In Hong Kong and many parts of Asia, the topic of masturbation has long been shrouded in embarrassment: many people feel ashamed of it and find it difficult to speak about; others are misled by false information online and wonder whether their behaviour is abnormal. In fact, for the vast majority of adults, moderate masturbation is a very common and normal sexual activity. The core principles are: it must be consensual, practise safe sex, not interfere with daily life, and cause no harm to oneself or others.
There are many common misconceptions circulating:
Do you not need to masturbate if you have a partner?
Does masturbation harm your private parts?
Is masturbation only practised by a small minority?
Will masturbation make it harder to reach orgasm in the future?
The answer to all of the above is ‘No’. Masturbation is, in itself, a harmless and healthy activity; indeed, it could be described as the safest form of intimate behaviour. Not only does it relieve stress and bring pleasure, but by exploring yourself, you can also gain an understanding of your body’s sensations and preferences. This, in turn, helps you to be clearer about your own needs when being intimate with a partner.
Everyone’s bodily sensations are different. When it comes to sensitive areas such as the clitoris and vagina, experiences vary greatly from person to person: some find it easy to reach orgasm through clitoral stimulation, others prefer vaginal orgasms, whilst some do not necessarily seek an orgasm at all, but simply enjoy the relaxation that comes from touching their own bodies. There is no one-size-fits-all standard; you can explore gradually within your own comfort zone.
When masturbating, there are four safety precautions to bear in mind:
1. Always wash your hands before touching your intimate areas;
2. Use a suitable lubricant to prevent damage to the delicate skin in your intimate areas and to enhance the experience;
3. Clean sex toys thoroughly before and after use to prevent bacterial infections; where necessary, use condoms or finger cots;
4. If sharing sex toys with a partner, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before passing them on.
Masturbation can be an expression of desire, a way to relax the mind and body, or a means of exploring one’s own body. On a deeper level, it is also an expression of bodily autonomy. Only when we set aside feelings of shame and accept our own bodies can we better understand how to nurture relationships with a mature mindset and take our sexual health seriously.
National Masturbation Day is therefore more than just a novelty. It serves as a reminder to adults that sexual health should not be left to rumours, prejudice or deliberate avoidance. Only when we can discuss masturbation safely, rationally and respectfully can we establish a healthy understanding of intimacy.
