Why Do Women Masturbate? It’s More Than Just Desire
It’s not only because they feel horny! According to this article in the Metro, there is a plethora of reasons, ranging from pain relief for period cramps, to wanting to fall asleep, fast.
When we talk about self-pleasure, the first assumption is often that it’s all about feeling aroused. But the reality is far more interesting! Why do women masturbate? Women masturbate for a variety of reasons beyond just sexual desire—think stress relief, better sleep, and even pain management for menstrual cramps. It’s a completely natural and healthy way to connect with your body.
The Role of Sex Toys in Self-Pleasure
These days, sex toys are widely available and openly discussed—but it wasn’t always this way. The journey to normalizing pleasure, particularly for women, is thanks to bold pioneers who challenged taboos.
Take Beate Uhse, for example. A former German fighter pilot, she founded the world’s first sex shop in 1961, helping to pave the way for sexual wellness products to become mainstream. Her story—and many others—highlight the importance of making pleasure accessible and shame-free.
My Love for Exploring Sex Shops Around the World
Confession time: I absolutely love visiting sex shops. Not the sleazy, male-centric ones, but welcoming, inclusive spaces designed for everyone. Whether it’s Good Vibrations in San Francisco, Come As You Are in Toronto, or boutique stores in London, I’m always fascinated by how different cultures approach pleasure.
One of my most memorable experiences was in Vancouver’s gay district, where I had a chat with a shop owner. He shared how, when they first opened in the 70s, they faced picket lines and protests. But they persisted, inspired by pioneers like Beate Uhse.
A Brief (and Surprising) History of Sex Toys
Did you know that many early sex toys were originally marketed as massagers? Take the now-iconic Magic Wand, for example. It was introduced as a general massage device, but feminist sex educator Betty Dodson helped transform it into a symbol of sexual empowerment.
Then there’s the Rabbit vibrator, which first appeared in the 1980s but gained widespread popularity in the 90s—thanks in part to a certain famous scene in Sex and the City. Over the years, sex shops and educators have worked hard to shift the focus from the male gaze to creating safe, pleasurable experiences for everyone.
Embracing Women’s Sexuality—A Long Journey
Today, we take it for granted that women openly discuss and embrace their sexuality. But not too long ago, female pleasure was barely acknowledged. It took courageous activists, educators, and progressive businesses to change the conversation.
Even now, some places still restrict access to sex toys. Countries like the UAE and even some U.S. states, such as Alabama, still have bans in place. This shows that the conversation around sexual wellness is far from over.
So, Why Do Women Masturbate?
Most of the reasons why women masturbate involve more than just achieving orgasm. Here are just a few of the many reasons:
- To experience pleasure—of course!
- To relax and de-stress
- To fall asleep faster
- To relieve pain—especially menstrual cramps or even migraines
- To boost mood when feeling low
- To explore personal desires and preferences
- To satisfy a high libido
- To enjoy self-pleasure when partner sex isn’t available or fulfilling
Did I miss any? I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to reach out and share your experiences.
The Pressure to Masturbate—A Modern Twist
Interestingly, as female masturbation becomes more normalized, some feel pressured to engage in it. But here’s the thing—sexuality doesn’t respond well to ‘shoulds.’ The beauty of pleasure is that it’s personal, and there’s no right or wrong way to explore it.
In my next post, we’ll dive deeper into libido, self-pleasure, and how to navigate these conversations in a way that feels true to you. Stay tuned!
Curious to learn more? Let’s continue the conversation. Contact me today or explore my coaching services!