Dear Punk,

I think that you exhibit a normal response to having a normal sex drive. At 17, your hormones are raging and you naturally have sexual urges. I had them then. Expressing your urges by masturbating is a safe way to express the desires you are having. According to Dr. Laura Bermann (a renowned Urologist), your masturbating is a very healthy outlet. My suspect is that your upbringing (I am not disparaging how you were raised) is creating some guilt and self-doubt within you. I think if you were to research it some, you would find the act to be a natural and healthy to the sexual response.

I have also read some studies that suggest that women or young women who masturbate tend to have a higher level of satisfaction with sex in their marriages. This is because the woman knows what she wants and how to be pleased.

So, try not to feel guilty and look at it as a step in helping to satisfying yourself both physically and mentally while making love with your husband.

By the way, I would not share this with your mother because all of us need our personal space. If you were harming yourself, I would suggest otherwise.

Try to take it all instride and enjoy your private trysts with yourself. It is one healthy act in your life that can not bring upon you any undesired outcomes, i.e. pregnancy, AIDS, and other STDs.

If you want further explanation or need to talk about what is bothering you, PM me as I am all ears.

Take Care,
Peacemaker