Masturbation

Masturbation is the practice of a person stimulating their own genitals for sexual arousal or pleasure, often leading to orgasm. For males, this typically includes ejaculation. Stimulation can be done with hands, everyday items, sex toys, or, less often, the mouth (such as autofellatio or autocunnilingus). It can also be performed with a partner, either simultaneously or by watching the other, which is called mutual masturbation. The behavior is common in both men and women. Health professionals generally view masturbation as a normal and healthy aspect of sexual enjoyment, and a positive attitude toward sexual activity, including masturbation, is linked to various medical and psychological benefits. Artistic depictions of masturbation date back to prehistoric times, and early writings also reference it. Religious views on the practice vary. During the 18th and 19th centuries, some European theologians and physicians described it negatively, but these taboos largely faded in the 20th century. Discussion and portrayal of masturbation have increased in art, popular music, television, films, and literature. Its legal status has changed over time, and public masturbation is illegal in most countries. Masturbation has also been observed in non-human animals, both in the wild and in captivity.

The word *masturbation* came into use in the 18th century, based on the Latin verb *masturbari*, and appeared slightly after the term *onanism*. The origin of *masturbari* is uncertain. Possible sources include an unattested word for penis, *mazdo* (related to Greek *mézea* for genitals), or a corruption of an unattested phrase *manu stuprare* ("to defile with the hand"), influenced by *turbare* ("to disturb").

While *masturbation* is the formal term, many other expressions are common, such as *playing with oneself*, *pleasuring oneself*, and slang like *wanking*, *jerking off*, *jacking off*, *fapping*, and *frigging*. In early modern times, *self-abuse* and *self-pollution* were used and still appear in modern dictionaries. Many other euphemisms and dysphemisms exist.

General techniques include touching, pressing, rubbing, or massaging the genital area with hands, fingers, or against objects like pillows; inserting fingers or objects into the vagina or anus (anal masturbation); and using electric vibrators on the penis or vulva, which can also be inserted. Some people also stimulate nipples or other erogenous zones during masturbation. Lubricants are often used to reduce friction. Reading or viewing pornography, sexual fantasies, or other erotic stimuli can lead to a desire for masturbation, and pornography is often used to enhance the experience. Some people insert objects like urethral sounds into the urethra (a practice called urethral play or sounding), though using items like ballpoint pens or thermometers can cause injury or infection. Sex machines are sometimes used to simulate intercourse. Some individuals practice "edging," where they masturbate close to orgasm, stop to reduce excitement, and repeat, potentially leading to stronger orgasms. Rarely, people stop stimulation just before orgasm to retain heightened energy.

For females, manual stimulation (fingering) involves stroking or rubbing the vulva, especially the clitoris, with one or more fingers. One or more fingers may be inserted into the vagina to stroke the front wall, where the G-spot may be located. Other methods include using vibrators, dildos, or Ben Wa balls to stimulate the vagina and clitoris. Many women caress their breasts or stimulate a nipple with the free hand, and some enjoy anal stimulation. Personal lubricant is sometimes used, especially during penetration, though many women rely on natural lubrication. Common positions include lying on the back or face down, sitting, squatting, kneeling, or standing. In a bath or shower, a woman may direct water from a handheld showerhead at her clitoris, vulva, or perineum. Lying face down, she may use her hands, straddle a pillow, the edge of a bed, a partner's leg, or scrunched-up clothing to rub the vulva and clitoris. Standing, she might use a chair, furniture corner, or even a washing machine to stimulate the clitoris through the labia and clothing. Some masturbate by applying pressure to the clitoris without direct contact, such as pressing the palm or ball of the hand against underwear. In the 1920s, Havelock Ellis noted that seamstresses using treadle-operated sewing machines could achieve orgasm by sitting near the chair's edge. Women can also stimulate themselves by crossing their legs tightly and clenching leg muscles to create genital pressure (syntribation), which can be done discreetly in public. Thoughts, fantasies, and memories of past arousal and orgasm can also produce sexual excitement.