Is it "cheating" for a virgin to masterbate?

[silvertae]

It's not cheating and it's not going to ruin you for your first partner. Even if you manage to tear your hymen you will STILL be a virgin.

Go. Masturbate. Have fun. Knock yourself out.

[shanesgal]

i reg used to use a vibrator as it is a sexual need we all have better than sleeping with a guy to do it when ur not ready like i did

[FaithfulSeeker]

I'm a 17-year-old virgin and feeling very rather starved, but sex is out of the question right now because I only want to lose it to a worth-while guy, and the guys I know are all jerks, JUST friends, gay, etc.

I thought about masturbating.... I know it's physically healthy, but I can't help but wonder if doing it before I have sex is "cheating" or "giving in too early." I don't want to sexually deprive myself but I don't want to feel guilty either. Do my "I'm so weak-willed!" thoughts have any merit, or are they just silly? Is masturbation without first knowing actual sex unfair, or is a nice orgasm a nice orgasm, regardless of when, where, how, why, or who with?
Did you masturbate before you had sex? Do a lot people? Please share your thoughts, feelings, and advice.

~Also, would touching/fingering myself do anything to disturb my hymen? Would that change my first experience with vaginal sex?

***************
NO! to all.
It is part of talking care of our selves physically, mentally and emotionally. It is inimately personal time with our selves alone. Like having a bubble bath and cleaning our bodies and keeping a healthy self-image. Its self-love. Loving yourself. If you don't exercise those muscles they become lazy, and latter would give you low intensity orgasms with your guy. Its part of keeping your body physically fit - yes - even there.

[Huntersmom91107]

If it is cheating, then I bet that there are ALOT of women who have some explaining to do.

It's not sex... Its pleasuring yourself and it's not wrong.
It does not take away your virginity. It does not hurt you.
I give you props!!! 17 and still waiting... I wish I waited to give myself to my husband.