Females and Masturbation

I got your attention, didn’t I! I had a conversation with one of my supervisor’s yesterday evening (who is a Native female) and I was talking to her about my dissertation project, which is to adapt an evidence-based HIV/teen pregnancy/sexually transmitted infections prevention intervention for Native youth and pilot test it. Then the conversation led itself into Natives and “cultural belief” systems in terms of sex and sexuality. I told her that Navajo’s (my tribe) do NOT talk about two things; SEX and DEATH. Us Navajos (jawns) are extremely conservative when we discuss these issues, even when discussing the very surface of it (I can imagine some of my family members discomfort now). However, I feel I am not shy or reluctant to talk about these issues, but when I bring it up to family I can sense their uneasiness, so I stop talking about it. Why are us Navajo’s so uncomfortable with these topics?? (I cannot speak for other tribes)

 As for my supervisor, she told me that within her tribe they discuss sex and death because those two topics are a part of the circle of life. You have to have sex to bring life into the world and death is a part of living. These are natural entities that should be discussed and have no shame/fear/uncomfortableness because in a nutshell, it is all a part of LIFE. I completely agree!

 So this brings me into a subject area that I feel not many people discuss. I’ve read countless articles on the acceptance and promotion of male masturbation. However, there has been minimal promotion of female masturbation and/or maybe the acceptance or acknowledgement of it as well.

 WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/women/features/female-masturbation-5-things-know) stated “ Men may talk about it more often, but women do it, too. More than half of American women 18-49 masturbate at least once every 3 months, according to a study from The Kinsey Institute, and that’s true for single women and those who are coupled up. Self-pleasure doesn’t have the stigma it once did, says Nicole Prause, PhD, but myths still affect the way that some women feel about it -- and how they do (or don’t) touch themselves.”

 Also, according to WebMD, here are five things you should know about masturbation.

 1. It’s good for you.

Masturbating increases blood flow throughout your body and releases feel-good brain chemicals called endorphins. “That may explain why there’s a clear mood benefit, even if you don’t orgasm,” says Prause, a sexuality researcher at UCLA. And while men are more likely to talk about blowing off steam by masturbating, research suggests it’s a stress-reliever for both sexes. “It takes your mind [off your worries] while activating areas of the brain associated with pleasure,” Prause says.

 2. It improves your sex life.

Masturbation can make you sexually comfortable and confident. “It puts you in touch with your desires and gives you the chance to get to know your own body,” says sexuality educator Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD. “Experimenting with what feels good and makes you respond positively can lead to better sexual experiences, both alone and with a partner.” If you have trouble reaching orgasm, it’s a private, stress-free way to try different types of touch and pressure to see what helps you climax, Fulbright says.

 3. It can ease postmenopause sex problems.

Many women see changes during menopause. Masturbation can help, says Judi Chervenak, MD, a gynecologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. “The vagina can actually narrow, which can make intercourse and vaginal exams more painful.” But masturbation, especially with a water-based lubricant, can help prevent narrowing, boost blood flow, relieve some tissue and moisture problems, and increase sexual desire, Chervenak says.

 4. It doesn’t have to be quick (or end with an orgasm).

The media may suggest otherwise, but masturbation isn’t just a “quickie” experience. That’s OK. “Rushing can make it less enjoyable, and so can focusing too much on orgasm,” Fulbright says. “Give yourself time to touch all parts of your body or try different positions, and don’t feel pressure to climax.”

 5. Toys can help.

Nearly half of women between the ages of 18 and 60 have used a sex toy like a dildo or vibrator, according to a survey by Ashley Leonard at Robert Morris University. If you’ve had trouble reaching orgasm and want to climax, a vibrator (which stimulates the nerve endings in the clitoris) may be helpful.Don’t worry whether it will lead to sex problems later down the line, Prause says. “Put simply, if it feels good, go for it.”

Not only are there benefits to masturbating, but it’s considered a safe form of sex (if you do it alone, that is, lol)! So ladies go get your toys (aye)! I felt the need to write this because this topic is consistently talked about and accepted when the male gender discusses it. However, it’s not as likely for women to openly discuss  this socially, especially Native women. All aspects of sex are a part of life and as a Native female I don’t feel we should inhibit ourselves to talk about such issues. This evening I am going to an event that is an intimate talk on sex and sexuality, which includes discussions on the role of culture, gender and the media play in shaping our sexual identities. I should have lots more to say next week on related subject matters. Stay tuned and stay safe!