I've been touching myself sexually since I was very young, around age 6, and it's been a regular behavior continuing into the present. Is this normal?

Thanks for reaching out to us! What you are describing is actually more common than many people realize, and I want you to know that you're not alone in this experience. Childhood self-touch can happen for many different reasons, and it's important to understand that bodies naturally seek comfort and soothing in various ways.

Sometimes children discover self-touch as a way to self-soothe when they're feeling anxious, bored, or overwhelmed. For some, it becomes a coping mechanism that continues into adolescence and adulthood. This can be completely normal development, but it can also sometimes be connected to early exposure to sexual content, trauma, or other experiences that heightened awareness of these sensations at a young age.

The fact that this began so early and became such a regular pattern suggests it may have served an important function for you - perhaps as comfort, stress relief, or simply because it felt good. Our bodies are designed to respond to touch, and seeking pleasurable sensations is a natural human drive. However, if this behavior feels compulsive or if it's interfering with other aspects of your life, or if you're feeling distressed about it, those feelings are also completely valid.

What matters most is how you feel about this behavior now. If it feels healthy and manageable in your current life, then it may simply be part of your personal experience with your body. If you're feeling concerned, confused, or like the behavior feels out of your control, speaking with a therapist who specializes in sexual health could provide you with personalized insight and support.

You deserve to feel comfortable and at peace with your relationship with your own body, whatever that looks like for you. Thank you for trusting us with this!