How does masturbation influence women?
A recently published study aimed to investigate factors associated with womens’ masturbation. It was implemented in Portugal and was based on a sample of 3,687 women who agreed to answer an online survey. According to the results, 91% of women in the study reported having masturbation, while 29% said they had masturbated during the last month.
Women who masturbated had more variety in their sexual practices and more fantasies. Also, these women could be aroused and reach orgasm with greater ease.
The majority of women felt positive emotions and only a very small percentage said that they felt guilt or shame after masturbating.
Why is women’s masturbation associated with a better sex life?
Many studies have shown that women who masturbate are more satisfied with their sexual life.
Through masturbation, a woman can more easily explore her sexuality. She may learn to investigate different ways of touch that she likes, and techniques that increase arousal and orgasm.
Women know their bodies and what they enjoy and feel more comfortable to communicate these with their partner. Therefore, ithey increase the chance to enjoy their sex life with their partner.
Unfortunately, many women do not know the stimuli that arouse them and prefer to passively limit themselves to techniques that their partner chooses, even when they are not sufficient for them. This often results in arousal difficulties, less pleasureable sexual encounters and a gradual decrease in sexual desire.
Because the sexuality of every woman is unique, there are no sexual techniques that suit all women. Psychosexual therapy aims to help every woman discover the techniques and stimuli of her preference.
Carvalheira A, Leal I (2013) Masturbation among women: associated factors and sexual response in a Portuguese community sample. J Sex Marital Ther 39: 347-367.
