I’ve been engaging in self-pleasure for a long time. The interesting part is that it wasn’t until my forties that I truly embraced masturbation as a vital aspect of self-care. I distinctly recall being at a college gathering during my senior year, chatting with my friends. As our box of wine dwindled, the topic of masturbation emerged. I boldly admitted that I occasionally indulged, although I had always relied on toys instead of using my hands. Back in the early ’90s, vibrators were not as accessible, prompting us to get a little creative.
To my surprise, the rest of the group claimed they had never tried it, leaving me to sip my cheap White Zinfandel in the corner.
For years, I struggled with feelings of shame surrounding masturbation. As a teenager and young woman, it felt dirty and self-indulgent. Afterward, I’d often hang my head in embarrassment. Instead of embracing my sexual feelings, I would either suppress them or settle for a lackluster experience just for some relief.
The reality is that discussions about the advantages of masturbation for those with vaginas have been limited. For far too long, the narrative has focused on “Big Dick Energy,” leaving women to navigate their own paths. Fortunately, attitudes are shifting, and we’re beginning to recognize the extraordinary benefits of self-pleasure.
If you feel uncertain about it, know that’s completely normal. My own journey evolved from simply rubbing against things with my clothes on to fully exploring my body, starting with my breasts. If you haven’t taken the time to explore yourself, I highly recommend it. My confidence in intimate situations soared after I prioritized my own pleasure.
If you’re still apprehensive, remember this: denying your own body is the ultimate rejection. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to enjoy yourself, and if you’re capable of giving yourself pleasure (which you undoubtedly are), why hold back?
There’s also no reason to rush through it. I often wonder what I was thinking when I hurried through my own pleasure, especially during those years when I lived alone and had the perfect setup with candles and nice lingerie.
The essence of my message is that masturbation should be an integral part of our self-care routines. It’s empowering to understand our own bodies; how can we expect others to satisfy us if we don’t know what we want? Masturbation is a gateway to experiencing intense orgasms, and who wouldn’t want that?
Whether you’re in a relationship or single, if you’re feeling aroused and your partner isn’t available, you don’t need to wait. In fact, the more I explore myself, the more in tune I feel when I am with my partner. It’s akin to keeping a slow-burning fire alive.
Moreover, there are health advantages to orgasms. They can enhance skin health and even slow the aging process. A study from the University of Michigan indicates that orgasms elevate estrogen levels, which is beneficial for mood and maintaining youthful skin. Orgasms also relieve stress and can improve sleep, effectively easing headaches and menstrual cramps. While we often focus on nourishing our bodies through food and exercise, masturbation is a vital yet frequently overlooked aspect of self-care.
If you’re new to this self-care journey, start by setting aside time for yourself, even if it’s just in the shower. Relax and gently explore your body, reminding yourself how nurturing this practice is. Before long, you’ll find that you can’t get enough of yourself and will feel more empowered and confident.
Historically, women and people with vaginas have been conditioned to prioritize their partners’ pleasure. It’s time to shift that focus back onto ourselves and recognize that if we can show such care to another, we should be extending it to ourselves too.
For more insights on self-care and intimacy, check out this post on home insemination. Additionally, for more information on home insemination kits, Make a Mom provides excellent resources. For details on intrauterine insemination, you can visit the NHS.
Search Queries:
- Benefits of masturbation for women
- How to prioritize self-care
- Techniques for female self-pleasure
- Health benefits of orgasms
- Exploring intimacy on your own
Summary:
Masturbation is an essential aspect of self-care that empowers individuals to understand their own bodies and enhance their sexual confidence. Despite past feelings of shame, it’s crucial to embrace self-pleasure as a way to boost self-esteem and improve overall well-being. Engaging in this practice not only leads to personal satisfaction but also brings about various health benefits, reinforcing the importance of making time for oneself.