After Seinfeld character George Costanza's mother denounced him for treating his body like "an amusement park," a "master-of-your-domain" contest challenged George and friends Jerry, Elaine and Kramer to see who could go the longest without masturbating. (Kramer caves first, then Elaine and Jerry buckle, leaving George the declared winner.)

For those not in an abstinence contest with their friends, there's no good reason to refrain from the ritual — after all, you won't go blind and your palms won't grow hair. You just might enjoy this form of sexual release if you're temporarily without a partner, or in between partners.

Too Much of a Good Thing?
There is such a thing as self-pleasuring too much, says sex educator Howard Ruppel, Ph.D., but only if it's interfering with your life. Some signs that you're too hooked on the habit:

• You're spending more money than you can afford on X-rated videos.
• You're not taking time out to enjoy the outside world.
• You're in a relationship but neglecting its sexual side in favor of self-fulfillment.

To the patient who feared he was hooked on masturbation because he enjoyed the release an average of twice each week, sex therapist Ruppel responded lightheartedly: "When you can tell me you masturbate more times a week than I do, then we'll talk."

Virtual Carnal Connection
If you don't have a mate but you're interested in some erotic interaction, cybersex might fit the bill. The Internet can provide a convenient outlet for your lust for occasional, anonymous entertainment or intimate exchanges with a love who's far away. But, warns sociologist Schwartz, cybersex could become a serious problem if it serves as an escape route from real life. She gives the nod to Internet sex as an "occasional dessert" to round out your sexual repertoire — not a substitute for flesh-and-blood human contact.

Have a relationship in the flesh? Ask your partner about his or her view of cybersex — some people feel betrayed by such a relationship, seeing it as a sign of a cheatin' heart, or at least a misdirected libido.