In short: Masturbation feels good because it's supposed to! And despite the shame, stigma and general taboo-ness around self-pleasure, it's completely normal (and healthy!) to do.

Masturbation is touching sensitive parts of your body like your clitoris and vulva, for pleasure. In humans, the clitoris is a central hub of feel-good ecstasy, due to the sheer number of nerve endings it packs. One study concluded that the clitoris is "possibly the most critical organ for female sexual health." (We agree!)

In case you need more proof to get under the covers more often, there are plenty of perks of masturbation, including:

• Letting go of stress
• Helping you sleep better
• Easing period cramps
• Boosting mood

Sounds good, right? For more feel-good facts, check out our guide on the Benefits of Masturbation.

Vulva

Your vulva is the outer part of your genitals – the parts you can see. There are the labia, or lips, which are the folds of skin around your vagina.

The vulva also includes the clitoris, as well as the openings for both the vagina and the urethra (the small hole above the vagina where you pee). You might hear the words ‘vulva' and ‘vagina' used to mean the same thing. But the vulva is what you see outside, and the vagina is inside your body.

Clitoris

The clitoris is basically the rock star of private parts because it has a ton of nerve endings and erectile tissue. 37% of people (including those with vaginas) don't know exactly where the clitoris is on a picture of a vulva. So don't feel bad if you're not sure – you're not alone!

Often, when people talk about ‘the clit', they're referring to the external bit (the clitoral glans). It looks like a bump where your labia meet to form the clitoral hood, above the vaginal opening. But most of the clitoris (over four inches!) is inside your body, with two legs extending down in a ‘V' shape either side the vaginal opening and the urethra. The whole organ looks like a wishbone.

Dr. Rachel Gelman says the clit is similar to the penis in that it has erectile tissue and can become erect. That means that when you're horny, the clitoris can swell with the rush of blood, which is why it feels sensitive to touch.

Vagina

Famous for its role in reproduction and penis-in-vagina sex, the vagina can also feel good to touch, particularly the G-spot. But the G-spot isn't a distinct part of your anatomy per se. "It's not so much a ‘spot' as a system, referred to as the clitoral-urethral-vaginal complex," explains Rachel. "It's really where the internal part of the clitoris is."

Because it's not an exact spot, where you feel your G-spot is a little different for everyone. But generally, this area is a few inches inside your vagina on the front part of the vaginal wall (i.e. towards your belly rather than your spine). "For some people, this is a sensitive area, but for some it may not be," says Rachel. You'll find tips on how to find and tease your G-spot below.

Anus and perineum

It might surprise you to learn that the anus actually has a lot of nerve endings and anal masturbation can feel oh so good for some people.

Still not convinced? The perineum is another overlooked erogenous zone. It's the area of skin between the vaginal opening and the anus. It's also the bottom part of your pelvic floor. Here, the skin is thin and sensitive, and you guessed it – has a lot of nerve endings for sexual pleasure.

There's no wrong way to touch yourself. There are all sorts of ways to bring pleasure using touch, but here, we'll cover three techniques you can try out for your next masturbation sesh.

Clitoral masturbation techniques

When you hear the words "self-pleasure" you probably think of the clitoris (for good reason). Scientists used to think there were about 8,000 nerve endings in the glans of the clitoris alone, but recently, studies have found there's actually more like 10,000. Either way, that's a lot to work with.

Rachel recommends starting out by playing around just using your fingers at first, seeing what it feels like to rub, stroke, or tap around the clitoris, trying different types of touch. Try sliding your finger up and down your clit, or side to side, and notice how your body reacts.

Maybe you can try a toy to spice things up. Rachel says you can use a clitoral stimulator or a mini vibe. These are handy (get it?) for easily reaching the clit and sending loads of pleasure to your sensitive area. (More on toys below!)

Sometimes, stimulating the labia instead of the clitoris can be pleasurable, especially if your clit is a little too sensitive to the point where it's uncomfortable. Cup your vulva in your hand a rub in gentle circles, increasing the pressure gradually to see what works for you.

