Did you know that there’s such a thing as National Masturbation Month? There Is. And since we’re smack dab in the middle of it, it’s time to celebrate, ladies! If you’re thinking, “Uuuuuuum, why masturbate?” I’m here to answer exactly that question.

The word masturbation itself is sure to get a giggle in any crowd. Throughout history, there have been varying levels of shame associated with touching one’s body. U.S. Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders was even fired in 1994 for suggesting at a U.N. Conference on AIDS that young people explore their bodies (aka masturbate!) as an alternative to risky sexual behavior.

Yup, she was fired for suggesting that teens should masturbate. You know what though? Jocey was right on the money. So, let’s get down to business if you will: why masturbate?

1. Super Safe Sex
I’m not only your friendly neighborhood Love Columnist, but I am also a Safe Sex Activist. Sex does not get any safer than just you and your fingers.

Feeling sexual urges is natural. Some days we all feel like big old horndogs! If you can quench some of those urges yourself, that’s the safest sex of all.

No diseases. No risk of getting pregnant. The only risk is incredible pleasure. Ohh-freakin-la-la!

2. Sexploration: It’s Like Going On Safari . . . On Your Body
Every week it seems like girls at school or on our favorite TV shows are talking about something sexually new. It can be embarrassing to think of trying to figure it all out with someone else. The cool thing about self touch is that you can learn firsthand, pun intended, what feels good to you.

3. Stress Less
There are so many reasons to feel wound up about life. Well, as luck would have it, masturbation is a great stress reliever. Renowned sex therapist Dr. Gloria Brame explains, “A study in Scotland a few years ago proved that people who had orgasms before important speaking engagements felt much calmer and more self-possessed when it came to deliver their speeches.” Wowzers. Have a big presentation in class on Tuesday? Why not masturbate that morning! It could boost your grades!

4. More Orgasmic? Hell Yeah!
The more you touch yourself the more orgasmic your body becomes. It is a fact. Women who self pleasure are more likely to have a climactic time during intercourse. When you are by yourself you can perfect, ahem, the touch, pressure and stimulation that works best for you. Then when you’re with a partner, kowabunga!

5. Confidence, Lady. Confidence!
Having intimate knowledge of our bodies is great insurance against all of the negative body image ideas that come at us daily. When you know that you can give love to yourself, you move in the world differently as a woman. Self pleasure makes us more comfortable in our beautiful bodies. Whoo hoo!

If you’re still asking, “Why masturbate,” maybe you weren’t listening–but I’ll give you one more as a bonus: masturbating can relieve some menstrual cramps. SAY WHAAAAT?! Yup. Your crappy cramps could be out the door. And if that’s not reason enough, I don’t know what would be!

Have you ever wondered about masturbation or asked yourself, “Why masturbate at all?” Do you think masturbation is good for girls or kind of uncomfortable? Tell me everything in the comments!

Want To Know About Discharge? Here’s The, Um, Scoop . . .

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