Masturbation is probably the most common sexual experience– 95% of men and 90% of women have reported that they masturbate or have done it– but it is something that is very taboo within society and rarely spoken about. So yes it is natural, and just because most people deny it, it doesn’t mean they don’t do it. Personally, I find it healthy and important to a healthy sex life. How can you expect someone else to understand your body and make it feel good if you don’t understand your own? It’s important to get familiar with your own anatomy as well as to learn your preferences.
You can do so with toys, with your hand, objects, even water play. Masturbating has a ton of awesome health benefits: it can help relieve cramps and relax you if you’re stressed; It can help with your ability to orgasm; It can help with anxiety and depression by releasing endorphins; It can help improve your body image; And most importantly it can help you understand your body so that your sex life is more comfortable and informed.
Masturbation is just like sex in that it differs from person to person. It’s important to understand that everyone has different sexual preferences, and how people masturbate depends on numerous factors and can change every time. It all depends on your mood, what turns you on, or even what physical location and environment you’re in. Masturbating also isn’t just genital stimulation, it can be touching your boobs, thighs, or other parts of your body as well. It’s interesting to figure out what works for you and what you like, and a good way to try things out before you involve another person.
I get a lot of Tumblr questions of young girls saying they feel awkward or guilty masturbating. And I think everyone goes through that because it’s so socially unacceptable. It’s easy to think of it as awkward or “funny,” when in reality it’s healthy and natural. We need to remember that we are sexual beings. Masturbating is between you and only you. Do what feels good. There’s no correct way to do it. And just because something might feel good for another person doesn’t mean it’s going to be what you like. Explore and have fun! I think it’s easiest to do it when you’re home alone, so you have privacy and lock the door or close it. That way you can relax and not worry about getting walked in on.