Masturbation is a commonplace, pleasurable and fun practice, but there is such a strong stigma attached to it that many people (especially women) won’t admit to throwing a party for one, let alone discuss it over brunch.
It’s a sexy way to please yourself. Let’s put the taboo topic of women and masturbation to bed, because a little self-love might be just what you need. For those of you open-minded about your experiences, we’ve hooked you up with some fun facts about menage a moi.
- Four out of ten women would prefer masturbation over actual sex.
- Direct contact with the clitoris is the general usage for vibrators for eight out of ten women.
- Masturbation is seen as a highly effective tranquilizer for both men and women, so rather than reaching for meds, try investing in a sex toy.
- 53% of women will use vibrators while getting their solo play on.
- 48% of women masturbate once a week while 22% of women masturbate daily.
- Masturbation has proven health benefits like stress management, healthier pelvic muscles, and secretion of endorphins.
- Even more health benefits: Studies show that frequent masturbation lowers the risk of type-2 diabetes and of prostate cancer, reduces depression, and prevents cervical infections in women.
- Masturbation makes you happy. Solo sex is a good way to get in tune with your body and cultivate self-acceptance. Plus, awesome benefits. You know, orgasms.
- You’ve probably heard the old wives’ tales: too much masturbation can cause blindness, stunted growth, insanity and hairy palms. Unless it’s getting in the way of your everyday life (work, friendships, chocolate cake), there is no such thing as too much self love. So go ahead and touch yourself; you’ll make the Divinyls proud.
- Masturbation wasn’t always taboo. One of the first depictions of a female masturbating (and obviously enjoying it) was found in a clay figurine in a temple in Malta. The figurine was from the 4th millennium BC.
- All was great until the year 1716, in London, when a pamphlet titled Onania was published and put an end to all the fun. Onania, or “The Heinous Sin of self-Pollution, And All Its Frightful Consequences, In Both Sexes, Considered: With Spiritual and Physical Advice To Those Who Have Already Injured Themselves By This Abominable Practice” became hugely popular. It included supposed testimonials from men who were ill from masturbating. The pamphlet was translated into many languages and published in 60 editions, and gave jerking off a bad rap for centuries.
- Human aren’t the only species to masturbate. Deer, monkeys, walruses, and squirrels have been documented pleasuring themselves.
So, clear the calendar, burn some candles and get comfy, you have many reasons to partake in a bit of self-exploration.
