Sex Definitions / Question
Published: March 25, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 13 year old girl. I was wondering if it is OK to taste the stuff in your vagina that you get on your finger after masturbating. I always wanted to know what it tastes like. It must be OK if guys do it to girls, right?
Signed: Is It Okay To Taste Your Own Stuff
Dear Is It Okay To Taste Your Own Stuff,
It is natural and healthy to explore your body through masturbation. When a woman gets excited, her vagina produces a slippery natural lubricant called vaginal discharge. This fluid can contain and transmit sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when it comes in contact with other people. So when other people are involved, it is important to use protection such as latex condoms, gloves, or dental dams. When experimenting with your own secretions there is no risk of infection. But, it is possible if you have an STD or other infection (like a yeast infection or a herpes sore) that you could transmit the infection to your mouth.
The important thing to remember with masturbation is hygiene and safety. While some men perform oral sex on women, it is recommended that they do not come in contact with the vaginal lubrication due to the risk of disease transmission. You should remember to wash your hands before and after masturbation to make sure that you are not introducing germs or bacteria from your hands into your vagina and to wash the secretions off of your hands when you are finished. Check out "Girls and Masturbation" for more information regarding this subject. If you have additional questions you can talk to your healthcare provider, Planned Parenthood, or in northern NJ the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971-6475.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Adolescents are more likely than young adults to become dependent on prescription medications.
