Masturbation

Masturbation, or self-pleasuring, is touching and rubbing parts of the body (such as the penis, scrotum, clitoris, vulva, breasts and anus) for sexual pleasure. It is a choice that individuals can make about their own bodies (solo masturbation), but it can also happen between two or more people (mutual masturbation).

Mutual masturbation and consent#

If mutual masturbation occurs with other people, everyone needs to give their consent. Consent is given when someone agrees to a sexual activity without feeling pressured, forced, threatened or coerced. All participants must consent to any sexual activity.

A common choice#

Masturbation can be a healthy way for people to explore their bodies, to find out what feels good sexually, and how to reach an orgasm. It is common behaviour at all ages, from childhood through the teenage years and into adulthood, by anyone of any gender. Younger children may touch their own genitals simply because it feels enjoyable. People going through puberty may notice an increased interest in sexual feelings and masturbation.

Sexual pleasure through masturbation can be part of a person’s sexual experience, but some people choose not to masturbate, and that is also normal.

Frequency of masturbation#

How frequently people masturbate is different for everyone. Some people might masturbate several times a day, a week or a month, or not at all. How often someone masturbates is not a problem unless the time spent on it interferes with other aspects of their life, such as school, work or social activities. For some people it may be linked to an underlying health condition, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

If you or someone you know is concerned about their frequency of masturbation, it can help to speak with a trusted adult or a health professional.

Sexual health benefits#

Masturbation can be beneficial to sexual health. It:

• is a form of safer sex, with no risk of pregnancy and a reduced risk of getting a sexually transmissible infection (STI)
• releases sexual tension
• is available to everyone, regardless of whether they are in a relationship or have a partner
• gives people the chance to experience sexual pleasure if they are not having sex with a partner, or are abstaining from sex
• allows people to explore their own sexuality and become familiar with their sexual responses, which can help them communicate their wants and needs to a partner
• can help with sexual dysfunction, for example by helping people learn how to reach orgasm, or learn control if they experience premature ejaculation

General health benefits#

Some of the general health benefits of masturbation may include that it:

• helps people relax
• aids better sleep and wellbeing
• reduces stress
• increases confidence and self-esteem
• helps the release of the brain’s opioid-like neurotransmitters (called endorphins), which create feelings of physical and mental wellbeing

Debunking myths about masturbation#

Even though masturbation is a common sexual behaviour, some people may feel ashamed or embarrassed about it, often because of outdated beliefs. One of the strongest myths is that masturbation is only for men or people with a penis. This is untrue. Anyone with any type of body can choose to masturbate.

Masturbation has also been incorrectly blamed for a range of health problems, including:

• reduced sexual function
• infertility
• blindness
• mental health issues
• sexual perversion

None of these claims are accurate.

Sexual content online and masturbation#

Some people may look at sexual content online to aid their masturbation, as it might help bring on the sexual or pleasurable feelings they associate with it. Masturbation is different for different people, and looking at sexual content online is not a requirement for masturbation.

Children, young people and masturbation – tips for parents and carers#

People of all ages masturbate for different reasons. For some children and young people, masturbation may help them relax, or they may be curious and want to explore their bodies. In most cases, it simply makes them feel good.

Even at a young age, children can pick up on the attitudes of trusted adults. If they receive negative responses to masturbation, they may become anxious and ashamed, and these thoughts and feelings can carry over into adulthood. Young people can be reassured that interest in sex and their own bodies is nothing to feel ashamed about.

Tips for parents and carers include:

• try to understand that children and young people masturbate for many reasons, such as curiosity, exploration and sensory pleasure
• be reassured that masturbation in children is very common
• focus on the setting rather than the activity itself, and explain that masturbation involves private body parts, so it is something that happens in private
• understand that children may turn to masturbation in times of stress
• if a child’s masturbation is affecting other activities, try to find out what is making them anxious or upset

Adolescence is the time when young people’s bodies are developing and they are experimenting sexually. Over 90% of young people aged 14 to 18 report that they masturbate. If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour, you can talk with your doctor. A school nurse, welfare coordinator, or a youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health service may also be able to help.

Key points#

• Masturbation is common behaviour at all ages, from childhood through the teenage years and into adulthood, by anyone of any gender.
• Younger children may touch their own genitals simply because it feels enjoyable.
• Masturbation in children is very common, and is nothing to feel ashamed about.

Where to get help#