Dear happyt20614716,

Yes, it's normal for virgins to masturbate. Masturbation is a perfectly healthy activity. Although some people may worry that masturbation is harmful, it actually is one of the body's most effective ways to relieve stress.

The majority of people masturbate. Women and men masturbate throughout their lives, whether or not they are in sexual relationships with other people.

Different people define virginity in different ways. Most people agree that virginity means not having had penile-vaginal intercourse. Many people agree that people who masturbate or have other kinds of sex play are still virgins — as long as they haven't had vaginal intercourse.

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.