Masturbation is the act of touching one’s own body to become aroused and get a feeling of pleasure, often by stimulating your genitals. There are many different words used for masturbation, such as ‘jacking/jerking off’, ‘wanking’, ‘flicking the bean’, ‘fingering oneself’ or ‘self-love’, and these often end in orgasm, but not always!
It is important to know that you NEVER have to masturbate if you don’t want to.
Also, there is no right or wrong age to start. Each person will be different. You can masturbate whether you have a sexual partner or not. Children often begin touching themselves long before puberty, as their bodies grow and change. Babies have even been observed touching their genitals in the womb! It is often a source of self-comfort and self-soothing, as well as feeling nice. Many children begin masturbating as they grow and explore their changing bodies. As they grow into their teenage years and beyond, masturbating becomes a more sexual act.
It is very important that children know that masturbating is normal and will not harm them. They should know that it is not something to be ashamed of, but that they need to do so in private.
Good news – there are no health risks associated with masturbation, as long as you are super hygienic. Make sure that anything that is making contact with your genitals is clean (hands, sex toys) and that you are not touching your genitals with anything that has touched your anus. This is particularly important for anyone who has a vagina. Bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract can be passed into the vagina in this way, which can cause a number of infections. If you have touched your anus with your fingers, sex toy or anything at all, it needs to be thoroughly washed before touching the vagina.
Skin irritation may occur, but using lots of lubricant should sort that out. Find a lube that agrees with your skin. Some people can be sensitive to certain lubes, e.g. strongly flavoured, tingling or ‘warm’ lube. Again, everyone has different preferences! Try and choose a reputable manufacturer that have ‘body-safe’ ingredients. If you’re unsure if something can be used as lubricant, always double check by asking a health practitioner, like your GP or nurse. If in doubt – don’t risk it!
The only way that you can masturbate ‘too much’ is if it starts to become painful after a few times, or if it is interfering with your daily life – such as your school work, job, responsibilities, your sex life with a partner, your social life and activities. If this is the case, it is a good idea to speak to someone you trust, or a professional that you feel comfortable talking to, such as a therapist or GP. Balance is key!
Masturbation was once considered as a ‘perverted’, shameful act by many people, and you may sometimes hear that it is ‘sinful’ in certain religions. You and/or your older relatives may have been warned not to masturbate as a child or teenager. These attitudes can be brought into adulthood and cause the person to feel shame or guilt for pleasuring oneself.
However, masturbation is healthy, normal, fulfilling and safe, and there is no need to feel any shame in masturbating. It has many health benefits, and is a natural part of being human. Only you can choose what is right for you – masturbating is a personal choice. If you have feelings of shame and guilt related to masturbating, talk to someone you know and trust who will not pass judgement. This may be a friend or family member, or perhaps a doctor, nurse, counsellor or sexual educator.
Masturbation can improve our physical, mental and sexual health, and help to create healthy sexual relationships. Here are a few amazing things that masturbation can do…
