---
title: "Benefits of Masturbation | Sutter Health"
description: "Masturbation (solo sex, self-pleasuring, solitary sex or self-love) refers to touching one's your own sex organs for pleasure; a part of normal teen sexual development."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/masturbation"
---

1.  [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) /
2.  [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health) /
3.  Masturbation

# Masturbation

Self-pleasuring is a normal part of teen sexual behavior and development.

* * *

September 27, 2024Medically reviewed by Teens participating in the Summer Wellness Programs

Masturbation – also known as solo sex, self-pleasuring, solitary sex or self-love – refers to touching your own sex organs for pleasure.

## Who Masturbates?

Regardless of age, gender, culture, religion or race, masturbation occurs in all societies.

## Why Do People Masturbate?

-   To learn about what feels good to them and how they like to be stimulated or pleasured.
-   To experience pleasure.
-   To relieve (sexual tension or general tension).
-   To relieve stress.
-   To engage in sex when a partner is unavailable or doesn't want to have sex.
-   To relax.

## Are There Side Effects?

There are no harmful side effects of masturbation. However, some people report feeling guilty about masturbating. Negative feelings associated with any behavior can threaten a person's health and well being.

## Health Benefits of Masturbation

A number of studies have proven the benefits of self-pleasuring to mental, social and physical health:

-   Masturbation provides a healthy sexual outlet for people who choose to abstain from sex with partners or who do not currently have available sexual partners.
-   It can be a route to safer sex, to help prevent pregnancy and [sexually transmitted infections](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/how-to-treat-sti), including HIV.
-   Masturbation can help people sleep.
-   It allows a person to become familiar and comfortable with their body.
-   Masturbation can help reduce [stress](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/helping-teens-handle-stress).
-   It is a source of pleasurable sexual arousal.

## Can a Person Become Addicted or Masturbate too Much?

Yes, it can be considered an addiction if it interferes with other aspects of your life – such as relationships, school or work – or prevents you from fulfilling your regular commitments and responsibilities.

**Last Reviewed:** September 2019

## Explore related topics

[Teen's health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Teen%27s+health%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness)

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