Masturbation
Producing a genital orgasm by mechanical stimulation of the organs. Comes from the Latin word masturbari, meaning to defile oneself with the hand.
Masturbation is a form of autoerotism characterized by sexual arousal through manipulation or stimulation of the sex organs, especially the penis and clitoris. The act is usually accompanied by sexual fantasies and may involve the use of a mechanical device such as a vibrator. Studies indicate that about 95% of males and 85% of females masturbate, usually starting in the third of fourth year. Practically every type of physical or mental disorder has been attributed to this practice, but it is now regarded as essentially harmless. However, anxiety and guilt over excessive masturbation may interfere with adult sexual satisfaction.
Anal masturbation: Achievement of sexual excitement by stimulation of the anus through manipulation or by means of an object or mechanical device such as a vibrator.
Anal violin: An anal masturbation device of the orient consisting of a hard-boiled egg or a wooden or ivory ball to which a catgut string is attached. The egg or ball is inserted in the anus, the string is made taut, and a sex partner uses a violin bow to make it vibrate. The device was especially popular among eunuchs of the Ottoman Empire. Today electric equivalents are used, too, as in Europe, the United States, and Japan.
Compulsive masturbation: An obsessive urge to masturbate even in absence of sexual feeling or gratification. The individual is usually unaware of his or her motivation, which may be to substitute this activity for missing social satisfactions, to compensate for shyness and inability to establish sexual relationships, or to relieve inner tension or anxiety.
Female masturbation: The use of masturbation among women of all ages as a means of reaching orgasm. According to Kinsey studies, masturbation was the main source of sexual orgasms among unmarried women before the age of 20. In adolescence, it accounted for nearly 85% of the orgasms. The figures decline gradually to 37% for unmarried women at the age of 40%, then increased again to account for slightly more than half of all orgasms after age 45. Masturbation accounted for about 10% of all orgasms for married women of all ages and from about 15% to nearly 30% for the previously married. In the age groups between 36 and 50 years, the use of masturbation as a source of orgasms was approximately the same, around 10%, as extramarrital sex among married women.
Infantile masturbation: Self-stimulation of the sex organs during infancy and early childhood, an activity that not only affords pleasure but probably helps focus sexual reactions on the genital organs.
Masturbation equivalents: Activities that appear to be psychological substitutes for mastrubation - for example, nail biting, ear pulling, hair plucking, and gambling.
Mutual masturbation: Sexual activity in which two or more individuals manipulate each other's genitals at the same time for purposes of sexual excitement and gratification. Mutual masturbation is common among both heterosexual and homosexual partners. Also known as: dual masturbation.
Prephallic masturbation equivalent: Psychoanalytical term for autoerotic activities occurring before the genital organs become the focus of sexuality. In these activities the child derives pleasure from the mouth, anus, urethra, skin, motor activities, sensation, and perception.
Psychic masturbation: Sexual gratification through erotic images and fantasies without physical manipulation of the genital organs (penis, clitoris) or other errogenous zones.
Symbolic masturbation: Various acts that are believed to substitute for manipulation of the genital organs (penis, clitoris), such as rubbing the nose, pulling the ear lobes, twisting strands of hair, constantly playing with one's watch or adjusting one's tie.
Also see: masturbation fantasies
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