Medical Author: Kathleen Doheny Medical Editor: Louise Chang
Although men may joke and tease each other about their solo sexual activity, women are typically less forthcoming about their own self-pleasuring. With a very close friend, some may compare notes discretely about the best vibrators or the stress relief going solo can provide.
But women's masturbation is not generally a common topic of conversation among girlfriends. Maybe it should be, say sex therapists. They point out that women's masturbation can have benefits both for health and relationships. Here are five things about masturbation women may not know:
1. "Normal" masturbation in women takes many forms.
Most women, like men, have masturbated at least once in their lives, research suggests. Frequency varies, and there's no "normal" for that. There's no ''normal" cutoff age, either, with the practice continuing into the 80s and beyond.
Women may feel guilty about it, especially if they are in a committed relationship, but there's no need for guilt, sex therapists say. Sometimes a partner is tired, out of town, or otherwise unavailable. And it doesn't mean a woman needs to go without.
There is no one "method" of masturbation in women that's normal. "A range of ways is 'normal,''' says Paul Joannides, PsyD, a psychoanalyst in Waldport, Ore.
Fingers and vibrators are two common methods of women's masturbation. More than half of 2,056 women, aged 18 to 60, used a vibrator either during masturbation or intercourse, says Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University, Bloomington, who led the survey.
Other women who masturbate report they use the back of a vibrating toothbrush head, the handle of a hairbrush, or water jets in the bathtub, Joannides says.
Although some experts worry about side effects from vibrator use, such as genital numbness or pain, less than 30% of the women in Herbenick's vibrator survey said they had experienced them.
But another expert, Frank Sommers, MD, a Toronto psychiatrist, worries that excessive vibrator use during masturbation could desensitize women to orgasms with a partner. “I tell my patients, ‘Look on a vibrator as whipped cream -- you wouldn't want to eat it every day.'"
He believes too much vibrator use ‘'habituates your autonomic nervous system to such stimulation that a human could not duplicate it.”
Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual
arousal and pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm (sexual climax). It is
commonly done by touching, stroking, or massaging the penis or clitoris until an
orgasm is achieved. Some women also use stimulation of the vagina to masturbate
or use "sex toys," such as a vibrator.
Who Masturbates?
Just about everybody. Masturbation is a very common behavior, even among
people who have sexual relations with a partner. In one national study, 95% of
males and 89% of females reported that they have masturbated. Masturbation is
the first sexual act experienced by most males and females. In young children,
masturbation is a normal part of the growing child's exploration of his or her
body. Most people continue to masturbate in adulthood, and many do so throughout
their lives.
Why Do People Masturbate?
In addition to feeling good, masturbation is a good way
of relieving the sexual tension that can build up over time, especially for
people without partners or whose partners are not willing or available for sex.
Masturbation also is a safe sexual alternative for people who wish to avoid
pregnancy and the
dangers of sexually transmitted diseases. It also is necessary when a man must
give a semen sample for
infertility testing or for sperm donation. When
sexual dysfunction is present in an adult, masturbation may be prescribed by a sex
therapist to allow a person to experience an orgasm (often in women) or to delay
its arrival (often in men).
Is Masturbation Normal?
While it once was regarded as a perversion and a sign of a mental problem,
masturbation now is regarded as a normal, healthy sexual activity that is
pleasant, fulfilling, acceptable and safe. It is a good way to experience sexual
pleasure and can be done throughout life.
Masturbation is only considered a problem when it inhibits sexual activity
with a partner, is done in public, or causes significant distress to the person.
It may cause distress if it is done compulsively and/or interferes with daily
life and activities.
Is Masturbation Harmful?
In general, the medical
community considers masturbation to be a natural and harmless expression of
sexuality for both men and women. It does not cause any physical injury or harm to the body, and can be
performed in moderation throughout a person's lifetime as a part of normal
sexual behavior. Some cultures and religions oppose the use of masturbation or
even label it as sinful. This can lead to guilt or shame about the behavior.
Some experts suggest that masturbation can actually improve
sexual health and
relationships. By exploring your own body through masturbation, you can
determine what is erotically pleasing to you and can share this with your
partner. Some partners use mutual masturbation to discover techniques for a more
satisfying sexual relationship and to add to their mutual intimacy.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCE:
Reviewed by Raya Almufti Abraham, MD on March 04, 2010
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
The term sex addiction describes the behavior of someone who has an unusually strong sex drive or sexual obsession. Sex and thoughts of sex dominate a sex addict's thinking, making it difficult to work or engage in healthy personal relationships. Sex addicts may engage in exhibitionism, voyeurism, prostitution, compulsive masturbation, or cybersex. Treatment for sex addiction includes individual counseling, marital and/or family therapy, support groups, 12-step recovery programs, and in some cases, medications.
Male sexual dysfunction can be caused by physical or psychological problems. Common sexual problems in men include erectile dysfunction (impotence or ED), premature ejaculation and loss of libido. Treatment for sexual dysfunction in men may involve medication, hormone therapy, psychological therapy, and the use of mechanical aids.
The time when boys and girls begin the process of sexual maturation is called puberty. During this time, both sexes undergo a series of biological changes that include a rapid increase in height, bone growth, weight increase, the growth of pubic hair, breast development and the onset of menstruation in girls, and testicle, penis, and muscle enlargement in boys.
Enjoying a satisfying sex life as we age is important to both physical and mental health. As we age, diseases and conditions may pose challenges in our sexual health, and sexual experiences. Learn how to manage your conditions and still have a gratifying sex life as you age.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem that arises during any phase of the sexual response cycle, preventing an individual or couple from experiencing sexual satisfaction. Physical, medical, and psychological conditions may affect sexual functioning, resulting in inhibited sexual desire, inability to become aroused, lack of orgasm, and painful intercourse. Treating the underlying physical and psychological problems usually resolves most female sexual problems.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Men's health is an important component to a happy lifestyle and healthy relationships. Eating healthy, exercise, managing stress, and knowing when to have medical tests for a particular age is key to disease prevention in men.
Menopause is often associated with a change in sexual functioning. Loss of estrogen, bladder control issues, anxiety, stress, health concerns, medications, and sleep disturbances often result in a decrease in libido. Though there are currently no good drugs for treating sexual problems in women, there are ways to increase intimacy with a partner and treat vaginal dryness.
When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
Having diabetes can mean early onset and increased severity of bladder symptoms (urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections) and changes in sexual function. Men may have erectile dysfunction; and women may have problems with sexual response and vaginal lubrication. Keep your diabetes under control, and you can lower your risk of sexual and urologic problems.
There are four phases to the sexual response for men and women. Couple do not usually reach each phase at the same time, and they are dependant from individual to individual. The four phases of the sexual response cycle include phase 1, excitement; phase 2, plateau; phase 3 orgasm; and phase 4 resolution.
Puberty is the time at which a growing boy or girl begins the process of
sexual maturation. Puberty involves a series of physical stages or steps that
lead to the achievement of fertility and the development of the so-called
secondary sex characteristics, the physical features associated with adult males
and females (such as the growth of pubic hair). While puberty involves a series
of biological, or physical, transformations, the process can also have an effect
on the psychosocial and emotional development of the adolescent.
When does puberty occur?
The onset of puberty varies among individuals. Puberty usually occurs in
girls between the ages of 10 and 14, while in boys it generally occurs later,
between the ages of 12 and 16. In some African American girls, puberty begins
earlier, at about age 9, meaning that puberty occurs from ages 9 to 14.
Adolescent girls reach puberty today at earlier ages...