Is it bad to masturbate and/or look at porn?

by Jack
(California)

I just turned 19 and have been masturbating for five years now. I generally watch porn when I do it.

I come from a difficult family life and find myself doing it a lot and I worry it's become a form of escape from the troubles of my life. Also, I worry it'll screw up my life to continue to look at porn and to continue to masturbate.

So I stopped and it's been about five or six days and there has been a few times that it's really hard to not go and do it. A few older guys I've asked have said that it's normal to want to do it as frequently as I do at my age, but I'm not sure. Is it normal? Is it dangerous?

Tibor’s answer:

Masturbation is natural and most of us do it. It means it’s not dangerous; in fact it helps in many aspects of life.
It reduces irritability and aggressive behaviour, aids sexual performance and hormonal balance.
The biggest problem would be, I guess, the feeling of guilt.
So don’t feel guilty about it and don’t speculate. The only advice I can give you is don’t overdo it.

How to tell if you had too much? You feel sexually exhausted.

Also, this is important, try not to masturbate/orgasm when drunk.

Otherwise just enjoy your life. Porn? It’s stimulating. There is nothing wrong about it. It helps your imagination.
Once you have a permanent girlfriend you will readjust your habits.