Masturbation
Hear this word Masturbation
Also known as: Jacking off, wanking, self-pleasuring, solo sex
Image description: Two illustrations of two figures masturbating; one figure has a penis and the other has a vulva.
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What Is It?
Masturbation is when a person touches their own body or genitals for sexual pleasure.
An Example
Kelly masturbates in her bedroom with the door closed. She enjoys many of the sensations that she feels.. Masturbating helps Kelly to understand what feels good to her body and what does not. Kelly makes sure to wash her hands after masturbating.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Masturbation is common. Some people with vulvas masturbate and some people with penises masturbate. Some people do not masturbate and that is also okay.
- People masturbate because it feels good and because it can help them understand their bodies better.
- Sometimes people may need assistance from a personal care attendant to help them prepare to masturbate and to help clean up afterwards. The personal care attendant should always provide privacy to the person they support when asked.
- Some people use a sex toy like a vibrator or a dildo when they masturbate, and some people masturbate with clean hands only. Only use items that are made to be sex toys. Inserting other items in your rectum or vagina can be unsafe.
- People can masturbate whether they are in a relationship or single. Masturbation is not connected to a person’s relationship or marriage status.
- Some people masturbate alone, and some people masturbate with their romantic or sexual partners.
- People usually masturbate in personal spaces like their bedroom or alone in a private bathroom where they live. Do not masturbate in public places. Do not masturbate in the bathrooms of public places such as malls, libraries, schools, or workplaces. These are not private places. Do not masturbate in shared spaces if other people are in the room (or might enter the room) and if they did not consent or agree to be nearby when someone is masturbating.
Think about
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What did you learn about masturbation?
To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.