Self cultivation or masturbation is common to both genders, although the practice has become more common for women lately. It refers to sexual stimulation of one's own genitals especially around the clitoris area, usually reaching the point of orgasm. Although frequently described as self administered, mutual masturbation is also practiced wherein two people stimulate each other's genitals.

The Masturbation Process

For a woman, masturbation involves stroking her vulva, particularly the clitoris with her fingers. In some instances, one or more fingers may be used to stimulate herself especially when inserting them into her vagina. Moreover, there are devices that aid masturbation such as a dildo or a vibrator for her to reach orgasm if using her fingers is not enough. Most women also caress their breasts with their free hand as well as other areas that are receptive to sexual stimulation.

The Benefits of Masturbation

In some cultures, masturbation is a practice that is usually frowned upon, although it is encouraged in others. In this situation, it is expected that a debate on the benefits of masturbation should ensue because of the divergent views held on the practice. Nonetheless, for those who think that masturbation is beneficial, the following benefits are cited:

* Masturbation can help relieve tension and stress. By this, it is thought that masturbation becomes a release of bottled emotions that may have detrimental health effects if not released.

* Masturbation creates a balancing effect in relationships wherein one wants sex more than the other, thus helping to restore the relationship.

* Masturbation helps in lowering blood pressure. This is due to the fact that masturbation has a lesser tension on the heart while serving as an exercise for the cardiovascular muscles.

* It is a convenient way to attain sexual satisfaction. One may do it by herself or with a partner. In any case, for a woman, it is possible to do it anywhere. In some cases, a woman may achieve orgasm by sitting cross-legged tightly, in the process applying pressure to the vaginal walls. The technique can be enhanced by thoughts and fantasies. It is so discreet that the technique may go unnoticed at all. Because of this, gratification for a woman will be easily available.

* Experts argue that masturbation helps lessen the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. This is due to the fact that in masturbation, sexual pleasure can be attained by oneself, eliminating the need for a partner, which may be a reason for contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

* For some women, masturbation involves relaxing their vaginal walls to help reduce the pain that one feels at the onset of menstruation. As such, masturbation becomes a form of remedy to counter abdominal pain.

* For relationships, masturbation is a key to reduction of the pressure on the other party to provide sexual satisfaction. This is because masturbation becomes the main outlet for the release of sexual desires that otherwise could be released only with a partner.