G-spot masturbation techniques

You might have heard you can find your G-spot by inserting your fingers inside your vagina and wiggling them in a "come here" motion. But what if it doesn't work for you?

"This is why masturbation is beneficial – for exploring your body using different types of stimulation and vibrators," explains Rachel. "For some people, the ‘come here' motion might be what feels good. But for others, it may be a gentle tapping, slower stroking, or a sweeping motion." And some may not like G-spot at all.

If you do want to try G-spot masturbation, try playing with a glass or metal dildo for an accurate and arousing G-spot massage. Glass and metal toys can be warmed or cooled before you play, for extra spine-tingling sensations. Of course, there's also the world-famous rabbit vibrator – which combines clitoral and G-spot stimulation in one! Find out How to Use a Rabbit Vibrator.

Anal masturbation techniques

Remember how we said the anus has a ton of nerve endings of its own? "The anus can be a really pleasurable or sensitive area, but it doesn't self-lubricate like the vagina. So using a lot of lube is important," says Rachel.

Anal play can feel a lot better when you're relaxed and aroused, so it's great to combine with other self-pleasure techniques. Just make sure you wash your hands if you're moving from the anus to the vagina.

Try stroking the rim or use a bullet vibe around the outside first. Then, you can insert a finger (gloved or not – it's your choice) or small anal toy and let yourself get used to the sensation. Try rubbing your clit at the same time. Then experiment. You might wiggle your finger back and forth or in small circles and see how it feels.

Anal vibrators and dildos can enter the scene for some wonderful added stimulation. Just make sure they have a flared base, so they don't get stuck or lost up in the rectum!

You may be a pro at a bullet vibrator or G-spot dildo, but have you heard of all the other toys you can use to make yourself moan? Switching up your toys can spice up your solo sessions, taking them to new heights.

• Clitoral suction toys. These toys use pulsing air or gentle sucking to excite you without actually touching the clit. It feels more like a rhythmic massage – or oral sex – which some people find a lot more pleasurable than the direct buzzing of a vibrator. Toys like the pioneering Womanizer Enhance combine both vibration and suction, so orgasms are almost guaranteed!
• Wand vibrators. The OG of OMG! Wands come in plenty of sizes and shapes to suit most people, no matter their gender. They can be used on the clit (or around the vulva if direct contact is too much) and often have different speed and vibrating patterns. And despite what you may have heard, Rachel says using a vibrator won't desensitize your clit. Get more tips in our guide: How To Use a Wand Vibrator
• G-spot toys. These vibrators are curved so that when they penetrate, they can hit the G-spot. Some come with clitoral stimulators attached – no pun intended. If you're a little tight, look for a G-spot toy with a slim shaft – like our Flexible Finger Vibrator – and always use lube!
• Rabbit vibrators. These toys have a shaft for internal vaginal masturbation as well as an external arm to stimulate the clit – this bit often looks like two small fingers or rabbit ears. The dual stimulation method is famous for its mind-blowing blended orgasms that may last longer and feel even more intense.
• Dildos. In many sizes, shapes and types, dildos can look as realistic as you want. Or, you can experience the sensation of bumpy dragon scales or tentacles by boning yourself with a fantasy dildo while rubbing your clit. The sky's the limit and nothing's too unusual when it comes to pleasuring yourself with a well-designed dildo.
• Butt plugs. If you're wanting to try anal play for the first time, butt plugs can be a good intro. During solo sessions, use one with plenty of lube to tease the nerve endings in the anus while stimulating the G-spot or clit at the same time. Some also vibrate for added pleasure.

You can never know enough about sex and masturbation, right? Read on for our best masturbation tips for women — or anyone with a vulva! Try these tips alone or during mutual masturbation with your lover.

Warm up before you get down

Getting in the right mindset for masturbation (and sex) can make it more pleasurable. It's like getting ready for a date; you build up the desire and anticipation until you can hardly wait – and it feels even better once you finally get down to it.

Play out a fantasy in your head, without judgement, or imagine a sexy situation with a lover. Feeling uninspired? Watch ethical porn and have a scene play out for you. If you find most pornography is too rough or focuses on sex acts you don't like, check out "porn for women" to see more sensual (but still raunchy) scenes. Putting on your favorite lingerie and listening to a spicy audiobook can also heighten your senses in a new way.

