Masturbation is touching one's own genitals for pleasure, often to the point of orgasm. Although it's not something often talked about, masturbation is healthy and normal.
For many people, masturbating relieves stress; it's also an option for those choosing not to be sexual with another person.
If you choose to masturbate, make sure you're taking care of your body. First, always wash your hands before you masturbate. Genital tissue is sensitive and it's always best to keep the area as clean as possible (without douching, ladies!).
Similarly, make sure toys are clean. Try not to use anything that's too large, which can cause pain or irritation, or too small, which can become lost in the body. Using a lubricant, like KY jelly, often benefits both genders because it helps prevent skin irritation from too much friction.
This probably goes without saying, but always masturbate in a private place. And, be prepared for clean-up. Toys should be washed between uses and should not be shared, to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Most men ejaculate into a sock, tissue or condom.
Some people masturbate by looking at magazines or watching videos, thereby enhancing sexual fantasies. This is a harmless practice as long as it doesn't have a negative impact on your real-life relationships.
If you find yourself disappointed that your partner doesn't remove pubic hair or look like the models in magazines – or is unable (or unwilling) to do certain things seen in videos – it may be time to stimulate yourself in other ways and assess whether your pornography usage is getting in the way of life.
Mutual masturbation is when two people pleasure themselves while in the same room. This is one of the safer sex acts, because no bodily fluids are exchanged. It's also a great way to show your partner how you like to be touched.
Try not to masturbate the same way every time. If you become accustomed to climaxing while watching a certain video and/or touching yourself in a specific way, it may become more difficult to feel pleasure when with a partner.
So make a conscious effort to vary your technique, position and what you look at or think about. Adding in toys, such as dildos and vibrators, can add variety but need to be discussed and mutually agreed to if another person is involved. Remember to clean toys after each use.
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Last Reviewed: December 2019