The Risks of Improper Female Masturbation
It is commonly believed that more men engage in masturbation than women; however, studies indicate that this gap may not be accurate. Female masturbation is widespread, raising the question of how women should perceive this phenomenon.
Challenging the Myths Surrounding Masturbation
Since the "masturbation is harmful" narrative has faced challenges and criticisms from modern sexuality studies, those who embrace this practice feel empowered. Yet, it remains unfortunate that, in today's extensive research on “sexual masturbation,” male habits continue to attract significant attention, while female masturbation often remains overlooked.
This oversight can be traced back to historical contexts, such as medieval Europe and feudal China, where women were frequently viewed as vehicles for male sexual gratification or means of procreation. The belief prevailed that men possess sexual desire and the ability to reach orgasm, while women were denied both the rights and pleasures of sexual experiences. Consequently, male sexual issues have been a focal point of societal concern.
The Reality of Female Masturbation
In truth, female masturbation exists widely and is similar to its male counterpart, though often more discreet. Dr. Kinsey's publication, "Sexual Behavior in the Human Female," in the 1950s presented extensive surveys that confirmed female masturbation's prevalence, showing that about 62% of women engage in this behavior.
Furthermore, renowned sexologist Liu Dalin led a national survey in 1989 that reported a masturbation rate of 16.5% among Chinese female college students. His findings highlighted a stark difference in perceptions between genders; only 16% of male students viewed masturbation as immoral, whereas a staggering 45.1% of female students held the same belief. Such misconceptions significantly impact women's self-esteem and impede their healthy sexual development.
Understanding the Characteristics of Female Masturbation
It is crucial to reevaluate the comfort women derive from self-exploration by recognizing four key characteristics.
Innate Enjoyment of Female Masturbation
After Dr. Kinsey highlighted the normalcy of female masturbation, many sexologists further corroborated that it is a typical human behavior alongside intercourse, posing no harm to mental or physical health.
Research has confirmed that women can achieve sexual pleasure easily and enjoyably. They can climax whenever they desire, often experiencing multiple orgasms during a single session. Women inherently understand how to make their bodies enjoy pleasure without needing instruction.
Exploring Self-Discovery Through Masturbation
Why do women engage in masturbation? Understanding the sexual climax is crucial for comprehending female desire. Masturbation is predominantly a solo activity, typically learned through personal experience rather than through external teaching. It serves as a natural form of biological feedback, representing one of the few instinctual behaviors available to humans. Most women discover the pleasure of masturbation at a young age.
As Betty Dodson eloquently states in her book "Liberating Mammary," "Masturbation is our primary sexual activity; it is the foundation of our sexuality, and anything we do beyond it is merely a choice for a socialized sexual experience." Additionally, it's noteworthy that primates also exhibit instinctual masturbation behaviors from a young age, further highlighting its natural occurrence in the animal kingdom.
Conclusion
To sum up, female masturbation is a common and healthy expression of sexuality that deserves recognition and understanding without the stigma that has historically surrounded it. A shift towards a more open conversation can empower women and support their sexual health and well-being.