Do you masturbate? Come on…admit it! Everyone does it, they just don’t say that they do. It’s the biggest lie ever perpetrated on society. Catholics will tell you it’s a sin and that it will damn you to hell. Your parents won’t speak of it, shunning to back alleys and dark closets. No wonder it gets such a bad rap.

I say screw society! Let’s bring masturbation out into the light, talk about it, shine a light on it, and say what everyone wants to say but is too damn afraid to say: “Having an orgasm feels freaking awesome!!!!”

For teens just starting to explore their sexuality, masturbation is a perfect place to start. It’s a great way to explore your body, find your body parts, and discover how to bring yourself to orgasm. If you truly have privacy, don’t feel that you need to keep things in the dark. Get out from under the covers, turn on the lights, maybe even sit in front of a mirror. Masturbation is NOT dirty! Masturbation can help you explore your own body and really get to know how to achieve better and deeper orgasms. Hormones rage and surge and instead of being like the animals and engaging in sex with everyone we see, we satisfy ourselves in the privacy of our own homes. Learning what makes you tick will make you a better lover once you do start engaging in sex.

Before you start touching yourself, make sure your hands are clean. For girls especially, you can get irritated very easily. Guys, remember this before plunging your hands down your girlfriends pants. Wash those hands!

As you start touching yourself, feel around and find your clitoris. You’ll know when you touch it; it will send a wonderful jolt of electricity through your body. Gently rubbing and massaging the clitoris is the best way to bring yourself to orgasm. If you are able, ordering a dildo for vaginal penetration or a vibrator will bring you hours of pleasure.

For you guys, especially if you’re young, a little lube and some nice rubbing and you’ll be off to the races (ALWAYS use lube). Keep some kleenex handy for clean-up. Double wrap that kleenex when you throw it away because moms tend to find that stuff and tend to really freak out about it. Be kind to your mom; save her the hours of crying.

Masturbation isn’t just for teenagers. Despite what many of our parents told us growing up and continue to tell teens today, masturbation is very natural and an important part of sex. I continue to be surprised and saddened by how many women continue to be prudes about sex or just don’t know their own bodies. Ever masturbated in front of your partner? It’s hot! But masturbation has some real physical benefits, too. In women, a lack of sexual arousal can cause vaginal dryness. Masturbating and becoming sexually aroused more frequently can be beneficial for women who are experiencing less lubrication and some discomfort during sex. And for both men and women who no longer have an active sexual partner because they are divorced or widowed, masturbation can be a satisfying substitute for sexual intercourse. Add some toys and a glass of wine and you have yourself a little party.

So the next time you’re in the mood and the only thing around is a little lube or your vibrator, don’t feel embarrassed. Have an orgasm and feel goooooood!!