Masturbation is a form of autoeroticism in which a person sexually stimulates their own genitals for sexual arousal or other sexual pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm. Masturbation is frequent in both sexes. Various medical and psychological benefits have been attributed to a healthy attitude toward sexual activity in general and to masturbation in particular.
No causal relationship between masturbation and any form of mental or physical disorder has been found. The only exceptions to "masturbation causes no harm" are certain cases of Peyronie's disease [ 9 ] and hard flaccid syndrome. Masturbation has been depicted in art since prehistoric times, and is both mentioned and discussed in very early writings. Religions vary in their views of masturbation.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, some European theologians and physicians described it in negative terms, but during the 20th century, these taboos generally declined. There has been an increase in discussion and portrayal of masturbation in art, popular music, television, films, and literature. The legal status of masturbation has also varied through history and masturbation in public is illegal in most countries. The word masturbation was introduced in the 18th century, based on the Latin verb masturbari , alongside the slightly earlier onanism.
The Latin verb masturbari is of uncertain origin. While masturbation is the formal word for this practice, many other expressions are in common use. Terms such as playing with oneself , pleasuring oneself and slang such as wanking , [ 17 ] jerking off , jacking off , fapping [ 18 ] and frigging are common.
Self-abuse and self-pollution were common in early modern times and are still found in modern dictionaries. A large variety of other euphemisms and dysphemisms exist which describe masturbation. For a list of terms, see the entry for masturbate in Wiktionary.
