Did you know that masturbation can be a positive and enjoyable experience? It's true! Many teenagers engage in self-pleasure, and nothing is weird about it. In fact, masturbation is a great way to learn about your body and your sexual feelings without the complications that can arise from engaging in sexual activities with someone else. Plus, it allows you to experience pleasure without worrying about the risks of unwanted pregnancy or contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
If you've ever wondered how arousal works or what it feels like, masturbation is an excellent way to explore sexual pleasure and understand your body better. And it's not just limited to your genitals! Your body has various sensitive areas called erogenous zones, such as your ears, neck, inner thighs, and nipples, among others.
Aside from discovering your body, masturbating can also help you identify your sexual preferences and what turns you on. You might find that listening to sensual music and creating a cozy ambiance with dim lighting enhances your experience. Perhaps there's a particular time of day when you feel particularly aroused. It's also possible that reading erotic literature or fan fiction heightens your sensations. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. There's no right or wrong way to masturbate!
If your sex education class didn't cover the topic of masturbation or you're simply eager to learn more, we've consulted Ellen Kate Friedrichs, a health and sexuality educator, and writer based in Brooklyn, New York, to provide you with all the information you need.
Here are a few key points:
Masturbation involves touching your own body for sexual pleasure, including areas like the vulva, clitoris, labia, vagina, breasts, or anus.
Masturbation isn't solely about vaginal stimulation. While your sex education may have overlooked the clitoris (located at the top of the vulva), it's important to know that most individuals experience pleasure through clitoral stimulation rather than vaginal penetration. A study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy in 2017 surveyed 1,055 women in the United States, aged 18 to 94, and found that 37 percent required clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm, compared to 18 percent who relied solely on vaginal penetration. Additionally, 36 percent of women reported that clitoral stimulation, while not necessary for orgasm, enhanced their overall pleasure.
Embrace the journey of self-exploration and enjoy the benefits of masturbation as a teenager. It's a normal and healthy way to understand your body and sexual desires while prioritizing your well-being.
Masturbation is completely normal. According to the 2021 Global Self-Pleasure Report by TENGA, a leading sex toy company, 82 percent of women in a sample size of 1,000 Americans aged 18 to 54 reported masturbation. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Sex Research in 2016 found that 85.5 percent of female participants stated that they had masturbated at some point in their lives, typically around the ages of 13 and 14.
Men also embrace self-pleasure. The aforementioned study from the Journal of Sex Research revealed that 98.9 percent of male participants reported masturbating, usually beginning at ages 12 and 13. Additionally, the 2021 TENGA report highlighted that 90 percent of men in the United States engage in masturbation.
Masturbation does not make you a bad, weird, or gross person. It's essential to understand that masturbation is a normal and healthy aspect of exploring one's sexuality. On the other hand, if you choose not to masturbate, it doesn't mean you're prudish or that something is wrong. Masturbation offers a way to become more acquainted with your own desires and preferences, but if it doesn't resonate with you, that's perfectly okay.
It's an informative way to learn about your body. Each person's body is unique, and everyone has different preferences regarding rhythms and movements that bring pleasure. Figuring out what works for you may require some trial and error, and this process can be more relaxed and pressure-free without a partner present. As Ellen Kate Friedrichs, a health and sexuality educator, explains, "By exploring your body through masturbation, you can gain self-knowledge before engaging in sexual activities with a partner. Later on, you can communicate your preferences to your partner."
The potential for orgasm. Arousal causes muscular tension, and orgasm releases that tension and a surge of serotonin, an endorphin that floods the bloodstream. "These chemicals can generate intensely pleasurable sensations and make someone feel happy, giddy, or sleepy," says Friedrichs. The experience of orgasm can vary from person to person, making it difficult to define. However, envisioning it as the peak of a roller coaster ride, just before the descent, can provide a helpful analogy.
Patience is vital for achieving orgasms. According to Friedrichs, don't give up if it takes time to reach orgasm. It could range anywhere from a minute to an hour or even longer.
Enjoyment doesn't depend on orgasm. While orgasms can be pleasurable, it's important to note that not everyone will consistently experience them. Friedrichs emphasizes that it's perfectly fine if you enjoy masturbating without necessarily reaching orgasm.
The safest form of sexual activity. Masturbation is a form of solo sex, considered the safest regarding health and safety. Since there is no risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, you can fully indulge in the experience without any concerns about your well-being.
Prioritize hand hygiene. It is crucial to wash your hands before engaging in masturbation. Clean hands prevent introducing bacteria into your body, ensuring a more hygienic experience. Remember, clean hands are the best hands when it comes to intimacy.
Urinate after masturbation. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur when bacteria from the anus accidentally travel to the urethra. Even a minor touch of the anal area can increase the risk. By urinating after masturbation, you help flush out any potential bacteria and reduce the chances of developing a UTI.
Masturbation doesn't affect virginity. The common understanding of virginity is based on whether someone has had sexual intercourse with another person, rather than engaging in self-stimulation. Inserting a finger into the vagina, for instance, does not negate virginity if there hasn't been sexual activity with a partner.
Masturbation doesn't impact sexual enjoyment with a partner. It is a myth that masturbation damages the genitals, causes vaginal looseness, or diminishes the ability to enjoy sex with a partner. Mutual masturbation, engaging in self-pleasure in the presence of a partner, is a shared experience. However, if fluids are present, such as semen or vaginal fluids, there is a risk of sexually transmitted infections. To protect yourself, wash your hands before touching your own genitals, and if using a sex toy with a partner, ensure proper cleaning and consider using a condom.
Your partner's masturbation is not a reflection of their attraction to you. Masturbation is a personal and normal aspect of self-exploration, even in a satisfying relationship. Insecurity or misunderstandings may lead to concerns about a partner's masturbation habits. However, many people report increased masturbation when they are happy in their relationships. So, rather than a cause for worry, it can be seen as a compliment.
Embrace the use of sex toys. Sex toys are not limited to partnered sexual activities. According to the Journal of Sex Research study, many women (43 percent) occasionally incorporate sex toys into their solo masturbation routines, compared to a smaller percentage of men (13 percent). The 2021 TENGA report also found that 66 percent of women aged 18 to 54 in the United States have used sex toys.
Masturbation as stress relief. Achieving orgasm during masturbation releases endorphins, which can improve mood and help alleviate stress. It can be a healthy and natural way to find emotional and physical relaxation.
Easing menstrual cramps through masturbation. Masturbation can provide relief from period cramps. The release of endorphins during orgasm acts as a natural painkiller, potentially reducing discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.
Frequency of masturbation. Concerns about masturbating "too much" are unfounded. As long as it doesn't interfere with your daily life, including relationships, school, family, or activities, masturbating once or twice daily is considered normal and healthy.
Masturbation and better sleep. Including masturbation in your nighttime routine, specifically before sleep, can be beneficial. Studies show that orgasms increase the production of prolactin, a hormone that promotes sleep. It can help relax the body and contribute to a more restful night's sleep.
Understanding these essential aspects of masturbation allows for a more informed and fulfilling exploration of one's sexuality, promoting personal well-being and sexual empowerment.