… I’m scared. I don’t want to tell my parents I masturbate.

Herpes is a virus that transmits through skin-to-skin contact.  It does not transmit through semen, vaginal fluid, or blood—so no, it’s not possible to accidentally give yourself herpes by touching semen and then touching the mouth. In rare cases, it is possible to spread herpes by touching a genital sore and then quickly touching the mouth (or vice versa); however, herpes is fragile and this is unlikely.

It’s good to remember that in order to get herpes, you must come into contact with the mouth or genitals of someone who already has herpes.  For this reason, masturbating alone does not carry a risk of STIs. Although you may not feel comfortable with your parents knowing that you masturbate, rest assured that masturbation is a healthy and normal way to explore your sexuality, and will not damage the body in any way. Thanks for asking!

…Any harm in going on forever? I do plan to have a sexual life when mature.

It’s healthy to spend time discovering your own sexual boundaries and interests.  Thanks for asking this great question!

Masturbation can be a safe way to explore your body and learn more about your sexual likes and dislikes.  Masturbation doesn’t come with a risk of STI transmission or pregnancy, and it doesn’t require the same communication skills as being sexually active with someone else. Masturbation also won’t damage or harm your body in any way.

However, the most important part of your sexuality is you! If you feel uncomfortable masturbating during this point in your life, abstaining is a healthy solution. Choosing not to masturbate won’t damage your body either!

Consider talking to a trusted adult about your situation if you need a little extra support. If you’re not sure who to turn to, Teen Clinic can be a great, confidential place to talk about sexual decision making with a medical professional.

In very rare cases, a person could transfer oral herpes to their genitals by touching a cold sore, then directly touching their penis or vagina. However, this is highly unlikely.  The Herpes Simplex Virus is most easily transmitted through mouth-to-mouth, genital-to-mouth, or genital-to-genital contact. However, if you are experiencing itching, burning with urination, or pain in the genital area, be sure to see a healthcare provider soon.  The bump may be part of an infection, or it may be a harmless, normal part of your genitals. A Teen Clinic practitoner can help you learn the difference.

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.

Masturbation can cause slight redness (from the friction of rubbing), but it should not cause bumps.  It’s a good idea to see a medical provider for evaluation if your bumps are still present.  If you are not sexually active, you’ll want to provide your doctor with information about any lubricants you’re using (especially household items, like soaps or shampoos) and personal grooming habits (like shaving).  Your genital area could be responding to something besides the actual masturbation.  If you are sexually active, making an appointment is even more important, as bumps can be a sign of infection.

It’s hard to say! Self-masturbation is a private activity that varies from person to person. Some teenage males don’t masturbate at all, while some may masturbate more than once a day.  Masturbation activities can also change throughout a person’s lifetime.

Avoid comparing your masturbation choices to others’.  Everyone has different likes and dislikes!  Self-masturbation can be a safe, healthy way to be sexual without a partner, whether you’re male, female, or intersex.  It does not hurt your body, and there’s no risk of STI transmission or pregnancy since there’s only one person involved.  Self-masturbation can also help you figure out your sexual boundaries and preferences before you become sexually active with others.

If you have more questions about self-masturbation, consider talking to a trusted adult.  You can also stop by Teen Clinic to speak with one of our nurses.

Nope!  Stimulation of the prostate for sexual pleasure has not been linked to disease.  Be sure to clean the stimulator after each use, and steer clear of sharing it with anyone else—some STIs can be transmitted through sex toy use.  See a urologist if you have more questions about your prostate.

Generally, using or not using one’s penis does not change its size. Weight gain or weight loss can change its relative length due to the development or loss of tissue under the skin in the pelvic region. Self-masturbation is a healthy and natural practice. Self-masturbation is something that should be done in private and is a way to better understand your body, your sexuality, your likes, dislikes and boundaries should you ever decide to be sexually active with a partner. It will not harm your genitalia. If you are experiencing pain in your groin and/or genital area, contact your doctor or Teen Clinic for a consult and exam.

The common definition of sexual abstinence is to refrain from sexual activity with another person. Many people abstain to prevent the transmission of infections and unexpected pregnancy. There is no risk of STI transmission or pregnancy with self-masturbation, since there is only one person involved. So, masturbating and releasing sexual fluids (semen or vaginal fluids) would not be breaking a commitment to abstinence if the definition involved another person. Self-masturbation can be a great way to stay abstinent and still explore your sexuality.

Many people have very different definitions of sexual abstinence. There is no universal definition. You might want to think about how you define abstinence. Think about your sexual boundaries, your expectations for a relationship and consider your future plans. All of these factors (and many more!) can influence how you choose to practice abstinence. If and when you find yourself in a romantic relationship (you may already be in one), talk to your partner about your definition of abstinence. In fact, talk about your definition of sex and what that word means to you. It will help promote healthy communication and establish sexual boundaries.

…I have masturbated, but nothing has come of it. Is there something wrong with me? Is there anything I can do make sure I am healthy?

You may have what is called retrograde ejaculation. This means that instead of the sperm coming out of the urethra it may be going back into the Vas Deferens (the tube that carries the sperm). If you have this, it is not harmful to you because the sperm is re-absorbed in your body. The only time you might run into difficulty would be when you would want to have children. You should make an appointment with your regular health care provider. A specialist that sees men to evaluate your reproductive system would be called an Urologist. Your general practitioner’s office might be able to help you with a referral.