Masturbation is when you touch or rub your own genitals (penis or clitoris/vagina) in order to get sexual pleasure. Things to know about masturbation:

• It is very common - millions of girls as well as boys do it
• It is okay if you do masturbate and it is okay if you don’t
• There is no right or wrong way to masturbate
• It is perfectly harmless
• There is no risk of contacting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and no risk of pregnancy
• It should be done in a location where you have privacy

Last checked: March 2010