Masturbation means stimulating one's own genitals, often to the point of orgasm . Masturbating can relieve sexual tension and reduce stress . It can also induce pleasure, enhance sexual satisfaction with intimate partners, and promote rest and relaxation.
What Is Masturbation? (Plain Language Explanation)
Masturbation refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Masturbation
- Symptoms: The specific ways masturbation shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen masturbation
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When masturbation occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Masturbation
- Masturbation is far more common than most people realize
- Masturbation is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with masturbation see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about masturbation is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing masturbation, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.