Q: Why do some women use vibrating things to reach orgasm? Do men use vibration? Why does vibration feel good to some people?
A: A lot of women and some men find the sensation of vibration very pleasurable. Many women like vibration on the clitoris, but vibration can feel good in the vagina or anus, on the nipples and on the perineum or penis.
The clitoris and the head of the penis have hundreds of nerve endings in them so stimulating of these areas with vibration can help a person orgasm. In fact, many women first have an orgasm by using vibration.
Q: Is it okay to masturbate with a faucet or showerhead in the bathtub? Is it dangerous to put water inside you?
A: This is perfectly healthy, safe and very common. Masturbating with a showerhead or faucet will not damage a girl's internal or external organs, and it can be an enjoyable way to explore one's body.
Girls should keep in mind, however, that it isn't a good idea to force a lot of water into the vagina or anus. Some people think that it is important to clean the vagina out by douching, but this is actually unnecessary. The vagina cleans itself (that's part of the function of discharge), so putting additional water into the vagina can actually strip it of healthy bacteria and make an infection more likely.
Q: Is it safe to masturbate when I have my period?
A: It is perfectly safe to masturbate when a girl has her period and having an orgasm can actually help relieve menstrual cramps. Some girls choose to masturbate in the bath or shower when they have their periods to avoid having to deal with clean up, but that is purely a matter of personal choice. If a girl is wearing a tampon, she should make sure to take it out before inserting anything else.
Q: I can't make myself have an orgasm when I masturbate, what's wrong?
A: This is a very common concern for girls. Most women experience orgasm through clitoral stimulation and not through vaginal penetration. The clitoris is a gland jam-packed with nerve endings. It is located at the top of a woman's vulva, between her inner labia and looks a little like the tip of a finger or nose.
If a woman is finding it hard to reach orgasm, she can try clitoral stimulation during, before, or after vaginal penetration. Many people decide to devote a certain amount of time (for example an hour every few days for a few weeks) to learning how to have an orgasm.
It is a good idea to find a time when you can have some privacy (and won't be bothered) to practice. A lot of women also find it easier to reach orgasm if they fantasize about something that turns them on while masturbating.
