What should I do if I can't stop masturbating?

Patient's question:

I have been masturbating since I was 14, and now I've heard that masturbation is very harmful to health, so I don't want to do it anymore. But I just can't stop. I'm already 22 years old. Can you tell me what's wrong with me? Doctor

Doctor's answer:

Hello:
Self-masturbation, also known as mutual masturbation, is, in a narrow sense, the act of stimulating one's external genitalia with the hands to achieve psychological satisfaction and reach a state of self-masturbation.
In a broader sense, any form of self- or mutual stimulation of the genitalia or other sensitive areas to seek sexual pleasure and satisfaction can be considered self-masturbation. It is an act of self-release of sexual desire during moments of sexual arousal.
Self-masturbation is a common phenomenon, present across all ages, from young to old. However, it is most prevalent among adolescents.
Self-masturbation is a behavior that exists from childhood. During this stage, it is often due to unconscious, occasional genital play, wearing tight clothing, or friction during activities like climbing, which stimulates the genitalia and induces pleasure. Regardless of gender, during adolescence, physiological changes in the body naturally lead to the emergence of sexual urges and desires. This period is marked by sexual tension, curiosity, and fantasies about sexual matters. As a natural instinct, they begin to engage in conscious self-masturbation under the influence of sexual physiology and psychology.
Since sexual arousal is not controlled by the brain but determined by sexual hormone levels in the blood, it is a natural phenomenon that cannot be influenced by human will. From sexual maturity to the legal satisfaction of sexual desires—through marriage—it typically takes 7 to 8 years or even longer. During this time, sexual energy is at its peak, and individuals often seek opportunities to relieve sexual tension. In such situations, self-masturbation is likely the most convenient and safest method. It does not involve others or lead to emotional entanglements, nor does it result in sexual assault or even sexual crimes.