Is masturbation unhealthy?

Margaret writes, "What or is there a danger in masturbating to the point of losing the desires for another or not being able to have an intimate relationship with someone else?"

All scientific evidence indicates that masturbation is good for health both physically and emotionally, though, I am assuming that you are not doing it excessively (say, dozens of times daily, in which case you can get seriously ill or even die). Actually, many couples in perfectly healthy relationship engage in some form of self pleasure. It is a great way to please oneself or the other or both at the same time. Many couples find that it enhances their sex life because it helps them understand each other's bodies better.

When my partner is pleasing me, I enjoy it because at that time she is focused on me and I can focus on my own pleasure rather than worrying pleasing her, as I tend to do during lovemaking. Having said that, I still adore penetration, which gives me even more pleasure.

If you feel that you are having difficulty connecting with men emotionally or otherwise, it may have nothing to do with your desire for self pleasure more often; you may simply be shy or introverted, for example.