Going into manual override: Getting hands on with masturbation
It’s Masturbation May, so of course I’m getting all these questions about masturbation, specifically about whether or not it’s healthy and how to normalize female masturbation. That’s when I double check my calendar to see what year it is. Yup 2021. And we’re still having to talk about why masturbation is healthy and that (almost) everyone does it?!?
Masturbation is healthy! It releases hormones and chemicals that make us feel better, helps promote stress relief and sleep, and for those of you who have period cramps, can actually help with that pain. It not only helps us to explore our bodies so we can figure out not only what kind of touch feels good, but may also help us figure out what other types of stimulation turns us on. Do you like direct clitoral stimulation, or is that too intense? How much pressure do you like around your penis? Do you like your balls being played with? How do you feel having your nipples pinched? Do you like hearing sex sounds in the background? While we could figure all this out with a partner, it can also be fun to figure out on your own. And it takes away any pressure you might feel to perform or reciprocate.
It’s also safe! No pregnancy worries or STI transmission. And for those who are trying to figure out how to date or have sex with a new partner during COVID, masturbation may…