It’s actually super important—almost as essential as brushing your teeth. Here are ten surprising facts about female masturbation.
1. It’s genuinely healthy
Masturbation isn’t just pleasurable; it’s great for your body too. Thanks to the release of endorphins, it can ease anxiety, calm your nerves, and even relieve menstrual cramps.
2. A natural painkiller
Just like with cramps, a good orgasm can soothe almost any kind of pain. So if you have a headache, instead of reaching for aspirin, try reaching your peak—it might do the trick.
3. Avoid using saliva as lubricant
Research shows that women who used saliva to lubricate their fingers had a higher chance of infections. Saliva can disrupt your vaginal bacteria, so it’s smarter to use a proper lubricant.
4. Female monkeys do it too
Scientists have observed masturbation in many animal species. Squirrels, deer, and walruses all do it, but female great apes even use tools—sometimes they use sticks to pleasure themselves.
5. It won’t give you acne
Parents often scare boys with blindness and girls with acne from masturbation. Neither is true. While orgasm can slightly raise testosterone levels, the amount is tiny, so there’s no need to worry about breakouts.
6. Some don’t even need their hands
At Rutgers University, researchers studied women who reached orgasm without touching themselves. These women simply "thought themselves" to climax, and MRI scans showed the same brain areas lighting up as in women who used physical stimulation.
7. Believe it or not, exercise can help too!
Stimulating the muscles around the pelvic bone can help some women achieve orgasm without using their hands. It’s rare, but certain women can climax by squatting or lifting their legs. The rhythmic tightening and relaxing of muscles can trigger orgasmic contractions.
8. Prevents vaginal atrophy
Vaginal atrophy means thinning and shrinking of the sensitive vaginal lining, mainly due to hormonal changes, especially during menopause. Like any unused muscles, vaginal muscles can weaken over time. Regular masturbation helps keep them healthy and strong.
9. You don’t need any toys
Your hand is your best friend, and if needed, a good lubricant. Contrary to popular belief, no woman needs any sexual toys to reach orgasm during masturbation. Of course, if you like using toys, go for it—but always keep hygiene in mind and clean them thoroughly after use.
10. Sometimes you just don’t reach the peak
That’s totally normal and nothing to worry about. Our hormones fluctuate constantly—some days we can’t wait to get home and touch ourselves, while other times we might not feel like it for weeks. Desire comes and goes in cycles, so don’t stress if you don’t always hit the climax.
