Not to Beat Around the Bush

This one is that big 'hush hush'. The one no one wants to talk about.

I think Betty Dodson puts it quite nicely:

'Masturbation is our first and natural form of sexual activity and if that's inhibited or damaged, then we suffer for the rest of our lives' Betty Dodson

There is no denying that humans are sexual creatures.

If the aim of humanity is to reproduce then why shouldn't the act of reproduction be enjoyable? And adding to that, why shouldn't we give ourselves pleasure? Masturbation is a healthy was to explore our sexuality, get used to our own bodies, and the best way to find out what works for you (which can be a great help when it comes to sex).

When people think about masturbation the normally associate it with being a male pasttime. Pornography for men is widely available - and there is also the fact that men are more easily aroused than women (to the point that in Victorian times table legs had to be covered to prevent a 'stirring in the loins' of a gentleman). Which is probably another reason why there is not 'label' for a man who enjoys a lot of sex and the women who provide this material for men to gain pleasure from are usually considered trampy and slutty.

Why should it be considered abnormal for a woman to have a high sex drive?

However, the female sex and masturbation 'culture' is becoming increasingly as popular as the male. With the production of female pornography and an increase in sales of female sex products, such as vibrators (largely made popular by high street chain Ann Summers).

Society is slowly but surely loosing the view that women are pure and innocent, it is realising that women are very sensual, sexual creatures and should be allowed as much sexual freedom as men.

Flicking the Bean an interesting article into female sexuality
Important Events in the History of Masturbation a history from 1712 to 2003
Scarlet Magazine the female equivalent to a 'lads mag'.