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- Ellie Strachan, MD
- Betty Staples, MD
- Duke University Medical Center
- Durham, NC
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Author Disclosure
Drs Strachan and Staples have disclosed no financial relationships relevant to this article. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device.
Self-exploration and masturbation are a normal part of development but are not discussed often because they are challenging topics for parents and pediatricians. Most children will engage in some sexual behavior before puberty, and after puberty the practice is even more common. In one report, 90% to 94% of males and 50% to 60% of females recalled masturbating at some point during their childhood. Given that this behavior is so common, it is essential that pediatricians be able to distinguish normal behavior from pathologic behavior, including behavior that is suggestive of an alternative medical diagnosis or abuse.
Children follow a progression of appropriate sexual behavior based on age and developmental level. Common early sexual behaviors include touching one’s genitals in private or in public, attempting to touch others’ genitals, showing one’s genitals to others, …
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