Sex & relationships health centre

Masturbation

Masturbation usually describes sexual self-arousal and orgasm by touching, stroking or rubbing the penis or rubbing the vagina or clitoris. A couple can also masturbate each other.

Is masturbation 'normal'?

Yes - although people may not talk about it much, most people masturbate at some time at any age. This might be when they are younger before they have sex for the first time - or to relieve any sexual tension when they are not having sex - or as a means of having an orgasm without the risk of pregnancy.

Is masturbation harmful?

Not usually. Although there have been many myths about masturbation over the years, there's no evidence it causes blindness, mental health problems or hairy hands.

There is no evidence a man's sperm count is reduced by masturbating, though it takes most men some time to recover after ejaculating to be ready to ejaculate again.

There is a very small risk of a penis injury from violent handling or vaginal damage from using inappropriate objects.

Excessive masturbation could cause swelling of the penis if it is done too often in a short period of time.

If a partner prefers to masturbate than have sex and this is affecting the couple's usual sex life, then it may make sense to seek professional advice to see if there are any sex or relationships issues that could be helped. Medical advice may also be needed if the urge to masturbate is interfering with daily life, or there are urges to do it other than in private.

Are there benefits to masturbation?

In some ways it is less risky than having sex as there is a far lower risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) unless an infected person touches their own genitals and then the partner's. If sex toys are used during masturbation, sharing them may spread STIs.