Hi, since the age of 8 I've been masterbating now I'm 17 and had a girlfriend for the last 3 years 2 of which we've been having sex and yet I still masterbate 3-4 times a week(sometimes more). My first question is, is that normal? My second question is, if it isn't how can I stop? I am worried that maybe I am addicted since I've been doing it for almost 10 years now. I've tried to stop on a few occasions but I seem to be able to only make it a couple of weeks.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Thanks for the answer but we do regularly have sex 2-3 times a week :confused: .

Who says you have to stop? Masturbation is completely normal even while in a relationship. 3-4X a week isn't obsessive. Plus, think of it a way for you to get satisfied when you're not with your girlfriend and yet you're still being faithful to her. You only need to cut back if you're starting to have reduced sensation.

Thank you very much nikosmum. That's helped a lot :)

Have raised a few young men. Those hormones won't just go away on their own. Masturbation is all a part of life for guys. I would actually like to just mention to you that you are 17 and sexually active, so I am only want to mention to you and your girlfriend that a monogamous relationship is safest if you choose to have, AND that you USE protection from pregnancy and STD without fail!! If not, please educate and protect yourself! Remember that sex is a very adult decision not to be taken lightly!

Info from the web: US stats
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 19 million new STD infections occur every year. And, even more alarming, is that nearly 50 percent of these new cases happen to young people between the ages of 15 and 24. Not only that, but the American Social Health Association (ASHA) reports that half of all new HIV infections occur in teenagers.

The American Social Health Association reports that less than half of teenagers in the U.S. have had discussions about sexual health and STDs during health visits and in schools.

Source:Teen STD Statistics, stats, facts Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD). (http://www.familyfirstaid.org/std-statistics.html)