At first, I thought this was just another internet gimmick—like a viral trend proclaiming it’s “Masturbation Month.” Surprisingly, it actually originated back in 1995 as a reaction to Dr. Joycelyn Elders, the U.S. surgeon general at the time, who suggested that masturbation is a natural part of human sexuality and that kids should be educated about it. She was promptly dismissed by the Clinton administration. Oh, the irony! This incident gave rise to International Masturbation Month, a celebration of sexual autonomy and empowerment. As an outspoken feminist, I can’t help but think it would be even more impactful if we had an International Women’s Masturbation Month.
You see, discussions about female masturbation are quite rare. On the other hand, male self-pleasure is a frequent topic in pop culture—it’s everywhere! The majority of media content seems to revolve around men’s escapades, whereas women’s experiences often remain shrouded in silence. We could delve into the reasons behind this disparity, but let’s face it, we know the societal pressures and institutional sexism that contribute to this culture of shame surrounding women’s sexuality. I could write a whole series on this topic, from how adults educate children about their bodies to how advertising promotes the idea of pleasing men, all the way to the dismissal of a woman who dares to speak positively about self-pleasure.
For now, let’s just agree that the atmosphere surrounding women’s self-exploration is less than ideal. (And yes, the term “self-exploration” feels awkward, but bear with me.) The important thing is to get comfortable with the idea of enjoying your own body. As a human being, you have every right to experience sexual pleasure. You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t. Your body is not merely a vessel for someone else’s pleasure; it’s uniquely yours. It’s time to discover what you like, and trust me, there are likely things you haven’t even explored yet, especially as you become more confident in your own skin.
When women gather, conversations rarely turn to how often they experience orgasms. Sure, there are giggly chats about sex toys and adult films, but the act of masturbation itself often remains untouched. The vibrant, carefree culture surrounding men’s self-love doesn’t really exist for women. If discussing this subject makes you uncomfortable, that’s completely understandable, but wouldn’t it be great if it was less of a taboo?
There’s a growing movement encouraging women to feel more empowered, to embrace their bodies, and to celebrate their appearances. This is a fantastic step in the right direction. Imagine if women also felt empowered to accept and explore their sexuality as part of learning to love themselves fully.
That’s the beauty of masturbation: it’s a personal journey. What brings pleasure to one person may not resonate with another, but that’s perfectly fine. When you embrace the ability to make yourself feel good—without shame—you may find your self-confidence flourishing.
Everywhere you turn, from magazines to television to online ads, there are messages about how we should look, feel, and what should excite us. This manufactured notion of sexuality can be confusing and unattainable. The truth, however, is that your authentic self is what really matters. Discovering how your true self informs your confidence and empowers you to take charge of your life is an enlightening experience that is literally within your reach.
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out some insightful articles on pregnancy and home insemination at Science Daily. And if you’re curious about the self-insemination process, visit Make A Mom for more information about the home insemination kits they offer.
In summary, let’s celebrate the journey of self-discovery and pleasure, acknowledging the importance of discussing female sexuality openly and positively.