Masturbation is a common and healthy behavior, but it can be a challenging topic to discuss. Even adults who are in close sexual, romantic, or other intimate relationships might feel embarrassed about bringing up the topic. The subject of masturbation can even feel "taboo" for married couples to openly talk about. One reason people may find it hard to discuss is that there are many masturbation myths and misconceptions that persist despite evidence that masturbation is normal, healthy, and can be beneficial regardless of relationship status. A person might also feel differently about masturbation when they are single versus when they are partnered or married. For example, you might worry that your partner's desire to masturbate means that you are not meeting their sexual needs —but this is not necessarily the case. Likewise, if you want to continue or start masturbating once you are in a relationship, it does not necessarily mean that there is anything "wrong" with you, your partner, or your sexual relationship. It is not unusual for people to masturbate in addition to having regular sex with their partners. It's healthy to masturbate if you are partnered as long as the behavior does not interfere with the sexual intimacy that you have with your partner.


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Why Do People Masturbate?
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And yes, that even includes marriage. There is absolutely no reason to feel guilty for masturbating even though you are married or in a long-term relationship with your partner. Most men and women do indeed continue to masturbate when they are in a relationship — it does not mean that there is anything wrong. In fact, research shows that those people who masturbate more also have more sex that is also more satisfying. One partner is nearly always going to want it more often than the other partner, because we all have different sexual drives. Masturbation acts as an important relief valve for the more sexually active partner.
You might think of masturbation as something that you only do when you're single, but regular self-love sessions can have a seriously positive impact on the health of your marriage or relationship. And it's not just about the big O: Masturbating can improve your happiness and confidence, as well as your lower stress levels—all things that boost the health of a relationship. So close the curtains, lock the bedroom door, and break out your favorite vibrator or just get hands-on , and be prepared to reap loads of relationship benefits. Looking to take back control of your health? Prevention has smart answers—get 2 FREE gifts when you subscribe today. When you've been married for a while, it can feel hard to maintain the high levels of passion you had when you first met. But masturbation can keep you feeling like a sexual being. Like the old saying goes, the more you have it, the more you want it.