Am I considered sexually active if I masturbate?

Dear Curious, 

It doesn't always take two to tango, as what counts as sexual activity has changed over time. Historically, sexual activity was understood as penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex. This has expanded to sexual activities that involve skin-to-skin contact with another person. That said, when health care providers ask about your sexual activity, they’re likely checking the risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of masturbation.  

What’s there to know about masturbation?  

Masturbation is a solo sexual activity that allows you to explore your desires at your own pace. This hands-on activity can reduce stress and improve your mood. However, depending on how intensely you masturbate, you may also experience injury or sensitivity. To make the most of your experience and reduce friction and the spread of germs, consider implementing practices like washing your hands and using lube. Masturbation, like other sexual acts, can improve your body image and promote taking control of your sexual health.  

If you masturbate, are you sexually active?  

The way that people think about masturbation shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health officials recommended masturbation and video sex over in-person acts to help reduce the spread of the virus. While masturbation wasn’t new, the pandemic allowed people to view it as a complete sexual experience.  

Some people may consider it sexual activity as it can create many of the same feelings as partnered penetrative sex. Additionally, many believe that any genital touching is sexual activity. 

What makes someone sexually active can depend on who you ask. Some health care providers may consider masturbation a sexual activity. Others may not, especially if they’re concerned about STIs or pregnancy. Public health officials, sexual health researchers, and the law consider masturbation to be sexual activity. Ultimately, how you as an individual think about masturbation is up to you. 

Why might it be helpful to speak with a health care provider about your masturbation habits? 

Speaking with your health care provider before being sexually active can be a form of preventative care. These visits provide an opportunity for you to speak about genital and organ function and ask any questions about how your body works.  

Additionally, it’s an opportunity to learn more about STIs, pregnancy, or any vaccines that may be appropriate for you. For example, health care providers recommend getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine before becoming sexually active. This vaccine protects against cancers of the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, and anus.  

What other considerations may be relevant to masturbation as a form of sexual activity? 

Some people may engage in mutual masturbation. This is when someone watches you masturbate, or you masturbate each other. If there is skin-to-skin contact, there’s a slightly higher risk of STIs because of any fluids that exchange.  

So, while there may be some difference of opinion depending on who you ask, masturbation can be one way to take your sexual activity into your own hands.