MASTURBATION

Masturbation occurs when a person massages him or herself for sexual pleasure. It is considered a normal part of a person's sexuality. Many people masturbate, both men and women.

Children often stroke their genitals to soothe themselves as they go to sleep. This is a non-sexual form of masturbation. Puberty is the time that many boys start to masturbate. Usually girls start later, when they are well into their teen years. It is normal not to masturbate, too.

Some people have religious training that tells them masturbation is wrong. However, it does not cause physical or mental health problems. It does not cause hairy palms, blindness, or increased sexuality. Some people use masturbation to release sexual feelings when they are not having sex. Some people do it to learn about what kind of pleasure they like.

Sometimes people masturbate their sexual partner. This is called mutual masturbation, and is a safer sexual behavior than having unsafe sex, which can lead to pregnancy and a sexually transmitted disease.

Visit with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about masturbation.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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