Expanding the definition of masturbation

Expanding the definition of masturbation

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Sexual self pleasure resources often talk about one thing (masturbation) with a limited definition (touching your genitals in ways that give you sexual pleasure). This narrow understanding can limit all the different ways that people give themselves pleasure: masturbation can include more than touching genitals, and sexual self pleasure can include more than masturbation.

Pleasure is something that bodies can experience in different ways. Sometimes it’s eating a delicious meal, wearing comfortable clothes, or napping. Bodies can also experience pleasure sexually. Different physical pleasures do not replace each other. Eating your favourite food does not feel the same as wearing your favourite outfit. Sexual pleasure is its own unique feeling, and you have the right to experience and explore what that means for yourself.

There are more ways to experience sexual self pleasure than touching your genitals. Other sensations you might explore could include:

Touching all parts of your body that give you pleasure (hair, butt, nipples, etc.).
Using sex toys or other objects to stimulate your body.
Using massage oils or lube on yourself, wherever it feels good.
Playing with different sensations across your body (heat/cold; pleasure/pain; things that feel tingly, soft, scratchy, etc.).
Your senses and imagination work together to create your personal erotic and sexual space. Beyond physical sensations, you can read, look at, or listen to things that you find sexy (like erotica, photos, porn, or music), or fantasize about situations that turn you on.