Can masturbation affect menstruation? And will it also make it harder for a woman to get pregnant when the time comes to have kids? – Sofia* No. Masturbation will not interfere with periods or getting pregnant. You might hear all sorts of crazy stuff about masturbation — that it can cause diseases, stunt your 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 talk about it. And when people are too embarrassed to talk or ask 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 Sexual Attraction and Orientation Both guys and girls often find themselves having sexual thoughts and attractions. For some, these feelings and thoughts can be intense — and even confusing. Read More Can Masturbation Stunt My Growth? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Female Reproductive System Why do girls get periods? What goes on when a woman gets pregnant? What can go wrong with the female reproductive system? Find the answers to these questions and more in this article for teens. Read More All About Periods Periods can be confusing. Get the facts in this article for teens. 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.