masturbation

Masturbation "Onanism" redirects here.
For the Biblical origin of the
term "onanism", see Onan. Gustav Klimt 's Woman seated with thighs apart (1916)

Masturbation refers to sexual stimulation of a person's own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm.[1] The stimulation can be performed
manually, by use of objects
or tools, or by some
combination of these methods.[2] Masturbation is a common form of autoeroticism . Masturbation with a
partner, called mutual masturbation , is also common. Men and women have
techniques and
characteristics in common,
but also have specific
preferences in the ways
they like to masturbate. Studies have found that
masturbation is frequent in
humans of both sexes and
all ages, although there is
variation. Various medical
and psychological benefits have been attributed to a
healthy attitude to sex in
general and to
masturbation in particular,
and no causal relationship
is known between masturbation and any form
of mental or physical
disorder. Acts of
masturbation have been
celebrated in art
worldwide since prehistory. While there
was a period (spanning
between the late 18th and
early 20th centuries) when
it was subject to medical
censure and social conservatism, it is
considered a normal part
of healthy life today. There
have been masturbation marathons and health service slogans such as "an orgasm a day keeps the
doctor away". It is
commonly mentioned in
popular music as well as on
television, in films and in
literature. Animal masturbation has been observed in many
species, both in the wild and in captivity.