Discussion: I am a 45-year-old divorcee. I grew up in a culture that forbade masturbation. I avoid masturbating!

People often find it difficult to quit patterns of behavior that have been ingrained since childhood. You have no reason to feel guilty. Masturbation is a natural and prevalent means of achieving self-satisfaction. Being able to satisfy yourself sexually may later help you achieve emotional and sexual release in a relationship with a partner. Masturbation (to a reasonable extent) does not cause harm to health. (As you mentioned)