Masturbation

Masturbation is a normal and healthy way to get sexual pleasure. It generally involves touching your genitals with your hand, vibrator and/or sex toy. Some of the slang terms for masturbation are:

• Jacking off
• Jerking off
• Rubbing one out
• Self-love
• Flicking the bean

People of all genders, abilities, sexualities, ethnicities, cultures, religions, and ages may choose to masturbate to:

• feel good
• explore their body and find out what feels good
• provide a safe way to experience sexual pleasure without putting yourself at risk for Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs) or pregnancy
• allow a person to become more comfortable with their own sexuality
• relieve stress and relax

Sex Toys

Share Pleasure, Not Bacteria

If you share sex toys (dildos, vibrators, and other toys), covering vibrators and other sex toys with condoms can help you have safer sex. To prevent infections from passing from person to person, use new condom on the sex toy every time you change users (partners).

Keep It Clean

It's important to clean your sex toys before and after use, or you run the risk of getting an infection. When buying a toy, find out its composition, since its material, and the presence of a motor will determine how it needs to be washed. Instructions for use and directions for cleaning the toy can be found on the product packaging. If you are still unsure on the best way to clean your toy, consider the following:

• For battery operated toys made of silicone, CyberSkin, glass, stainless steel, or wood, use mild soap and a damp cloth to wipe the toy clean.
• Toys made of hard plastic, elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPR) or jelly rubber are made of porous materials that are hard to clean and can still contain bacteria even after washing with soap and water. Always place a condom on this type of product to prevent possible infection.
• Non-battery operated toys made of silicone, Pyrex, stainless steel, or stone can be placed in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes for a deeper clean.

Always use a condom if you are going to share your toys with a partner, and remember to change the condoms between partners. You can also place a condom, or an oral dam between the vibrator and the skin to avoid transmission of certain STIBBIs. Once the toy is clean, dry it off completely with a clean paper towel, and store it in a case or silk bag to protect it from other bacteria-laden items.