Dear hockeybuff,

Masturbation is a perfectly healthy activity, whether a person is female or male. Although some people may worry that masturbation is harmful, it actually is one of the body's most effective ways to relieve stress.

It is too bad that so many people worry about masturbation. The majority of girls and boys masturbate. In fact, women and men masturbate throughout their lives, whether or not they are in sexual relationships with other people. But because masturbation is so misunderstood, the majority of people who masturbate have unnecessary guilty feelings and shame about it. This shame and guilt can lead to difficulties in a person's sense of self-esteem and in a person's relationships with other people.

While many religious leaders teach that masturbation or any other sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful, it is entirely a matter of personal belief. Their claims that masturbation is physically and emotionally dangerous for young people, however, have no basis in fact.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.