MedicineNet

Masturbation Index

Featured: Masturbation Main Article

Just about everybody masturbates. Masturbation itself is the self-stimulation of the male or female genitals to achieve sexual pleasure or arousal to the point of orgasm. Masturbation involves stimulating the penis or clitoris. Masturbation is very common among people who have, or do not have sexual relations with a partner. Masturbation can relieve sexual tension that can build up over a period of time. Masturbation generally is considered normal unless it becomes a problem by inhibiting sexual activity with a partner, done in public, or causes distress to the person masturbating. Some experts suggest that masturbation can improve a person's sexual health and personal relationships.

    Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Article
      • What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs)?
      • Gonorrhea
      • What is gonorrhea?
      • Symptoms of gonorrhea
      • Diagnosis of gonorrhea
      • Treatment of gonorrhea
      • Chlamydia
      • What is chlamydia?
      • Symptoms of chlamydia
      • Diagnosis of chlamydia
      • Treatment of chlamydia
      • Syphilis
      • What is syphilis?
      • Symptoms of syphilis
      • Diagnosis of syphilis
      • Treatment of syphilis
      • Genital Herpes
      • What is genital herpes?
      • Symptoms of genital herpes
      • Diagnosis of genital herpes
      • Treatment of genital herpes
      • Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Genital Warts
      • What are HPVs?
      • Diagnosis of HPV and genital warts
      • How is HPV treated?
      • What should a person do if sexually exposed to genital warts?
      • The HPV vaccine
      • Chancroid
      • What is a chancroid?
      • Diagnosis of chancroid
      • Treatment of chancroid
      • What should a person do if exposed to someone with chancroid?
      • Ectoparasitic Infections
      • What are ectoparasitic infections?
      • Pubic lice (pediculosis pubis)
      • Scabies
      • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
      • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS
      • Hepatitis B
      • What is hepatitis B?
      • Hepatitis B symptoms
      • How can HBV infection be prevented?
      • Hepatitis B diagnosis and treatment
      • Hepatitis C
      • What is hepatitis C?
      • Diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C
      • Conclusions
    • Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Article
      • What are STDs and how can their spread be prevented?
      • Diseases Associated with Genital Lesions
      • Chancroid
      • Genital Herpes
      • Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
      • Syphilis
      • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
      • Diseases Associated with Urethritis
      • Urethritis
      • Chlamydia
      • Gonorrhea
      • Systemic STDs
      • Human Immunodeficiency Virus
      • Hepatitis B
      • Hepatitis C
      • Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8)
      • Ectoparasitic Infections
      • Sexually Transmitted Infections in Men At A Glance
    • Sexual Addiction The term sex addiction describes the behavior of someone who has an unusually strong sex drive or sexual obsession. Sex and...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sexual Addiction Article
      • Introduction to sexual addiction
      • What behaviors are associated with sexual addiction?
      • How is sexual addiction treated?
    • Sexual (Sex) Problems in Men Male sexual dysfunction can be caused by physical or psychological problems. Common sexual problems in men include erectile...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sexual (Sex) Problems in Men Article
      • Introduction to sexual problems in men
      • What causes sexual problems in men?
      • Who is affected by sexual problems?
      • How do sexual problems affect men?
      • What are ejaculation disorders?
      • What is erectile dysfunction?
      • What is inhibited sexual desire?
      • How are male sexual problems diagnosed?
      • What tests are used to evaluate sexual problems?
      • How is male sexual dysfunction treated?
      • Can sexual problems be cured?
      • Can sexual problems be prevented?
      • When should I call my doctor about a sexual problem?
    • Puberty The time when boys and girls begin the process of sexual maturation is called puberty. During this time, both sexes undergo a...learn more »
      In This Article
      Puberty Article
      • Puberty facts
      • What is puberty?
      • When does puberty occur?
      • What determines when puberty begins?
      • What are the physical changes of puberty in girls and boys?
      • What other changes in the body occur during puberty in boys and girls?
      • What are the medical concerns associated with normal puberty?
      • What are medical conditions associated with early or late puberty?
    • Women's Health Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and...learn more »
      In This Article
      Women's Health Article
      • Introduction to Women's Health
      • Women's General Health and Wellness
      • Female Anatomy
      • The Female Reproductive System
      • Female Hormones
      • Diseases More Common In Women
      • Cancer In Women
      • Women's Cosmetic Concerns
      • Menstruation
      • Sexuality
      • Fertility, Birth Control and Infertility
      • Pregnancy
      • Motherhood
      • Menopause
      • The Mature Woman - Post Menopause

Related FAQs, Doctor's & Expert's Views

Health Features

Glossary



Terms related to Masturbation:

  • Self Gratification (Sexual)
  • Sexual Self Gratification