Children are often found to masturbate, even as babies. It's a natural thing, and it's how we learn to please ourselves, so we can teach our partners. Patients with problems sexually who have never masturbated are usually instructed to masturbate and learn about their bodies by therapists.

I've masturbated more than having a partner, and I sometimes use a toy, and sometimes I don't. I've had orgasms with all methods. I know many people who claim the same, and read of many more.