Female masturbation: your guide on how to enjoy it more

The past awkwardness surrounding the topic of female masturbation is on the decline as women become more open about exploring their own bodies

The previously taboo topic is becoming more accepted as a natural practice, and one that comes with health benefits as a bonus. But let's not forget its main purpose of providing sheer pleasure, and this guide will show you how best to get yourself off with some tantalizing techniques and other clit-tingling tips.

Why masturbate?

First thing's first, any stigmas still attached to pleasuring yourself need to be totally eliminated. Men have been open about going solo for decades, so why not women? You don't have to shout it from the rooftops, but be honest with yourself - the majority of us masturbate and it's nothing to be ashamed of.

Masturbation is great! It can relieve any pent-up sexual tension, allow us to experience pure pleasure and fun, and improve our sex lives. A bonus: you'll be able to better direct and show them what works for you. If nothing else, use this little list of health benefits to encourage more self-loving, and you'll soon see that orgasms are definitely the best medicine.

Female masturbation:

• Reduces stress


• Can ease menstrual cramps


• Releases feel-good endorphins


• Improves pelvic floor muscles


• Helps flush out bacteria


• Promotes body awareness. Knowing how it feels down there will instantly alert you to any changes


• Encourages sleep

Now we've convinced you that touching yourself is a great thing, let's explore the techniques and gadgets that will push you over the edge!

In or out?

The clitoris is packed with around 8,000 nerve endings, and its position means it is tucked in and protected under the hood, so it is super sensitive to touch. Clitoral stimulation is where it's at: most women orgasm from being touched externally rather than internally due to sensitivity and ease of access. Don't write off internal play though - it's very possible to climax this way too, and besides, it feels good. It's known that you can come from nipple stimulation alone, and for some women, even thinking sexy thoughts will set them off! So don't be afraid to mix it up and touch wherever feels right.

Perfect your general technique

Set the mood; take a warm bubble bath with candles. Lather up your body and gently caress your erogenous zones. Leave your genital area until last as a sort of tease, and think of your deepest fantasy, whatever arouses you, whilst really getting to know your body.

Take a mirror and have a look down there, part your lips with your fingers and lightly massage near your vaginal opening. Tickle the sensitive skin around your vulva and experiment with what feels good.

Variety is the spice of life, so try mixing things up with different strokes. Move your index finger up and down vertically on your clitoris for quite an intense feel; move your fingertip lightly in a circular motion for a slower build-up. Try gentle tapping in a rhythm, speeding up the beat as you get more and more aroused.

Bring yourself right to the edge of orgasm and then leave your clitoral area completely and try inserting a finger (or two) inside you. Curl your finger slightly and use a beckoning motion in strokes, then slide your fingers in and out. Caress the area about a centimeter from the opening: it has a lot of tingly nerve endings. As you are enjoying some internal play, use your other hand to massage your breasts, concentrating on your nipples. Tweak, rub, tickle your nipples and discover your favored technique from your sexual response.

When you are suitably horny and ready to take yourself past the point of no return, revisit your clitoris and use whatever motion you preferred from the last time you were there. Some women get a more intense climax having one finger there, and fingers from the other hand reaching into their vagina as they ride the euphoric waves of orgasm.

Spice up your solo sessions with these sex aids

• Lubricant. The wetter you are, the better it will feel. Use water based lubes, or simply your own saliva or vaginal secretions. You won't look back!


• Cup a hot drink with your fingers before having a play - the warm sensation is strangely seductive.


• Ice ice baby! If you like extremes, use ice wrapped in a cloth (to prevent ice burn) and shock yourself into submission.


• Shower-power. This one's good for a quickie. Direct the shower-head down below and let the water do the work.


• Steamy novels, photos of your partner / a famous person, erotic films, whatever floats your boat; use it in your self-foreplay. Erotica, plus your imagination, will take you to a new level of pleasure you never knew existed.


• Test out different textures. Silk underwear provides a hint of a soft, smooth caress. There are rubbery, ridged 'Finger Teaser' sex toys which give a more rough feel.

This brings us to the vibrator

You haven't lived until you've at least tried one. The vibrating sensation is different to anything digital stimulation can provide. Granted, it may not be for you, but for those that favor the buzzy-buddies, there are a huge selection to choose from. They range from tiny bullets that focus on the clitoris, to huge lifelike penises complete with veiny ridges for your pleasure! Some of the most effective vibrators have a 'shaft' that provides bulk in the vagina whilst an attached 'arm' fondles the external parts. They come in all shapes and sizes with different movements and speeds, and they can provide a welcome change to your one-on-one sessions. Don't get bogged down trying to find your G-spot, but there's a rumor than a vibrator is the best way to access the area, and you're bound to have fun trying!

Go with the flow

Research shows that women who masturbate have more fulfilling sex lives as they are generally more open with their partners, and know exactly how they like to be touched. Also, the more orgasms you have, the better they'll become. This is due to your pelvic floor muscles having a workout and becoming stronger by contracting in waves as you experience the big O - it's win win!

Lose your inhibitions about self-loving and get some quality time in - it's amazing what female masturbation can do for your mood, and your health overall. Experiment with new techniques and ideas to keep it fun and fresh. Do what comes naturally and feels comfortable for you, and most importantly, enjoy yourself!

photo by dubside and Ian Kennedy via Flickr under a CC BY 2.0 license.