Childhood Masturbation in South Asia: A Review

Background: Masturbation is a common and normal sexual behavior, also observed among children. Despite its benign nature, childhood masturbation (CM) often causes parental concern. However, literature on CM from South Asia remains scarce. Objectives: We aimed to see the available clinical evidence on CM in South Asia, considering clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. Methods: This narrative review was conducted through comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google without time restrictions, using both Medical Subject Headings and free-text terms. Eligible studies included original articles, case series, and case reports involving CM from South Asian countries. Results: Eighteen studies (2006–2025) comprising 148 children were included, mostly from India ( n = 11). Case reports ( n = 10) and case series ( n = 5) predominated. Ages ranged from 4 months to 7 years, with a female predominance (62.2%). Common presentations were rhythmic body movements, leg crossing, facial flushing, grunting, sweating, and seizure-like episodes. Pediatricians were consulted as the first level carer in most of the cases, and laboratory tests were usually normal. Non-pharmacological interventions, behavior therapy, psychoeducation, and parental counseling were frequently used ( n = 16) and found effective. Conclusions: CM in South Asia is a relatively less-reported clinical entity. Increasing awareness, promoting culturally sensitive interventions, and prioritizing non-pharmacological management can improve the status quo. Future research should move beyond case reports toward population-based studies that explore the prevalence and psychosocial impacts of CM in South Asia.