, I go 15 as long as i don’t get interrupted 🤣

  106. MeasurementTall8677 Avatar

    At my age I’d be on the guineas book of records, enjoy it while you can

  107. roehnin Avatar

    I’m at like twice a day at 50, but im my 20s during dry spells, yeah 4 was about right.

  108. Ender505 Avatar

    No. Normal is less than once a day

  109. Dragon_slayer1994 Avatar

    I think it’s too much especially if it’s stopping you from persuing sexual relationships

    It can cause you to become addicted to porn as well which has plenty of negative consequences

    Source: someone who did the same at your age and dealt with nasty consequences down the road.

  110. Mean-Initiative-7560 Avatar

    i mean like do what you want ig

  111. ExtinctFauna Avatar

    That is a lot, but if it isn’t interfering in your life, it’s fine.

  112. wszogun Avatar

    IMO it’s too much. If not in romantic relationship you may have problem getting hard when time comes. It looks like an addiction (been there, done that, Sign of mentall issues). Test yourself and stop for couple of days. If that gonna be a problem you will have an answer if thats the case. In addition (to addiction :P) If you are so aroused you really can not focus on anything, this, on its own, should be worked out during therappy.

  113. NiceTuBeNice Avatar

    More than three is excessive

  114. DrunkCommunist619 Avatar

    I was recently in a simmilar situation as you, and no, it’s not normal.

    For me, it was a sign of constant loneliness/idleness. It also meant I was on my phone too much. Try to limit yourself slowly, from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1 time per day. Also, try to stay busy, and by God, don’t look at porn when you masturbate. Just doing that has kept me away from porn for quite a while. It takes all the drive/ease out of the dopamine and forces you to try.

  115. ManyAreMyNames Avatar

    Not when you’re in your 60s.

  116. Saturated-Biscuit Avatar

    Your pecker is going to be calloused…

  117. Shadowlance23 Avatar

    Oh, to be young again.

  118. kroxdex Avatar

    o think it depends weather you’re watching porn while doing it or not, cause that would change a lot of people’s opinions here

  119. loose_change_eater Avatar

    OP, have you looked into PGAD (Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder)? You may have a physiological problem.

  120. kirby_-_main Avatar

    Not normal. Get help

  121. NY10 Avatar

    It depends. If your dick is holding up then it’s normal. If not then it’s not normal I guess

  122. Bombacladman Avatar

    Not masturbating at least 7 times a day is not only very lame but also a reason to worry about your virility

  123. Cats_Are_Aliens_ Avatar

    Pffft. Go look at r/meth people jerk it for like 48+ hours straight on the regular

  124. karnage86 Avatar

    It’s not normal, in fact there could be underlying reasons, when you are masturbating the primal part of your brain thinks you are mating and therefore all of your stress and worries are on hold for a bit. You could be using this mindframe to escape depression rather than doing the work to get out of depression.

  125. Existing_Royal_3500 Avatar

    If you have to start braiding your palm you are doing it too much

  126. ProperMulberry4039 Avatar

    Fucking hell get some air Jesus I am good with once a day those numbers are absolutely insane I got a cramp just reading the title lmao

  127. lets_srick_together Avatar

    Once or twice a day should be plenty 

  128. stalwart-bulwark Avatar

    OP will never leave the house if he discovers the prostate.

  129. greenlimousine Avatar

    r/nofap
    r/semenretention
    r/noporn

    Check these out, here is your answer. Don’t just spend 5 minutes.

  130. tryppidreams Avatar

    Sounds like you’re addicted

  131. Krxvx-v-3070 Avatar

    Masturbating can rupture your testosterone, set a goal of just doing it only once or twice

  132. Mr-Bry-Guy Avatar

    Not if you’re doing that every day lol

  133. Dozer710 Avatar

    @ JRod @B-Team BJJ 😂🤣😂🤣😂

  134. Send_me_a_SextyPM Avatar

    It’s a lot. You’re chasing a dopamine rush.

    Have you tried doing a set of push-ups or sit ups maybe some air squats. If you can fit in a run or brisk walk.
    .

  135. Few_Telephone4440 Avatar

    People on reddit will try to say its normal but its just not good for you, your main purpose as a human is to enjoy your life and this is effecting that

  136. Big-Attention-69 Avatar

    You’ll get death grip syndrome