Check yourself out

You might have just learned some new stuff about your anatomy. Now check it out for yourself! You don't have to be a gymnast to bend and contort to view your bits – grab a mirror, lay back, and spread your legs to see yourself better. Hold the mirror with your non-dominant hand and use the other to gently spread your outer labia. Some also may find it pretty sexy to masturbate while looking at themselves in the mirror.

Try a new position

Who says you only have to masturbate on your back? Try these new positions next time you're looking to explore new sensations.

Alternatively, squat down with your elbows on your thighs. Lean against a wall or your bed for balance and stimulate yourself with your hand or a mini wand vibrator. You can even do it in front of a mirror if you want to see your whole beautiful body on display.

Finally, did you know you can get a dildo with a suction cup for hands-free play? Stick it on the shower wall, bend over, place your hands on the opposite wall (unless you're blessed with the gift of balance) and insert it into your vagina or anus. Just make sure to use plenty of lube!

Grab the lube

Natural wetness can dry out. While some people may enjoy a little friction, we think lube — even just a small amount — can have big benefits during sex and solo play. Lube helps improve glide and reduces friction, which means more ooh yeah and less, ugh, chafing.

Water-based lubricant can be used on all sex toys including vibrators, dildos, and nipple suckers. It may dry out faster than silicone-based lubes, especially in the shower. Silicone lubricants tend to keep things slick longer than water-based lube. But you'll need to make sure it's compatible with your toys, because silicone lubes can break down silicone toys.

Tease yourself

Try some DIY foreplay before really getting down to business. You can explore other erogenous zones like the nipples, inner thighs and lower stomach. Trace your fingers around your nipples before moving lower. Light tickles below your belly button can get your tingling for more. Use a feather tickler around these areas for a different sensation.

When you've warmed up, try stroking your labia. For some, this can be a sensitive area to touch, while others may not feel much. The point is to get yourself turned on before stimulating your genitals, which can bring you more powerful orgasms.

H3 Pleasure multiple spots at the same time

During your own foreplay, don't be afraid to touch and stroke multiple areas at the same time. You can do this with two hands or bring in a toy such as a rabbit vibrator or butt plug.

Stimulate your clitoris while gently pinching or playing with your nipples. Or finger yourself while stroking your inner thigh. Bonus points for using a rabbit vibrator while playing with both nipples to send you over the edge.

Do it on your period

Masturbating while you have your period may be a little messier, but there's no problem with doing it, as long as you're comfortable. Studies going all the way back to the 1960s say you may feel more frisky while on your period anyway, so why deny yourself?

Lay a towel down you don't mind getting blood on, or masturbate in the bathtub or shower for easy cleanup. Pleasuring yourself and having an orgasm releases the feel good chemicals called endorphins, which help ease pain (so long, menstrual cramps). Masturbating also brings more blood flow to the pelvic area, which makes things happy and healthy, says Dr. Rachel Gelman.

Try it in the bath

Lock yourself in the bathroom, run some hot water in the tub, and grab your vibrator. Then have some fun and relax, let go of your tension and explore your wet body. Try some lube to make things more slippery. You may be in water, but there can still be some friction as the water washes away your body's natural wetness.

The bath is also a great place if you want to practice squirting without a mess. Some people can do it, and some can't, but check out our tips on how to squirt if you want to learn more.

If you're bringing in a toy, make sure it's waterproof. Many of our toys are safe to bring in the tub such as a massage wand vibrator. Look for the IP67 rating because this means the toy can be used in water for short periods of time.

Take your time

Here's your reminder that a quickie solo session before your roommate comes home isn't the only way to go about orgasming. Some days, it's exactly what we want and need, but there are times when you should take your time and enjoy your body.

You could even give edging a try. Edging is a technique where you almost bring yourself close to orgasm and then stop touching yourself. When you feel close to coming, slow your touch or stop. After the build of your orgasm has receded slightly, resume masturbating. Keep this up for as long as you can stand it. This can extend the pleasure and can make your orgasm more intense.