Masturbation refers to sexual stimulation especially of ones own genitals and often to the point of orgasm which is performed manually by other types of bodily contact except for sexual intercourse by use of objects or tools or by some combination of these methods.  Masturbation is the most common form of autoeroticism and the two words are often used as synonyms although masturbation with a partner mutual masturbation is also common.

Ways of masturbating common to members of both sexes include pressing or rubbing the genital area either with the fingers or against an object such as a pillow inserting fingers or an object into the anus see anal masturbation and stimulating the penis or vulva with electric vibrators which may also be inserted into the vagina or anus. Members of both sexes may also enjoy touching rubbing or pinching the nipples or other erogenous zones while masturbating. Both sexes sometimes apply lubricating substances to intensify sensation.

Reading or viewing pornography or sexual fantasy are often common adjuncts to masturbation. Often people will call upon memories during masturbation. Masturbation activities are often ritualised. Various fetishes and paraphilias can also play a part in the masturbation ritual. Some potentially harmful or fatal activities include autoerotic asphyxiation and self-bondage.

Female masturbation techniques include a woman stroking or rubbing her vulva especially her clitoris with her index andor middle fingers. Sometimes one or more fingers may be inserted into her vagina to repeatedly stroke the frontal wall of her vagina where her g-spot is located. Masturbation aids such as a vibrator dildo or Ben Wa balls can also be used to stimulate the vagina and clitoris. Many women caress their breasts or stimulate a nipple with the free hand if these are receptive areas for sexual stimulation. Anal stimulation is also enjoyed by some. Lubrication is sometimes used during masturbation especially when penetration is involved but this is not universal and many women find their natural lubrication sufficient.

The most common male masturbation technique is simply to hold the penis with a loose fist and then to move the hand up and down the shaft until orgasm and ejaculation take place. The speed of the hand motion will vary from male to male although it is not uncommon for the speed to increase as ejaculation nears and for it to decrease during the ejaculation itself.