Masturbation

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Masturbation refers to sexual stimulation, particularly of one's own genitals and often to the point of orgasm, which is performed manually, by other types of bodily contact (except for sexual intercourse), by use of objects or tools, or by some combination of these methods.[1] Masturbation is the most common form of autoeroticism, and the two words are often used as synonyms, although masturbation with a partner (mutual masturbation) is also common. Some people are able to achieve orgasm only through masturbation and not sexual intercourse[citation needed]

Contents

* 1 Etymology
* 2 Masturbation techniques
o 2.1 Female
o 2.2 Male
* 3 Masturbation frequency, age and sex
* 4 Health and psychological effects
o 4.1 Benefits
+ 4.1.1 Blood pressure
+ 4.1.2 Female
+ 4.1.3 Pregnancy
+ 4.1.4 Male
+ 4.1.5 Compulsive masturbation
* 5 Masturbation in history and society
o 5.1 Antiquity
o 5.2 Religious views
o 5.3 Philosophical arguments
o 5.4 Medical attitudes
o 5.5 Masturbate-a-thon
* 6 Euphemisms
* 7 Cultural references to masturbation
* 8 Masturbation in other animal species
* 9 See also
* 10 Notes
* 11 References
* 12 External links

Etymology

he word masturbation is believed to derive from either the Greek word mezea (μεζεα, "penises") or the Latin manus ("hand") and the Latin turbare ("to disturb"). A competing etymology based on the Latin manu stuprare ("to defile with the hand") is said by the Oxford English Dictionary to be an "old conjecture". The Pocket Oxford Dictionary once offered (c. 1960) the definition: 'bodily self-pollution'. The esoteric and little-used synonym manustupration is similarly derived from manus stuprare.

Masturbation techniques

Ways of masturbating common to members of both sexes include pressing or rubbing the genital area, either with the fingers or against an object such as a pillow; inserting fingers or an object into the anus (see anal masturbation); and stimulating the penis or vulva/clitoris with electric vibrators, which may also be inserted into the vagina or anus. Members of both sexes may also enjoy touching, rubbing, or pinching the nipples or other erogenous zones while masturbating. Both sexes sometimes use lubricating substances to intensify sensation.

Reading or viewing pornography, or sexual fantasy, are often common adjuncts to masturbation. Masturbation activities are often ritualised. Various fetishes and paraphilias can also play a part in the masturbation ritual. Some potentially harmful or fatal activities include autoerotic asphyxiation and self-bondage.

Some people get sexual pleasure by inserting objects into the urethra.[2] (The urethra is the tube through which urine and, in men, semen, flows.) If these objects are urethral sounds, the practice is known as "sounding."[3] Other objects such as ball point pens and thermometers may be used. This practice can cause injury and infection.[4]

Some people masturbate by using machines that simulate intercourse.

Some people may masturbate until they are close to orgasm, stop for a while to reduce excitement, and then resume masturbating. They may repeat this cycle multiple times. This "stop and go" method is practiced in order to achieve even stronger orgasms.

Female

Female masturbation techniques are quite numerous and much more varied than those of males. They are influenced by a number of factors and personal preferences. Techniques include stroking or rubbing of the vulva, especially the clitoris, with the index and/or middle fingers. Sometimes one or more fingers may be inserted into the vagina to repeatedly stroke the frontal wall of the vagina where the g-spot is located. [5] Masturbation aids such as a vibrator, dildo or Ben Wa balls can also be used to stimulate the vagina and clitoris. Many women caress their breasts or stimulate a nipple with the free hand, if these are receptive areas for sexual stimulation. Anal stimulation is also enjoyed by some.

Lubrication is sometimes used during masturbation, especially when penetration is involved, but this is by no means universal and many women find their natural lubrication sufficient - some even produce more lubricant alone than with a partner[citation needed], though the reasons for this seem to be primarily