Is there such a thing as masturbating too much?

Just because you may have been doing it for a long time at this point doesn’t mean you’re supposed to know everything there is to know! You’ve probably also been cooking for a long time at this point but we’re betting you haven’t been on Top Chef, have you? Okay then. Think of it as MasterClass, but for sex ed.

1. Is there such a thing as masturbating too much?

No! Not unless it’s actually making you unhappy, physically injuring you, or making you unsafe. And just so we’re all on the same page, if it’s making you unhappy because of shame you have around your sexuality, we’d advise ditching the shame and keeping the masturbation. Seeing a great sex therapist can really help.

2. Is there a limit to the number of orgasms you should have in a row?

Nope! You should have as many orgasms as you want in a row or spaced out throughout the day—whatever floats your boat is a-okay. You may find that you become too sensitive after a while or that the opposite is true and you become numb, especially if you’re using a strong vibrator. Don’t worry, that numbness should resolve quickly. Taking a break, even just for a few minutes, may be all you need to get back in the game.

3. Is it okay to masturbate when you’re in a relationship?

Absolutely. It’s not only okay, it’s generally quite healthy. Taking time to focus only on what feels good for you is important. It’s also a great way to try something new if you’re not sure how you’re going to feel about doing it with a partner. And it relieves stress. And really, you don’t need a reason. It’s your body.

4. Should you pee after masturbating or only after partnered sex?

It’s generally a good idea to pee after having any kind of sex—solo or partnered, penis-in-vagina, vulva-on-vulva, oral, anal, anything. That’s because contact with any sort of foreign object, whether that’s a body part (including your own finger) or a toy can introduce bacteria into the urethra, the tube that leads from your bladder to the outside of your body. If bacteria gets inside your urethra and you don’t flush it out quickly by peeing, it can creep its way up into your bladder and give you a urinary tract infection (UTI). Not fun.

5. Is there anything you shouldn’t use as a dildo?

In general, we’d recommend sticking to sex toys that are sold as sex toys rather than going the DIY route as it’s just easier to get hurt when you go rogue. But if you’re not going to take that advice, the biggest rule to follow is that in general, objects that can’t be cleaned and covered with a condom shouldn’t be put inside your body.

If you’re looking for more specifics, there are a few things in particular that it would be good to avoid sticking inside your body. The first is sharp objects or those with a rough surface that could damage the delicate mucous membranes in your vagina or rectum. Another no-go, particularly for vaginas, is food that can’t be covered with a condom, because food can have sugar and bacteria in and on it, both of which can give you a vaginal infection. And anything breakable or that could leave some part of itself behind inside your body should also be avoided (this applies to vaginas and butts).

Speaking of butts, the most important thing to remember (other than to use LOTS of lube) is to always make sure that what you’re putting inside your butt has a flared base. Unlike the vagina, the rectum is not a closed pocket. It leads to your colon, and it has super strong muscles that can and will pull things inside. A flared base prevents the toy from getting sucked inside (which could lead to various unpleasant events like a trip to the ER and emergency surgery).

6. Is using an electric toothbrush really a good idea?

It’s not the best idea, actually. That’s because your toothbrush is full of bacteria. Like, FULL of bacteria. We get the instinct though, especially if you don’t own a vibrator or you ran out of batteries for yours. One workaround would be putting a condom over the toothbrush, but we can’t promise brushing your teeth will ever taste the same again. Another option would be to use a brand new toothbrush head, straight out of the package. You could even have one head for tooth brushing and one that you reserve for more fun activities.

7. What should you do if your partner walks in on you?

Let us ask you this question instead—what would you do if your partner walked in on you eating a sandwich? Probably tell them you’ll be right with them and then finish eating your sandwich, right? Just putting that out there as an option. Another option would be to invite them to join you, which could be a win-win.