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.