The act of pleasuring one's self sexually. This can be done by using one's hands, but also by using sex toys. The sexual pleasure can be derived from stimulation of the genitals, but also sometimes by stimulating the anus, nipples or other erogenous zones. The act can result in an orgasm, but this is not always case Self stimulation without an orgasm is still considered masturbation.

For many the act of masturbation is a private occasion where they indulge in their own pleasure. In other cases people enjoy mutual masturbation with someone else in the room or there have been masturbation circles where people enjoy masturbation together in the presence of a larger group.

Methods of masturbation differ from person to person and their particular preferences. As for many this is personal—they do not always share their specific practices with others.