Body & health

Masturbation

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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

Masturbation is touching or stimulating your own body for sexual pleasure. It is a common, normal part of sexuality at all ages and in and out of relationships.

At a glance

  • Masturbation is touching or stimulating your own body for sexual pleasure.
  • It is a common and normal part of sexuality at all ages, in and out of relationships.
  • Myths that it causes blindness, infertility or ill health have no scientific basis.
  • Done alone, it carries no risk of pregnancy or STIs.
  • Not masturbating at all is also normal.

In detail

Many myths about masturbation, such as that it causes blindness, infertility or harm to health, have no scientific basis. Health organisations describe it as safe and a way for people to learn about their own bodies and what feels good, which can make communication with partners easier.

Masturbation carries no risk of pregnancy or STIs when done alone. How often people do it varies enormously, and not doing it at all is also normal. It only becomes a concern if it causes distress, physical injury, or interferes with daily life, in which case a counsellor or clinician can help.

In a sentence

  • The sex education website explains that masturbation is a normal way to learn about your body.
  • He was relieved to read that the old myths about masturbation are untrue.

Where the word comes from

From Latin masturbari. The deeper origin of the Latin word is uncertain and has been debated by scholars.

Common questions

Is masturbation bad for your health?

No. Health organisations describe it as safe, and myths that it causes blindness, infertility or other harm have no scientific basis. It can help people learn what feels good, which can make communication with partners easier.

How often is too often?

There is no set amount, and frequency varies enormously between people. It only becomes a concern if it causes distress, physical injury or interferes with daily life, in which case a counsellor or clinician can help.

Related terms

Sources

  1. Planned ParenthoodMasturbation