Dear xlovesick,

You might want to talk to your boyfriend and ask him why this bothers him. Most people masturbate, and many people masturbate when they are in sexual relationships with other people. Most people do not consider masturbation to be cheating on a partner.

It is too bad that so many people worry about masturbation. Although some people may worry that masturbation is harmful, it actually is one of the body's most effective ways to relieve stress. 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.

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.