Should I Masturbate Before Having Sex?
Masturbating before partnered sex can make sense if you want to lower acute sensitivity, manage performance anxiety, or pace yourself with a partner—provided you recover arousal quickly. It is usually a poor fit when you want peak responsiveness, when it is used to avoid communication, or when it causes physical discomfort or loss of arousal. The best choice depends on your goals, your body’s refractory response, and honest conversation with your partner. For persistent sexual-health concerns, consult a qualified clinician or sex therapist.