title: Prevalence, frequency, and associations of masturbation with partnered sexual behaviors among US adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess masturbation prevalence, frequency, and associations with partnered sexual behaviors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  The United States of America.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nationally representative samples of adolescents aged 14 to 17 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Solo masturbation, partnered sexual behaviors, and condom use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Across age groups, more males (73.8%) reported masturbation than females (48.1%). Among males, masturbation occurrence increased with age: at age 14 years, 62.6% of males reported at least 1 prior occurrence, whereas 80% of 17-year-old males reported ever having masturbated. Recent masturbation also increased with age in males: 67.6% of 17-year-olds reported masturbation in the past month, compared with 42.9% of 14-year-olds. In females, prior masturbation increased with age (58% at age 17 years compared with 43.3% at age 14 years), but recent masturbation did not. Masturbation was associated with numerous partnered sexual behaviors in both males and females. In males, masturbation was associated with condom use, but in females it was not.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sexual development is a dynamic process during adolescence, and masturbation is an enduring component of sexuality. Fundamental differences appear to exist between male and female sexual expression. Health care providers should recognize that many teens masturbate and discuss masturbation with patients because masturbation is integral to normal sexual development.
authors.affiliation: Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 W 10th St, HS 1001, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. cyrobbin@iupui.edu
authors.forename: Cynthia L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Robbins
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Schick
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reece
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Herbenick
authors.forename: Stephanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Sanders
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dodge
authors.forename: J Dennis
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Fortenberry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008418:Masturbation / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology