Can masturbation stunt my growth or anything like that? – James* No. Masturbation will not interfere with a person's growth in any way. Masturbation is when people rub their own genitals (the penis in males or the the vagina in females) because they like the way it feels. Lots of people have heard all sorts of crazy stuff about masturbation — that it can cause diseases, interfere with growth, cause mental problems, lead to blindness, or stop a person from having children. But those things aren't true. Masturbation is often considered a private topic and some people may feel embarrassed to think or ask about it. And when people are too embarrassed to talk about something, they might hear and believe things that aren't accurate. If you have worries or questions about masturbation, talk to a doctor, nurse, health counselor, or someone in your family. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles Can a Doctor Tell if You've Been Masturbating? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Is It Normal to Masturbate? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Should I Stop Masturbating? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Can Masturbation Affect Periods? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Is It Normal to Get Erections? If you've ever had an erection in an embarrassing situation, you've probably asked yourself this question. But erections are a perfectly normal function of the male body, especially in guys who are going through puberty. Read More Male Reproductive System What makes up a guy's reproductive system and how does it develop? Find the answers to these questions and more. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.