Most masturbation is safe and healthy, sex therapists say. And it can improve sexual function and relationships by teaching both men and women about their own sexual responses, so they’re better able to explain to their partner what feels good to them. However, people who become too obsessed with solo sex can develop sexual problems or lose interest in sex with their partners. Finally, masturbation can, in fact, cause injury; frequent or overly vigorous masturbation can irritate the skin of the penis, and men who masturbate face-down can injure their urethras.