Sexual Health
What are the factors related to masturbation in young children? How to correct masturbation in children
Post Date June, 01 2023
In real life, men and women caress the penis and vulva, rub the genital area against protruding objects, and some people stuff things into their pants, all of which are covert acts of releasing sexual desire. We refer to these sexual behaviors as' child masturbation '.
Masturbation in children can occur at various age groups
During infancy, healthy and intelligent children always come into contact with the reproductive organs with great curiosity, naturally experiencing pleasure through contact, but different from adult sexual behavior. Children aged 3-6 years old have a relatively high incidence of masturbation. During masturbation, they often have facial congestion, eyes wide open, cheeks flushed or sweating, and are often accompanied by soft hums and irregular breathing sounds, usually ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes each time. Parents may observe the child's vulva congestion and a significant increase in secretions afterwards.
People often believe that masturbation may only occur in young boys, girls, and adults after entering puberty. How can young children masturbate?
Actually, this phenomenon has its own reasons for existence
1. Frequent stimulation of the genitalia
Some children's masturbation habits are formed due to frequent stimulation of their genitals from a young age. Everyone has special parts that have a strong sense of stimulation, known as the "pleasure parts" of the lips, cheeks, nipples, reproductive organs, anus, etc. Especially the reproductive organs and nipples, which are often subjected to external stimuli and can easily bring subtle feelings to children, as well as strong curiosity and sexual desire.
Some parents, out of love for their children, often encounter their children's external genitalia, especially liking to tease their boys' penises and happily coax them while teasing. After being repeatedly stimulated and experiencing pleasure in the genitals, even if adults do not play with them, children themselves will play with them to seek pleasure. Over time, the habit of playing with the genitals develops.
2. There are misunderstandings in the concept of hygiene and cleanliness
Some parents have misconceptions about their children's hygiene and cleanliness concepts. They always think that cleaning the child's face, hands, feet, and body is sufficient, and often overlook paying attention to the child's reproductive organs. In fact, children's reproductive organs are very sensitive and can be stimulated due to unsanitary conditions. At this point, children can eliminate discomfort through frequent scratching, which can lead to pleasure over time and develop unhealthy masturbation habits. For example, children with octopus disease, eczema or inflammation of the external genitalia in girls, and phimosis in boys can cause itching in the external genitalia. Children can use foot friction to relieve itching and repeatedly develop habitual movements.
