You might have heard the word, but you have no idea what it means. What does masturbating mean? It’s simple: Masturbating is the act of sexually stimulating yourself, particularly your genitals, to obtain sexual arousal and possibly have an orgasm.

Masturbating is common among people of all ages. Some do it quite often, while others choose to abstain. Most people believe – and most studies show – that masturbating is healthy for most people. Understanding what masturbating means, how to do it, and the benefits you can get from it can help you decide if it is right for you.

What does Masturbating Mean?

What does masturbating mean in terms of the actual act? It means sexually stimulating yourself. There are a variety of ways to do this. Some people use their fingertips to touch, press, massage, or rub their genitals in the areas that feel best to them. Others choose to use objects, such as a pillow, a vibrator or other sex toys, or even household items.

The stimulation might not be limited to the genitals; some people choose to stimulate their nipples and other sensitive areas of the body as they perform masturbating. There are also other options, such as using lubricant, trying different positions and places, and focusing on fantasies in your head while you masturbate.

In fact, fantasies are often an intense part of masturbating. Some choose to simply think through a scenario in their head, while others turn to porn or erotica in order to get ideas that might get them aroused.

Masturbating might be expanded to include anal play or even urethral play. Those who have experienced masturbating quite often might look for new outlets, including using machines that stimulate sex, or turning to other techniques, such as “edging” (getting close to orgasm several times before allowing yourself to have one) or engaging in masturbating with other people in order to achieve more intense “highs” from the sexual experience.

Health Benefits of Masturbating

What does masturbating mean when it comes to your health? Fortunately, there are many benefits to masturbating. A few of the more common benefits include:

1. Better Sleep

Masturbating can help you relax, which can then lead to better sleep, especially if you masturbate right before bed.

2. Lower Chance of Prostate Cancer

The more often a man ejaculates, the more likely his chances of prostate cancer will drop.

3. Eases Urinary Tract Infections

Some studies show that a strong orgasm can help relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections, especially for women.

4. Relief of Cramps

Women who are on their period or about to start often suffer from cramps; the contractions caused by masturbation can relieve that aching.

5. Eases Restless Leg Syndrome

This annoying syndrome might be alleviated a bit by masturbating.

6. Boosts Immunity

When certain hormones are released during masturbating and orgasm, your immune system gets a nice boost.

7. Makes Sex Better

When you masturbate, you come to know your body in a more intimate way. That allows you to communicate what you want and need to your partner in a clearer way, which lead to better sex for both of you.

Masturbating FAQs

What does masturbating mean in terms of myths and truths? You might be surprised by what false tales go around about masturbating. Here are just a few.

Q. Does Masturbating Stop Your Growth?

A. No. If this were true, practically every teenage boy would stop growing the moment he learned what masturbating was. Obviously that doesn’t happen. Masturbating doesn’t do anything at all to slow or stop your growth.

Q. I’ve Heard That Females Never Masturbate.

A. On the contrary – they do, and sometimes they do it just as often as males do. In fact, about 81 percent of males and females between the ages of 18 and 19 report that they have masturbated within the past year.

Q. Is Masturbating Really Normal?

A. Yes. We are sexual beings, from the moment we are born to the moment we die. Our sexuality is an inherent part of each of us. Masturbating is simply part of that, and because it is, it has to be something normal for each of us.

Q. Do People in Relationships Masturbate?

A. Yes they do! Some choose to do it alone, but others choose to actually do it with their partners. In fact, about 92 percent of men and 62 percent of women who are committed relationships masturbate, even while they enjoy a good sex life with their partner.

Q. I Thought Masturbating Was Something People Only Did Alone.

A. Ask any happy couple who enjoys masturbating together – sometimes having a partner around to help you out feels better and more intimate. Though some people do choose to keep their masturbating private, many like sharing.

Q. What If I’m Masturbating Too Much?

A. In most cases, you probably aren’t. But if your desire for masturbating begins to disrupt yourlife, interrupts your daily activities, makes you sore, makes it harder to have an orgasm with your partner, or you can’t think about anything else, then it might be a problem. If that’s the case, it’s time to talk to your doctor about masturbating.