No More Taboo: 9 Questions You May Have About Masturbation, Answered

Here’s all you need to know about masturbation and owning the pleasure all women deserve from their bodies. It can set you free!

M for… Marriage.
We never hear the end of it.

M for… Menstruation.
Thankfully, Twinkle Khanna has made it a trending topic.

The elephant in the room…

When it comes to talking about sex and all related topics we prefer to put it in a box, lock it and throw the key away in the sea never to be found again; except while bearing children. Somehow, we are scared of pleasure. We are more comfortable looking at the act of sex as a necessity to be performed to have an offspring. So, masturbation is not justified by this logic.

Masturbation has also been traditionally perceived as a ‘male’ arena. Women have usually been perceived as vessels for carrying progeny…and therefore…”pure”. The problem with this notion is that women have then been dissociated from pleasure. Their needs and desires have been not only been put on the backburner, but considered a taboo.

Fortunately we are seeing a change in the attitudes of people but there are still a number of myths surrounding this hush hush issue.

What is masturbation?

Masturbation according to the Merriam Webster dictionary: “erotic stimulation especially of one’s own genital organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse by instrumental manipulation, occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies.”

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Do women masturbate?

Yes, women do masturbate, so do men and other genders. Masturbation is not exclusive to a particular gender.

In women, the primary excitatory organ is the clitoris, not the vagina. (Around 80 percent women cannot reach orgasm through penetration).

In men, the excitatory organ is the glans that is at the tip of the penis.

Does masturbation cause pregnancy?

No, it does not. As long as it is done with clean (free of semen) hands or objects.

Does masturbation cause health problems or diseases?

No, it does not. It is a physical act that will not cause any harm to any of your body parts, including genitals or your mental health. In fact, masturbation releases the same hormones released during sex, that make you feel good, relieve stress and menstrual cramps in females.

What is the right way to masturbate?

There is no right or wrong way, Just like sex it’s a matter of personal preference. Whatever feels good to you is the right way to do it.

How many times is it safe to masturbate during the day?

There are no prescribed guidelines on the frequency of masturbation throughout the day. It’s a matter of personal choice.

If my partner masturbates, does it mean that she/he is not satisfied with me?

No, it does not mean that your partner is not satisfied with you. It’s just an act that can be done with or without you partner present. It depends on your mood, habits and libido. There is no reason to take offence in the matter, again; it’s a matter of personal choice.

Will I lose my virginity if I masturbate before having actual sex?

Virginity is more of a cultural construct than actual science. Virginity referring to the breakage of hymen in women can occur by penetration of objects, fingers or during sex. Just as it can break during running, jumping or any other physical activity. There are no tests in the world to determine whether the absence of the hymen is due to sexual penetration.

Same goes for males although they do not have a hymen.

Why do we need to talk about it?

Masturbation although a highly personal topic, needs to be talked about because of the various myths surrounding it. It is essential that the conversation is converted to a positive and healthy one, and people, especially teens and adolescents receive correct information and are not ashamed of their deires and changes in their bodies.

Masturbation though not essential can help us discover our bodies and be confident about them. It can help us discover our likes and dislikes and ways to improve our own pleasure as well as helping our partners help us reach orgasms.

It is completely healthy, natural and a fun way to explore your body and sexuality!!

Image source: pexels

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