Shared from our friends at Eve Wellness.
Most of us start our sexual awakening with a little self-love, but the art of masturbation has, for too long, been something we pick up secondhand. Let's change that.
Beyond being a good time, masturbation that includes orgasm has real health benefits. It calms us down, helps us sleep, makes our skin glow, and helps balance our sex hormones. To have good partnered sex, it also helps to know what works for you, and figuring that out takes a little alone time.
One of the greatest heists society has pulled off is making us think that pleasure is something to be ashamed of, especially if you own a vagina. We're ending that taboo today. (This article speaks in broad terms and focuses on people with vaginas, everyone is different.)
The clitoris
An estimated 75% of women can't orgasm from vaginal sex alone. The clitoris is the only organ in the human body designed purely for pleasure, with more nerve endings in its head than anywhere else in the body. It sits at the top of the vulva under a little hood, and continues inside the body, the shaft can be up to 4cm long. Stimulation of the clitoris is the express route to orgasm. Once you work out your combination of pressure, speed, movement and time, that's knowledge for life.
Hands-on
Start with a little lube to reduce friction, and using your index or middle finger, make small circles on and around the head of the clitoris. Explore what feels nice, when you find it, do more of it. Try up and down, side to side, circles, or a combination. If you're not feeling relaxed it can be harder to get there, and that's OK, come back to it when you're less in your head. The bath or shower can be a good spot for guaranteed alone time.
Silicone saviours
If you'd rather take the handiwork out of it, toys are your friend. Dildos are for penetration (keep lube handy). Vibrators can be inserted and, well, vibrate, some stimulate the clitoris at the same time. Clitoral stimulators use air pulses to mimic oral sex and pack a punch. Whatever you choose, water-based lube is a safe, versatile companion.
Housekeeping
If we look after our vaginas, they look after us. When our pH balance slips, bad bacteria can increase the risk of infections. Wash your hands before you get handsy, keep your toys clean, and choose a body-friendly lube, a water-based option like Come Clean is normally a great way to go. A good probiotic to support vaginal health is one of the best things you can do.
If some of this is obvious to you, great, but someone in your life might benefit from some not-from-your-mum education. Sharing is caring.