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Hello. I am a girl, and I masturbate often. Recently I have noticed itchy pumps on my vagina and thighs. I have never had sex or been with a sexual partner. I am worried that it is an std or herpes. What should I do?

You can relax. If you’ve never had sex or any skin-to-skin sexual contact with someone, it’s reeeeally unlikely that you have an STD.  You also can’t get an STD from masturbating — it’s the ultimate form of safer sex!

Lots of other things can cause the irritation you’re describing, including razor burn and shaving rash, or an allergic reaction to detergents, soaps, lotions, and other common household products. If you’re using a sex toy (like a vibrator or dildo), condoms, or lube when you masturbate, you may be allergic to the material they’re made out of.  If the way you masturbate includes a lot of rubbing in your genital and thigh area with rougher materials like fabric, it’s possible your skin is just irritated from lots of friction.

If the rash doesn’t go away on its own, see a nurse or doctor for help figuring out what’s going on.

Tags: STDs, masturbation

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