Masturbation is:
- a medium-risk activity for most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when practised between partners (mutual masturbation)
- a no risk activity for STIs if you do it alone.
What is masturbation?
Masturbation means using your hands to stimulate your genitals or your partner’s genitals.
Many people masturbate on their own – it’s a good way to find out what you do and don’t like and where you like to be touched.
Partners can masturbate each other in turn or at the same time (mutual masturbation) or masturbate themselves while the other person watches.
What are the risks from masturbation?
Masturbating alone is normal and common and there is no risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection – despite rumours it won’t send you blind or give you spots either!
Some people masturbate whilst watching pornography (porn). If you do this make sure what you are accessing is legal and remember porn isn’t real and you shouldn’t expect real sex to be like it.
It is possible to become addicted to masturbation. If you feel like you’re losing control, or the need to masturbate is interfering with your everyday life, or is causing injury to your genitals, then you should cut down. If you are finding it hard to cut down then seek help from your GP or sexual health clinic.
If you masturbate your partner, there is a risk that any viruses or bacteria on your hands could be passed to your partner. You don’t need to touch your own genitals for this to happen – many infections can get into the body though the mouth, eyes, or any cuts, sores, or damaged skin.
The longer masturbation goes on, the greater the risk that the skin on or around the genitals will become damaged. This makes it easier for infections to enter the bloodstream.
Find out more about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How to reduce the risks from mutual masturbation
The risks of catching an STI through mutual masturbation can be reduced if both partners:
- use a male condom or female condom
- are careful not to spill any semen or vaginal fluids
- use plenty of condom-friendly lubrication
- avoid touching the eyes, mouth, nose, or any broken skin
- wash their hands before and after
- clean up any spillages.