《Your Guide to Masturbation》（你的自慰指南）

宋宝林医生

Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm (sexual climax). It is commonly done by touching, stroking, or massaging the penis or clitoris until an orgasm is achieved. Some women also use stimulation of the vagina to masturbate or use "sex toys," such as a vibrator.
自慰是为了达到性唤起和快感而对生殖器进行自我刺激的行为，通常目的是达到性高潮。这通常通过触摸、抚摸或按摩阴茎或阴蒂来实现。一些女性还会使用阴道刺激来自慰，或使用性玩具，如振动器。

Who Masturbates?
Just about everybody. Masturbation is a very common behavior, even among people who have a sex partner. In one national study, 95% of males and 89% of females reported that they have masturbated. Masturbation is the first sexual act experienced by most males and females. In young children, masturbation is a normal part of the growing child's exploration of their body. Most people continue to masturbate in adulthood, and many do so throughout their lives.
谁会自慰？
几乎每个人都会。自慰是一种非常普遍的行为，即使是那些有性伴侣的人也是如此。在一项国家研究中，95%的男性和89%的女性报告说他们自慰过。自慰是大多数男性和女性首次经历的性行为。在年幼的孩子身上，自慰是他们探索自己身体的正常部分。大多数人在成年后继续自慰，许多人在一生中都这样做。
Why Do People Masturbate?
In addition to feeling good, masturbation is a good way of relieving the sexual tension that can build up over time, especially for people without partners or whose partners are not willing or available for sex. Masturbation also is a safe sexual alternative for people who wish to avoid pregnancy and the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases. It also is necessary when a man must give a semen sample for infertility testing or for sperm donation. When sexual dysfunction is present in an adult, masturbation may be prescribed by a sex therapist to allow a person to experience an orgasm (often in women) or to delay its arrival (often in men).
为什么人们要自慰？
除了感觉良好外，自慰还是一种缓解随时间积累的性紧张的好方法，特别是对于没有伴侣的人或伴侣不愿意或无法进行性行为的人来说。自慰还是避免怀孕和性传播疾病危险的安全性选择。当需要男性提供精液样本进行不育测试或捐精时，自慰也是必要的。当成年人存在性功能障碍时，性治疗师可能会开处自慰，以便个人体验到性高潮（通常在女性中）或延迟其到来（通常在男性中）。
Is Masturbation Normal?
While it once was regarded as a perversion and a sign of a mental problem, masturbation now is regarded as a normal, healthy sexual activity that is pleasant, fulfilling, acceptable, and safe. It is a good way to experience sexual pleasure and can be done throughout life.
Masturbation is only considered a problem when it inhibits sexual activity with a partner, is done in public, or causes significant distress to the person. It may cause distress if it is done compulsively or interferes with daily life and activities.
自慰正常吗？
尽管自慰曾被视为一种变态行为和精神问题的标志，但现在被认为是一种正常、健康的性行为，它令人愉悦、充实、可接受且安全。它是体验性快感的好方法，可以在一生中进行。
只有当自慰妨碍了与伴侣的性活动，公共场合进行，或对个人造成重大困扰时，才被认为是问题。如果它成瘾性地进行或干扰日常生活和活动，可能会造成困扰。
Is Masturbation Harmful?
In general, the medical community considers masturbation to be a natural and harmless expression of sexuality for both men and women. It does not cause any physical injury or harm to the body, and can be performed in moderation throughout a person's lifetime as a part of normal sexual behavior. Some cultures and religions oppose masturbation or even label it as sinful. This can lead to guilt or shame about the behavior.
自慰有害吗？
总的来说，医学界认为自慰是男性和女性性欲表达的自然且无害方式。它不会对身体造成任何身体伤害，可以作为正常性行为的一部分，适度地在一个人的一生中进行。一些文化和宗教反对自慰，甚至将其标签化为罪恶。这可能导致对这种行为的内疚或羞愧。
Some experts suggest that masturbation can actually improve sexual health and relationships. By exploring your own body through masturbation, you can determine what is erotically pleasing to you and can share this with your partner. Some partners use mutual masturbation to discover techniques for a more satisfying sexual relationship and to add to their mutual intimacy.
一些专家建议，自慰实际上可以改善性健康和关系。通过自慰探索自己的身体，你可以确定什么对你来说是性唤起的，可以与你的伴侣分享这一点。一些伴侣使用相互自慰来发现更令人满意的性关系技巧，并增加他们的相互亲密度。