I have been masturbating for around 14 years. For the last 7 years, I have been trying to stop completely, but I am not able to. I do not do it very frequently — on average around 5–6 times a month. The main thing is that I do not even feel strong sexual urges, but still I end up doing it out of habit or compulsion, and I want to stop fully.
Because of this, I feel frustrated and guilty at times. I wanted to ask:
Which type of therapy can help in controlling habitual or compulsive behavior like this?
What is the success rate of therapy for this kind of issue?
Looking for genuine medical advice and personal experiences.
Answers (11)
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It seems to be a psychosexual obsession leading to masturbation mania.
It needs to be treated asap otherwise it may get complicated and can affect your personal and sexual life.
It can be well treated with counseling sessions and homeopathic medicine effectively and without any side effects.
It needs to be addressed in a holistic approach for complete recovery.
You need an expert Sexologist who is a good homeopathic physician and psychologist.
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I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist, sexologist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years of experience. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
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Hello,
First, try not to view yourself with shame or guilt. Masturbation itself is not harmful, but if it feels habitual, compulsive, or emotionally distressing, it is worth understanding the pattern behind it.
Therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Habit Reversal techniques can be very helpful in identifying triggers, emotional patterns, boredom, stress, or routines connected to the behavior. Therapy usually focuses on reducing compulsive patterns rather than forcing perfection.
Also, 5–6 times a month is not generally considered extreme, so be careful not to become overly self-critical. Recovery works better with self-awareness and balance than with harsh suppression. With consistency and support, many people successfully gain healthier control over such habits.
HI,
For controlling habitual or compulsive behaviors like masturbation, therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are often effective. CBT helps identify and change thought patterns and habits that lead to compulsive behaviors. Mindfulness-based therapies can also help increase awareness and self-control. The success rate varies depending on individual commitment and circumstances, but many people experience significant improvement with consistent therapy and support. It's important to consult a mental health professional who can tailor treatment to your specific needs and provide ongoing guidance. Personal experiences vary, but with dedication, recovery and control are achievable.
Masturbation in itself is not considered harmful or unhealthy. However, when a behavior starts feeling repetitive, difficult to control, emotionally distressing, or driven more by habit/compulsion than actual desire, it can be helpful to address it psychologically rather than only through willpower.
From what you described (5–6 times a month, low sexual urge, but difficulty stopping completely), this sounds more like a habitual or compulsive coping pattern than “high sexual drive.” The guilt and frustration attached to it often make the cycle stronger.
The therapies that commonly help in such cases are:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – helps identify triggers, automatic thoughts, emotional states, boredom/stress patterns, and habit loops associated with the behavior. CBT is one of the most commonly recommended approaches for compulsive sexual or repetitive behaviors. ([PMC][1])
• Habit Reversal & Behavioral Therapy – focuses on breaking the automatic cycle by replacing urges with alternative responses, improving impulse control, and reducing trigger exposure.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy / ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) – useful when urges happen automatically or when guilt/shame increases the compulsion. Mindfulness-based approaches have shown benefit in reducing compulsive sexual behaviors and emotional distress. ([ResearchGate][2])
• If obsessive thoughts are present, therapists may also assess for anxiety or OCD-related patterns, because sometimes the struggle becomes more about “control” and guilt than sexuality itself. ([Medical News Today][3])
Regarding success rate: therapy generally works well when the person is motivated, consistent, and open about triggers instead of hiding them. Many people improve significantly within a few months because the focus is usually on changing behavioral patterns, emotional regulation, and daily routines—not suppressing sexuality completely. ([PMC][1])
Also, trying to stop “100% forever” sometimes creates a rebound effect. Therapy often works better when the goal is healthier control, reduced compulsion, and freedom from guilt rather than extreme suppression.
Next Steps
A good psychologist or sex therapist can help you work on:
• urge management
• trigger identification
• reducing compulsive habits
• emotional regulation
• guilt/shame restructuring
• healthier routines and coping mechanisms
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You are already self-aware and motivated, which is a positive sign for recovery.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your concern so honestly. It sounds frustrating to feel like you are repeatedly engaging in a behaviour that you want to control, especially when it is followed by guilt and disappointment.
From what you described, the pattern may be more related to a habitual or compulsive behavioural cycle rather than only strong sexual urges. Sometimes behaviours become linked with stress relief, routine, emotional coping, or automatic habits, even when the desire itself is not very strong.
The good news is that therapy can be helpful in understanding and managing these patterns. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to work on:
• identifying triggers and automatic patterns
• managing urges and compulsive behaviour
• reducing guilt and self-criticism
• building healthier coping strategies and routines
In some cases, if repetitive thoughts or compulsive urges are very strong, a mental health professional may also assess for anxiety or OCD-related features.
Therapy success often depends on factors such as consistency, self-awareness, motivation for change, and understanding the emotional or behavioural patterns behind the habit. Many people do experience improvement with proper therapeutic support and gradual behavioural changes.
Try not to approach yourself with excessive shame or self-criticism, as guilt can sometimes strengthen the cycle further.
Warm regards,
Dr Namita Ranjan
Counselling Psychologist
Your difficulties seem connected to repetitive thought loops, avoidance patterns and emotional overwhelm which can make consistency very hard. Therapy focused on thought patterns, behaviour routines and emotional regulation may help you gradually regain a sense of control.
It is a very deep rooted problem. My suggest to you is to go for psychodynamic therapy to help understand and resolve the problems at the root level. I’m doubtful about the efficacy of CBT in treating this problem.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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