Here’s How Long Masturbation Should Last, Say Sexual Health Experts

When it comes to sex and intimacy—whether you’re exploring alone or with a partner—sexual health professionals agree that foreplay and sex shouldn’t be constrained by time. Individual preferences and responses uniquely shape each person’s experience of sex and pleasure.

Some experts say this principle also applies to masturbation. Though you may have wondered about the “right” duration for masturbation, it generally depends on personal comfort and mutual consent when with a partner…but there are a few other points clinical professionals say you might consider.

If you’re worried or curious about how long your masturbation sessions last, it’s important to avoid jumping to conclusions about potential problems. Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, board-certified OB/GYN and thought leader on menopause, and Kayla Meyer, LCSW, licensed certified social worker, therapist, and co-founder of Pothos Health, both offer guidance if you’ve ever questioned whether your masturbation duration is normal.

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Is masturbation healthy?

It’s healthy to ask such a question, Meyer says. “From the mental health perspective, starting with questions and exploration is often healthier than leaning into the fears of self-diagnosing sexual addiction or sexual dysfunction.”

The Cleveland Clinic asserts that masturbation is a natural and normal part of sexual development. It provides a safe way to explore your body, experience pleasure, and achieve sexual release. This view is supported by extensive research, including studies that suggest significant long-term health benefits.

However, despite its advantages for both individual and relational health, masturbation continues to be less researched and frequently stigmatized compared to partnered sex, according to authors of a 2023 study.

Research indicates that frequent ejaculation in men might lower the risk of prostate cancer, potentially due to the clearing of cancer-causing substances from the prostate gland.

For women, research has yielded evidence that the benefits of masturbation can include relief from menstrual cramps—and, for older women, reduced vaginal dryness and less pain during intercourse. Science suggests a wide age range of women may experience increased likelihood of orgasm during partnered sex, thanks perhaps to greater general emotional comfort that masturbating can help develop. Dr. Shepherd explains: “Contrary to the idea that very frequent masturbation may lead to desensitization, there is evidence that masturbation practice may actually help shorten orgasmic latency and improve orgasmic function.” She adds: “Also, partnered sex can be done with masturbation techniques and therefore improve orgasmic capacity, and overall sexual satisfaction for women.”

How long should masturbation last?

The duration of masturbation varies greatly and doesn’t necessarily indicate health issues. Before jumping to conclusions about sexual dysfunction or addiction, Meyer suggests considering the following questions: Has there been a shift in life circumstances that could explain an increase in masturbation? Are you noticing a discrepancy between your usual sexual desires and what is being satisfied in partnered sex? Is your partner unable or unwilling to meet your sexual needs?

Meyer explains, “When we think of dysfunction or addiction, it typically indicates we are unable to meet a social or professional need before our sexual ones. Unless a person’s thoughts are bombarded with sexual desire or fantasy and they are not able to meet professional and personal responsibilities, they are not considered addicted or have addiction-based tendencies toward sex.”

Physically, certain factors like medications—including some antidepressants, high blood pressure medicines, or diuretics—along with health conditions such as diabetes, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular issues, or hormonal imbalances—can affect sexual function, including climaxing, potentially prolonging masturbation time.

Dr. Shepherd notes, “As women age, there are changes in hormones, namely estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, that may create changes in the duration of orgasm as well as time to climax.” These hormonal changes can also affect mood, potentially leading to unsatisfying partnered sex and more frequent masturbation. It’s crucial for couples to discuss their sexual preferences and needs openly. Dr. Shepherd adds, “It is also important to identify the reason for masturbation, whether it’s to decrease sexual tension or anxiety; these reasons may be due to difficulties with orgasm or issues with negative trauma in the past.”

Do toys affect masturbation duration?

If you’re using toys during extended masturbation sessions and are worried about losing sensitivity, Meyer provides reassurance: “There is no evidence that vibrators used in self-pleasure or partnered sex decrease the sensitivity of the clitoris or that women should be discouraged from using toys.” In fact, incorporating toys often increases the likelihood of achieving orgasm.

Meyer further suggests, “As a licensed therapist, it is a great idea to start with and ask some questions about the motivation and reward behaviors of humans or coupled folks. If a man or woman wants to have partnered sex and knows their partner is unlikely to be able to meet the baseline sexual desire per week or completion during sex, pulling in toys is a great addition.”

Vibrators and other toys are excellent for enhancing personal desires, needs, or fantasies. There is no need to limit joy unless there is a genuine concern about sexual addiction or masturbation addiction. Meyer explains that there is a difference between I am exploring and getting to know my sexual baseline and needs and I would like treatment for my sexual addiction, and she adds that most individuals identify with the former. Since the acknowledgment and fulfillment of sexual needs can sometimes feel unfamiliar, it is easy for women to mistakenly worry that something is wrong. However, the experts suggest sexual fulfillment is a basic human need, essential to our well-being.

The bottom line

“If you are unsure if your masturbation is impacting your mental health, take a break; that’s the ultimate and best test of the impact,” advises Meyer. Successfully taking a break for several days or a week without feeling a compulsive need to return to masturbation indicates a healthy level of self-control in your relationship with sexual activity.

Conversely, if you find it difficult to maintain self-control over your desires, if they’re interfering with your normal relationships and responsibilities, or if you act against a decision you’ve made to abstain from masturbation or partnered sex, this could suggest an unhealthy relationship with masturbation or sex. In such cases, it is wise to consult a licensed psychotherapist.

If you’re experiencing any physical issues, such as difficulty achieving climax, delayed ejaculation, or anything else that seems unusual and causing distress, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. Additionally, keep an eye out for any irritation or chafing in delicate skin areas. While minor physical effects should heal within a day or two, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider if problems persist.

For the latest health research and answers to common health curiosities delivered to you daily, get The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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