Masturbation means touching or stimulating your own body for pleasure. It is common among adults, whether or not they are in a relationship, and people vary widely in whether and how often they do it. There is no single “normal” frequency.
What to know
- For most people, masturbation is a normal, private part of sexuality.
- It does not cause infertility, blindness, or physical weakness. Those are myths.
- People may masturbate for pleasure, relaxation, or to learn what feels comfortable to them. It is also completely fine not to masturbate.
Keeping it comfortable and safe
- Choose a private place where you will not be interrupted, and wash your hands beforehand.
- Be gentle; stop if something hurts. If friction causes irritation, a suitable lubricant may help.
- Keep any objects used for sexual activity clean and intended for that purpose. Do not share them without cleaning them and using appropriate protection.
When to seek help
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you have persistent pain, injury, irritation, or distress. You may also want support if masturbation feels difficult to control or is interfering with sleep, studies, work, relationships, or other responsibilities. A clinician can discuss concerns confidentially and without judgment.
In short, masturbation is a personal choice. What matters is that it is comfortable, private, and not causing harm or disrupting your life.