Why is Female Masturbation such a Taboo Topic?

Masturbation is a widely accepted notion for men. Men openly talk and even joke about “jerking off”. Men have needs and when the “need” rears its’ head while he is alone it is totally acceptable for him to “choke the chicken”. But why is it so different for women? Why is there so much shame and stigma attached to female masturbation? Do women not have the same needs? Isn’t sex meant to be pleasurable for both men and women? Did you know a clitoris has over 8,000 nerve endings in the tip alone? (Which by the way is double the number of nerves in a penis)

So then why? If there is so much sensitivity in the clitoris and masturbation is acceptable for men, why do women feel guilt or shame regarding masturbation?

In 2019, the TENGA Self-Pleasure Report, which surveyed over 10,000 men and women across nine countries, revealed that 91% of American men and 78% of American women masturbate, with Millennials doing it more than Gen Z and Gen X. A 2019 survey conducted by Dr. Evan Goldstein asked 1,040 about their masturbation habits. The results indicated that 31.6% of respondents thought masturbation was shameful when they were young, whereas 31.3% of respondents thought it was healthy or natural. Although our view on masturbation (especially for women) continue to evolve and it isn’t quite as stigmatized now as it was in the past it doesn’t mean those feelings of guilt or shame are easily erased and myths still affect the way that some women feel about it.

So, where does all this guilt come from? For some women, it is due to a lack of information. Most of the women I know say that when they were growing up, no one ever talked to them about self-pleasure or that masturbation is a normal aspect of human sexuality. This lack of knowledge and silence surrounding self-pleasure contributes to guilt. Another cause of guilt around masturbation is many women have been told by parents or caretakers that masturbation is bad and to be avoided. Also, in some religions many are told it is unhealthy or sinful.

However, I am here to tell you that the benefits far outweigh the shame or guilt ladies. This stigma around female masturbation can kick rocks with flip flops on. I am going to give you 12 damn good reasons you should take a solo trip to Pleasuretown TONIGHT ladies!!

1. Boosts mood and happiness- Orgasms release the endorphins dopamine and oxytocin, which can improve your mood and create a natural high.

2. Increases body acceptance- Your body should be your best friend as it is one of the only things that will be with you your entire life which means you should explore it in its’ entirety.

3. Improves your sex life- Masturbation allows you to explore your body and find out what feels best which can make you more confident in bed and more vocal with partners. Once you figure out what you like, you can tell your partner where to touch you.

4. Helps you sleep - Orgasms physically and emotionally relieve tension and exhaust the body, which allow you to fall asleep quicker. Masturbation helps people sleep the same way reading a book before bed does

5. Releases sexual tension- If you’ve chosen to not have sex or are simply going through a dry spell, masturbating is a great way to satisfy your libido.

6. Eases body aches and menstrual pain– While the research is fairly limited on this, most women who masturbate on their periods find it helps with painful cramps and aches brought on by their period.

7. Relieves stress - Sex and self-stimulation are the best stress relievers. What better way to unwind.

8. There is something for everyone- Between buying online or your local sex toy shop you can find tons of cool toys and accessories to help you masturbate - From hands-free vibrators to buzzing faux lip stick bottles, there’s a vibrator for every lady.

9. Mixes things up- The more you masturbate and become comfortable being sexual with your own body, the more you’ll want to be sexual with your partner

10. Multiple. Orgasms - Understanding how your body works helps you know exactly how to pleasure it. Once, twice, three times, it’s up to you!

11. There are no downsides to it - you cannot catch anything, get pregnant, or get sick. It’s the best option sexually that isn’t going to have any negative repercussions.

12. It feels f*****g AMAZING- No explanation needed.