Is It Okay to Ask My Doctor About Masturbation?

Published: January 11, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Is it okay to ask my doctor about masturbation? Mind I'm 13 and masturbation intrigues me but scares me.
Signed: Is It Okay to Ask My Doctor About Masturbation?

Dear Is It Okay to Ask My Doctor About Masturbation?,

It is absolutely fine to discuss masturbation, or any other sexual health issue or question you may have, with your doctor. Adolescence is a time where a lot of questions come up for teens about their bodies, puberty, and other issues related to sexual health. Your doctor is definitely there to help answer any questions you may have about these issues. And your doctor has definitely heard about it all before, so no worries about saying something that would surprise or shock him/her!

The most important thing to consider is how comfortable you feel with your doctor. Some teens may feel more comfortable with a same-sex doctor if they are going to asking questions about sexual health. LGBQT teens may feel comfortable with doctors who specialize in this area. Some teens prefer to find a new doctor once they hit adolescence rather than continuing with the pediatrician who has treated them since birth. Other teens may feel more comfortable with their pediatrician because they have known them for so long. That said, TeenHealthFX recommends that you think about your level of comfort with your current doctor in terms of talking about issues related to your sexual health and make any changes that might help you to feel more comfortable if needed.

For more information on masturbation, you can also check out the Planned Parenthood article, Masturbation, in the Info for Teens section of their website.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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