Masturbation

What is masturbation?

Masturbation (also known as playing with yourself) is when you touch or rub your own genitals in a way that feels good. It is the safest way to have sex because there is no need to worry about becoming pregnant or catching any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV/AIDS. Both boys and girls masturbate and can have an orgasm. 

If you masturbate, you can teach your body how to have an orgasm which is also known as ‘coming. This is when you feel pleasure (like gentle waves of muscles squeezing) at the peak of sexual excitement. The feeling starts in the sex organs and moves outwards through the whole body. People usually have orgasms during sex or masturbation.

Masturbation is safe, fun, and natural. It usually begins during puberty and can be done at any age. It is how you learn to make yourself feel good and where you learn what you like and don’t like sexually. Most people masturbate in private and some masturbate more than others. There are also people who choose not to masturbate at all. The amount of time spent masturbating is different for everybody.

Thinking about things that are exciting when masturbating is completely normal. These are called fantasies.

Why is masturbation good for you?

• Masturbation is a stress reliever and can improve your mood.
• It can help you become sexually comfortable and confident with your body.
• Masturbation allows you to get to know your own body. You can discover what you like and what you don’t like.

Want to know what you can use to add more fun to masturbation? Find out here.

Delaying having sex means waiting until you are ready. Masturbating instead of having sex with someone else is your choice. Find out more in this article

Learn more about orgasms here