Generally, no.  STI transmission is possible when your sexual fluids or blood come into contact with an infected person’s sexual fluids or blood, or if you have sexual skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.  By this definition, a person masturbating alone, in private, is not at risk for STI transmission.

However, a person can get an STI from a shared sex toy. Be sure to wash all sex toys before and after use, and keep them in a discreet place where others will not encounter them.  If you share sex toys with someone else, use a condom.  Mutual masturbation also carries an STI risk if those involved engage in skin-to-skin or fluid contact, even unintentionally.

Self-masturbation can be a safe, healthy way to explore your sexuality without risk of STIs or pregnancy.  If you have more questions about masturbation, consider talking to a trusted adult.

Tags: masturbation