Q&A for How to Talk to Your Teenager about Masturbation

If they see you, apologize and let them be. If they don't notice you, just quietly leave. Masturbation is private time for them.

If he/she does deny it, it may be that they don't want to talk about it or feel embarrassed or ashamed to open up. Try to build up trust with them, but keep in mind, this is really their own private business, it's entirely up to them whether or not to share with you.

Masturbation is when somebody touches their genitals in a way that feels good and is sexually arousing. After doing it repetitively, they will have an orgasm.

The usual age where adolescents reach their sex drive is different for everyone, but the ages 12-16 are extremely normal. If you're worried they have a problem, talk to them, but other than that, 13 is a normal age.

If you mean adverse or negative effects, not really. As with anything pleasurable, there is always the outside chance of addiction, but that's about it.

Probably because these myths were overheard from someone else. These are pretty persistent in modern culture, even though obviously no one is walking around with hairy hands.

I wouldn't recommend this as it could be very awkward for the both of you. You could, however, let her know that there are toys she can buy online. It's still awkward, but less awkward than actually purchasing one for her.

It's good! Masturbation is normal and healthy. However, there are some things about masturbation that could be problematic. For example, some men have trouble in bed with a woman because they have become too accustomed to porn or the "death grip" (their hand being tighter than a vagina).

Yes, boys can have orgasms once they start going through puberty. An orgasm is the climax (highest point) of sexual activity. It feels good and releases stress.

It is a natural pleasure seeking activity that all mammals engage in at some point. Biologically, it helps us to recognize the signs and feelings we need to know to mate and create life, thus continuing on the species.

Of course not. Girls tend to be less driven to masturbate than boys, but it is perfectly normal and healthy.

Yes, you can talk to her. It's better you talk to her and give her the facts, rather than her hearing about it from someone else.

Remember that masturbation is a normal part of life and development and shouldn't be something to be embarrassed about.

When you first start, it might take time to figure out what you like. Try massaging your vagina in different spots to see what feels good. You might also look for tips online from reliable sources, like Seventeen Magazine, Cosmo, and Planned Parenthood. However, be careful when clicking on links because some material might be inappropriate for you.

Physically, yes, it is safe to masturbate daily. The only problems occur when masturbation starts to impact the rest of your life.

Only address it again if you think she might be at risk of addiction, exploitation or abuse at school. Sometimes you don't have the kind of relationship with your children in which they're comfortable to discuss these things with you.

It's up to you if you want to put your fingers inside your vagina. If you think it feels good, then you might enjoy doing it. However, you might prefer to massage other parts of your vagina. No matter what you decide, you will still be a virgin. It's very difficult to break your hymen with your fingers. Also, you're a virgin until you actually have sex.

Are you attracted to members of the same sex? Do you think of members of your same sex when you masturbate/fantasize? If you anwered yes to these questions, you are probably gay.

Just be honest and don't make a big deal about it.

Then that's just part of life! You should sit down with your daughter and make sure that the information she has about these things is accurate and safe. You can teach her about these things while still emphasizing that she is not ready to participate in them.

That can depend on the boy. Each person has their own preferences when it comes to masturbating.

It is relatively normal. Masturbation is something that is completely normal and most people do it. There is really nothing to feel guilty about. That said, if you do feel guilty and you do not want to do it, then you should look for ways to stop doing it.

Masturbating will not harm your fertility, so it won't affect your ability to have children in the future. It's safe to masturbate if you want to.

No, masturbation will not stunt your growth or have any other effect on your height.

Yes, it's completely normal. Masturbation is safe and helps you relieve your stress and release your sexual urges. Also, people lose their virginity at different ages. Do what feels right to you.

It's not bad. Masturbating is natural. If you are using masturbation to try to help you deal with chaos in your home or feelings you can't deal with, try finding a trusted adult to talk to.

It's totally normal for him to be masturbating, and it's okay for him to do it every day. This won't harm his health. However, it may be awkward for you since he's doing it while you're there. You may bring it up by saying, "I've noticed that you're getting older...," then mention what's going on. Encourage him to do it when he's in the bathroom or while you're out of the room.

Yes, it's normal. If you're chafing or making yourself sore, look for other outlets, like vigorous exercise.

No, it does not. Masturbating is normal and does not generally have any strange or harmful effects, provided you handle yourself gently.

Most research throughout the decades shows that almost as many women masturbate as do men. About 90% of women, and about 95% of men. It's a perfectly natural, healthy thing to do, and though it is private, there is no reason for any taboo around it. No one is obligated to do this, and there are no bad health effects whether you do or not.