Dear samin_068,

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.

Some people in relationships get upset that their partner masturbates because they feel they are not satisfying their partner. This is not necessarily true. People can have great sex with their partners and still enjoy masturbating.

It's important to let partners know that we care about them and that, if we masturbate, it does not mean that they are not satisfying to us. This also may help free them of the guilt they may be having have about masturbating themselves.

Talking about each other's feelings can help both partners understand where the other one is coming from. They may even choose to masturbate together — which is a perfect safer sex strategy! Whatever they choose to do, open communication about masturbation may help them get to know a lot about each other.

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.