I'm 19, female. i just recently started masturbating and now it feels like it's controlling me. i don't want this to be something i am dependent on or something that i cannot control. i keep feeling some discomfort in my clitoris if i don't masturbat?

No worries: Masturbation should be harmless to the body as long as he or she does not use too much force or friction on his or her genitals. One should realize that the body has essentially the same response to masturbation as to sex for the purpose of reproduction. That means the body reacts just as it does during sexual intercourse, which, of course, has no harmful side effects on the body.

Masturbation: Completely agree with above. Your intuition, however, is not entirely wrong. Sex drive needs to partially sublimate into productive and sustainable life’s relationships. At the extreme, sex can be addictive. It is so for reproductive purposes. Moderation is usually a good thing, and it is good that you can successfully embrace your own sexuality.