Female Masturbation: A 101

Hello my lovelies! I thought it’d be nice to touch base not just with fantasies but also with some of the more fundamental and ‘back to basics’ elements of sex and open sex discussions. So, I am very happy to have a chance to discuss female masturbation in this sponsored article. I hope you enjoy it too!

Maybe you’ve had a bad day. Maybe you need to relax. Or maybe you just feel like it.

Sex is an action that can be done independent of a partner and studies have shown that 70% of women between the ages of 25 and 29 admit to masturbating during the past year alone, meaning there is no shortage of women enjoying themselves.

Masturbation has some amazing benefits which, outside of pleasure for pleasure’s sake, makes it a really great activity to engage in. Exploring your body will help you get to know it better and thus can be great for improved solo or partnered pleasure in the long run. If you have anorgasmia, masturbation can help you overcome it and other conditions, such as vaginismus can also benefit from masturbation and the familiarity with on’es body that it offers.

So, in this article, I’ll be delving in to a few interesting insights about female masturbation; when it’s common, how to enjoy it, and other approaches to it.

When Does Female masturbation Start?

This is a tricky one because it can vary between individuals. I personally was masturbating before I’d even hit double digits (though I didn’t really understand it in a sexual context) but most females will start to explore their bodies during puberty. However, this does not mean that it is equally normal to masturbate before or after.

For example, some boys start masturbating in childhood. According to research between the ages of three and five, 75% of children touch their genitals.

In fact, the exploration of one’s own body is a specific stage of child development and (although sometimes a distressing point of discussion for some) is actually a normal part of childhood and human identity. Though, as stated above, the obvious nature of male genitalia means that boys often engage in bodily exploration at an earlier stage than females.

Later on, even though there are women who masturbate more than men, in general, it is the latter who do it more often. Of course, there are also women who decide not to do it and others who start masturbating when they are adults, but hesitance does still exist among women, especially those of a later generation. This has been shown in the previously mentioned study on female masturbation where, although younger age categories masturbated healthily, figures of self-enjoyment drop by 46.5% for women aged 60-69, and by 33% if the woman is over 70.

It is a myth that, with the arrival of the menopause, women stop masturbating or that interest in sex disappears with old age, so this is perhaps more indicative of older opinions on female masturbation and a degree of hesitance that has lingered with those attitudes. For more info please read our guide to the female orgasm

Female Masturbation and Science

As time has gone on, however, prejudice has been replaced with curiosity and a scientific defiance of masturbation taboos.

For instance, a study conducted in the United States by psychologist Debby Herbanick, who specializes in sexual behavior, has shown that masturbation can be related to intelligence. That is to say, that people with a higher intellectual index masturbate more frequently.

This same study has also concluded that there is a relationship between people’s academic level and the frequency of masturbation. That is, the higher the level of education, the more common is the practice of masturbation.

Other research conducted in Australia by the Melbourne Cancer Epidemiology Centre concluded that men between the ages of 20 and 50, who masturbate more than five times a week, have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, and although this is less applicable for women the general consensus is that masturbation can lower stress markers and thus keep the immune system strong.. This is because orgasms have higher levels of an antibody: immunoglobin A (IgA).

In the case of women, the English gynecologist Laura Streicher says that masturbation also  helps to lubricate and reduce dryness in the female genital area. Therefore, masturbation is especially useful during the menopause or for those who feel self conscious about their personal lubrication.

Methods of Masturbation

So, masturbation is a natural part of human development and comes with many health benefits. But what are some of the most common approaches to masturbation? Here are just a few approaches that you might already dabble with (or want to try out yourself):

Finger Stroking

This consists of stroking the clitoris with one or more fingers. The movement can be up and down or side to side.  The movements can be fast or slower, more direct and intense or softer. The clitoris can be stimulated directly, by pulling back the skin that covers it, or indirectly, by not removing the skin. All approaches are good, but individuals will know what works for them.

Circular and U-shaped Movements

As opposed to a simple stroke, this method involves rubbing the entire area with four fingers, not just the clitoris, making a circle or making a U-shaped movement, following the area of skin above the urethra. This is a very effective technique and well worth trying.

The Shower Handle

A classic. Fingerless masturbation via aiming the showerhead jet at the clitoris to stimulate it. You can guess why this is effective.

On a Pillow or Other Fabric

One of the simplest techniques for masturbating is to use an object, such as a pillow or a rolled-up towel, and to clench around it. I used to do this and thought I was alone in enjoying it but, as it happens, it’s quite common.

Clitoral Squeeze

Instead of stroking, this technique involves pressing the clitoris with the index and thumb, or with the middle and index fingers. The speed and pressure can vary depending on what the person best likes.

Vibrator

You know I’m a fan of vibrators, sex toys and the like. There are many sex toys out there and there are a lot of different ways to approach them. They would require a guide all their own. Needless to say, though, they’re good for masturbation.

Which Toy? Ododi’s Guide to Vibrators

Tantric Sex

Some people will also choose to enjoy masturbation in alternative ways, such as through tantric sex. Tantric sex is based on Tantra, an Eastern discipline practiced in the Orient thousands of years ago. This practice worships worldly pleasures in order to reach spiritual fulfillment.

Tantric sex does not only focus on the genital organs to achieve pleasure or orgasm, but on all parts of the body, that is, on sexual energy. Modern tantra encourages acceptance of oneself as it is, and it is precisely this that makes one feel free and uninhibited – great for masturbation.

Another point that characterizes Tantric sex is that its goal is not ejaculation or orgasm, but to use kisses, caresses and looks to obtain maximum pleasure, leaving aside the rush. Therefore, when talking about tantric sex, many mention “inner ejaculation”. That is, retaining ejaculation, but achieving maximum pleasure.

The Bottom Line

Masturbation is a wonderful aspect of human sexuality which can be part of everyday life, if you wish it to be. So, why not embrace masturbation or own your current relationship with it? Or, why not try a new technique (or some tantra)?

Female Masturbation Tips for Beginners