Masturbation is a common and healthy aspect of human sexuality, offering various physical and mental benefits like stress reduction and improved sleep. While generally safe and not inherently leading to infections, certain circumstances and practices can increase the potential for introducing bacteria or other microorganisms, which may result in an infection.
How Infections Can Occur
Infections related to masturbation typically stem from external factors rather than the act itself. Inadequate hygiene is a key factor; unwashed hands can carry pathogens that may be transferred to sensitive genital areas. Similarly, using unhygienic sex toys, if not properly cleaned, can introduce pathogens to the body.
Skin abrasions, cuts, or micro-tears on the genital skin can also create entry points for bacteria. Friction from masturbation can sometimes cause skin irritation or damage, making the area more susceptible to infection. Additionally, some lubricants can disrupt the natural pH balance of the urogenital flora, making individuals more vulnerable to infection.
Types of Potential Infections
One type of infection that can occur is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Bacteria from the genital or anal area, such as E. coli, can be introduced into the urethra during masturbation, particularly in individuals with female anatomy due to their shorter urethral length. Symptoms of a UTI can include frequent urination, a burning sensation during urination, and pelvic pain.
Skin infections are another possibility if bacteria enter through cuts, abrasions, or hair follicles. This can lead to conditions like folliculitis, an inflammation of hair follicles, or cellulitis, a more widespread bacterial skin infection. Overgrowth of yeast, such as Candida, can also occur, leading to balanoposthitis in individuals with penises if moisture accumulates and skin pH is disrupted.
While masturbation as a solo act does not transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sharing uncleaned sex toys can indirectly pose a risk. If toys are used by multiple partners or moved between different body orifices without proper disinfection, they can facilitate the transfer of bacteria or viruses that cause STIs. This emphasizes that the risk is tied to the object’s hygiene rather than the act of masturbation itself.
Minimizing Risk
Practicing good personal hygiene is important to minimizing the risk of infection during masturbation. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after masturbating helps remove transient bacteria. Cleaning the genitals before and after the act can also contribute to reducing bacterial load.
Proper care and cleaning of sex toys are also important preventative measures. Toys should be cleaned with warm water and mild, unscented soap after each use, and thoroughly dried before storage. For non-porous materials like silicone or glass, disinfection methods such as boiling or diluted bleach can be used. Porous materials may require condoms or regular replacement to prevent pathogen retention.
Avoiding masturbation if there are open cuts, sores, or skin irritation in the genital area allows these to heal, reducing entry points for bacteria. Urinating after masturbation can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra, further reducing the risk of UTIs.