There are even certain non-sexually transmitted infections that can theoretically be passed during masturbation.
It also looks that ways to reduce the risk both to yourself and your sexual partners.
Masturbation Defined
Masturbation is the act of touching or rubbing your own genitals for sexual pleasure.
Mutual masturbation involves touching or rubbing someone else’s sexual organs to give them sexual pleasure.
Hands, fingers, sex toys, or other objects may be used when masturbating.
STIs spread by skin-to-skin contact includeoral and genital herpes,human papillomavirus (HPV), andsyphilis.
These includechlamydial conjunctivitiscaused by chlamydia andgonococcal conjunctivitiscaused by gonorrhea.
With that said, the risk of passing HIV or hepatitis B through masturbation is unlikely.
HIV is primarily transmitted throughanalorvaginal sex, shared injecting needles, and occupational blood exposure.
It can also be passed from a mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
The risk of HIV from masturbation and even shared sex toys is considered to be “negligible.”
These includebacterial vaginosis (BV)andyeast infections.
Still, some experts consider mutual masturbation to be a risk factor in younger females.
Making Masturbation Safer
People don’t always know when they have an STI.
Keep your nails trimmed to avoid cuts or abrasions that can promote infection.
Share your sexual history with sexual partners, including STIs screenings and vaccinations.
Do not touch yourself after masturbating your partner.
Do not touch your or your partner’s eyes while masturbating.
Do not put your fingers in your mouth while masturbating yourself or your partner.
Do not douche before engaging in mutual masturbation.
If you think you might have an STI, see your healthcare provider or visit a clinic for screening.
This is especially true with herpes, HPV, and syphilis, which can be passed through skin-to-skin contact.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B.
New York State Department of Health.The A, B, Cs of viral hepatitis.
2012;120(6):1306-1313. doi:10.1097/aog.0b013e31827075ac
