Sex tips and exercises / Sex tips, techniques, and exercises for all:
Are you wondering about the right age or amount of solo sex? About masturbation in relationships? Benefits of solo sex? Read this text to find some answers.
Am I too young or too old for masturbation?
There is no «right age» for masturbation. It’s never too early or too late to start exploring solo sex. The important thing is: there is no «right» or «wrong» as far as the time of first masturbation is concerned — regardless of whether someone discovers solo sex at 5 or at 50 or never does it at all. If you feel like trying it out, that's OK, if not, that's OK too.
When do people become «sexual»?
Humans can experience sexual arousal from a very early age. Sexual arousal begins with the arousal reflex. The arousal reflex can already be detected in foetuses in the womb. So, we are sexual beings even before we’re born. From birth, babies learn to sense, distinguish and enjoy sensations – throughout the entire body. They sway, or they rub and press their body against something. Muscle tension and movement can trigger the arousal reflex. When that feels pleasant, the baby may seek that arousal again and again. While this has worried some parents, it is completely normal.
At what age do people start to consciously masturbate?
We don't have an answer to that. It varies from person to person. As soon as kids have enough dexterity, many begin playing with their genitals. This is how they practice feeling them. They may experience orgasm-like sensations even before puberty. Once they are sexually mature, boys may experience their first ejaculation in the process. Some girls might never touch their genitals consciously to stimulate them, but they might experience arousal during other activities, like climbing up a rope in gym class or riding a horse or a bicycle.
How much masturbation is normal?
That’s easy: as much as is pleasureable! It is just as normal for a person to masturbate once a year as several times per day – or to never do it at all. Solo sex is a very personal thing. Anything goes as long as it feels good.
Does the body need masturbation?
No, it doesn’t. Your body adapts and can handle any frequency of sexual arousal. This also means that — if you have a penis — you don't need to ejaculate regularly. Sperm is simply broken down and absorbed by the body when you don't have an ejaculation.
Is it normal to masturbate when I’m in a relationship?
Yes! Many people masturbate while also being in a romantic relationship. It may be that you simply feel more sexual desire than your partner. Or you feel like having sex when your partner is not around or in the mood. Or you may like a quick release or some pleasurable me-time every now and then.
When does masturbation in a relationship become a problem?
Solo sex can become a problem when you prefer masturbation to having sex with your partner at all times. Maybe you enjoy masturbation but not sex with your partner, or maybe you can only get really aroused during masturbation. In this case, it makes sense to learn new methods to arouse yourself that also work for partnered sex. We have a lot of advice on this.
What are the benefits of masturbation?
Pleasurable solo sex helps you get a better sense of your body. You can use it to learn how to control and savor your sexual arousal. Caressing your body, sexual arousal, and orgasm all prompt your body to release chemicals and hormones that are beneficial for your mental health as well as your immune system.