Compulsive Masturbation

Masturbation addiction often referred to as compulsive masturbation can take various forms. Some people have to masturbate as part of their daily routine while others binge masturbate spending hours on the internet masturbating while watching porn.

When people binge masturbate they often go into what is called ‘ sexual trance’. A person in a trance frequently spends several hours masturbating while watching porn or fantasizing, some people even to the point of injury. The person looses all sense of time, escaping their daily life and commitments. 

Of all the types of sexual acting out, compulsive masturbation is one of the most secret and isolating. The man or women who compulsively masturbate with or without the use of porn are often the last to seek help, because of the shame they feel to openly discuss their behavior, or sometimes because they fail to see their behavior as problematic. 

Compulsive masturbation is often related to past trauma and usually begins in childhood or adolescence. It might also be connected  to familial, societal, or religious shame associated with sex. Some  clients report that they belief that masturbating is dirty, shameful, or sinful. The conflict between their belief and their action often effects the person’s  self-esteem and can lead to anxiety and depression.  

Due to the solitary nature of  compulsive masturbation, it often delays  to bring on a crisis in a persons life that would force them to deal with their problem and seek help. 

However, a few people engaging in compulsive masturbation do experience serious consequences and then seek treatment. One possibility is due to serious self-injury. Or they might become  involved in the legal system because they view child pornography while masturbating, or because they  masturbate in inappropriate or public places. 

However, the most frequent consequence of compulsive masturbation is a life bereft of real intimacy, filled with shame and isolation.


Below are a few common questions asked related to masturbation

What is compulsive masturbation? Can somebody really be addicted to masturbation?

Yes, compulsive masturbation is a common sexual addiction that affects men and women alike.  Of course masturbation is a healthy part of sexual exploration and sexuality. However, if a person turns to masturbation as a form of self-medication to deal with stress or trauma then most likely masturbation becomes a method of escape. This can set the stage for an addiction to develop.

Masturbation addiction often referred to compulsive masturbation can take various forms. Some people masturbate as part of their daily routine while others binge masturbate.


I don't see anything 'wrong' with masturbating, after all I am not betraying or hurting anybody?

There is nothing wrong with masturbation, and for some people masturbation is a way to connect with their sexuality in a healthy way.  An addiction to masturbation, however,  can be both physically and emotionally harmful to a person and their loved ones. Due to the amount of time and energy spent on masturbating, genital injury can occur. Additionally an addiction to masturbation can make intimate relationships difficult and interfere in seeking out intimacy with another person.


Isn’t this a way of shaming or imposing some kind of morality?

No. We are not saying there is a problem if you masturbate. But if masturbating has become a compulsion for you or an addiction than you have a problem.  Somebody who suffers from an addiction to masturbation is  compelled to masturbate and has no control over it. The urge to masturbate controls him or her. This is not an issue of morality, but of suffering .

An experienced therapist will honor a client’s personal morality while working with the person to reduce the shame they feel, help them to recover from the compulsion and explore healthy sexuality.

Considering treatment?

Treatment at NYCSAT: Some of the key components of your therapy will  focus on identifying and addressing the underlying trauma and issues; working on identifying your  emotional triggers; help you learn healthy self-soothing techniques and coping skills and develop a personal relapse prevention plan. 

To schedule a confidential consultation in person or by phone email us or call at 212.665.7352