Is It Bad to Masturbate at 13?

Published: February 22, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
It's it bad to jerk off at age 13
Signed: Is It Bad to Masturbate at 13?

Dear Is It Bad to Masturbate at 13?,

Masturbation is a natural and normal way to learn about your body and what feels good. As long as you are not masturbating in public, masturbating in a way that causes pain or irritation to the genitals, or so focused on masturbating that it is getting in the way of everyday life, then there is nothing to be concerned about.

As for your question about age, there is nothing abnormal or problematic about masturbating at thirteen. The National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior studied teens ages 14-17 and found that boys tended to masturbate more than girls and that 43% of the 14 year old teen boys had recently masturbated.

For more information, read the Young Men’s Health article on Masturbation. Young Men’s Health is produced by the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital. You can also read the Planned Parenthood article for teens, Masturbation.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about anything related to your health, check in with a parent/guardian, doctor or even your school nurse. 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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