Can masturbation stunt my growth or anything like that?
–
James*
No. Masturbation will not interfere with a person's growth in any way.
Masturbation is when people rub their own genitals (the penis in males or the the
vagina in females) because they like the way it feels. Lots of people have heard all
sorts of crazy stuff about masturbation — that it can cause diseases, interfere
with growth, cause mental problems, lead to blindness, or stop a person from having
children. But those things aren't true.
Masturbation is often considered a private topic and some people may feel embarrassed
to think or ask about it. And when people are too embarrassed to talk about something,
they might hear and believe things that aren't accurate.
If you have worries or questions about masturbation, talk to a doctor, nurse, health
counselor, or someone in your family.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Date reviewed: October 2018