Masturbation
Masturbation (self pleasure, jacking off, self loving, etc.) can include touching or rubbing of penis, testes, clitoris, vaginal opening, vulva, breast or anus for sexual pleasure. Masturbation can lead to orgasm, but can also feel good without reaching orgasm. It is a safe and healthy way of learning about your body and exploring your sexuality.
Who is doing it and how?
People of all ages, races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, abilities, and sexual orientations masturbate. However, if you choose not to masturbate, that’s OK too. How you express yourself sexually is up to you.
There are many ways to give yourself sexual pleasure, including: using your fingers or hands to stroke your body; rubbing against objects (e.g. pillows, sex toys, etc.); reading, listening to, or watching something that turns you on; or using your imagination to fantasize. Privacy can be an important consideration. If you live with other people, you may want to masturbate in a place and during a time when you won’t be interrupted.
Why masturbate?
People masturbate for many different reasons – because it feels great and it’s free, to reduce stress, to learn more about their sexual responsiveness, to learn to love their bodies, to avoid unplanned pregnancy, etc. If orgasm is the intended goal, masturbation can be very satisfying because it is up to you to decide when you want to have an orgasm.
Benefits of masturbation
- reduce discomfort for women living with pain, from cramping and uterine congestion during menstruation
- reduce discomfort for men due to a build up of fluid in the prostate gland that is a result of a non-bacterial inflammation
- you can become more comfortable with your sexuality and more aware of your sexual response cycle
- can help men learn to delay ejaculation
- learn how to orgasm, especially for women
- can help you to enjoy sex with others more as you are more aware of your body and preferences
- can help build self esteem and learn to love yourself
- can release tension and assist in relaxing sufficiently to fall asleep
Safety suggestions to keep in mind when masturbating:
- never insert anything breakable (e.g. glass) inside your vagina or anus, as the object could break and injure you.
- never insert an object into your vagina or anus that cannot be easily removed. If using a sex toy (e.g. a vibrator or dildo) choose one that is flared at the bottom for easy removal.
- never insert your penis into an object or place from which it cannot be easily removed
- vibrators left running for extended periods of time can overheat and cause burns
- if you use lubricant, avoid using soap, shampoo, oil-based lubricants or scented creams as they may cause a reaction (e.g. a rash, dry skin) or a build-up of bacteria
- if you engage in mutual masturbation (i.e. masturbation with your sexual partner), practice safer sex.