It's easy to develop a sense of guilt, shame, or embarrassment over masturbation. Most people receive subpar sex education if they get any, and parents often don't know how to talk about such a sensitive topic. On top of all that, the media portrays masturbation as a joke or something only desperate people do. Women especially lack healthy examples of masturbation.
All of this is shocking because humans are naturally sexual. Kids become curious about their bodies much sooner than many people are willing to admit. Most people are their own first sexual partners. Studies find that 78% of adults around the world masturbate, although levels vary based on country and gender. Even if they don't talk about it, it's clear that masturbation is something most people do. This includes most people you know, and likely your partner.
And why wouldn't they? Masturbation is a great way to achieve sexual pleasure without the fear of performance issues or the need to prepare. It can also help you relax and sleep better and can make you feel sexy and boost your confidence. Masturbating to ejaculation can even help promote prostate health. Many people masturbate to get into the mood, so it can complement sex, too.
Not only is masturbation something you shouldn't be ashamed of, but it's the best way to get to know your body. Without this knowledge, it's much more difficult to let partners know what you like or don't like. Even if you want to communicate your preferences and desires to a partner, you might not know what to ask for if you haven't masturbated before. You might only know that you don't like your partner's technique but have no alternatives to suggest.
Plus, you can masturbate in front of your partner to show them how you do it and turn them on. Mutual masturbation, when you both touch yourselves, is a sexy activity and a pleasurable alternative to intercourse.
But even if you don't have anyone to know how to press your buttons, masturbation is still healthy and normal and no reason to feel shame. Hopefully, knowing that can provide relief if you've already discovered the joys of masturbating.
If you haven't, there's no better time to start. There are plenty of dildos, vibrators, strokers, and other sex toys that can make masturbation feel great and perhaps more intense than using only your hand. However, masturbating isn't only about your genitals. Don't forget to incorporate all your senses and body parts. The breasts and booty are especially sensitive and great to include during a solo session.
So what are you waiting for? The adventure of masturbation is waiting for you to begin!