The myths about masturbation are plentiful, especially on the topic of female masturbation. We will sort the fact from the fiction and hopefully make some of you more comfortable about masturbation. Here are the top myths to debunk.

• Women don't masturbate, especially if they are in a relationship.

Most women masturbate. Studies show that depending on age, up to 72% of women report that they masturbate with some regularity. This includes women in relationships. Masturbation occurs even in relationships where both partners are sexually satisfied. Self love has little to do with your relationship status.

• Women don't watch porn

We know this one is not true. While men tend to consume more porn than their female counterparts, the numbers are beginning to catch up. Many women watch porn and more and more porn is being geared toward a female audience.

• Masturbation has no benefit

We here at Badd Kitty know masturbation is good for your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as getting the circulation up and helping with sleep. It can help with menstrual cramps and premenstrual symptoms as well.

• Masturbation can hurt your genitals.

As long as you are using lube, there is little to no chance of you injuring yourself during masturbation. The exception might be some chafing after a particularly long session of self love, but then again that is why we recommend lube.

• Women need a sex toy to masturbate.

We love our toys at Badd Kitty. We can even suggest a few! That being said, all it takes to masturbate is your hand and a little imagination. Manual masturbation can be great for you to learn how and where you like to be touched by yourself and others.

• Masturbation can ruin your relationship

We believe the opposite. Masturbation helps you get to know yourself and your own body. This makes it easier and more relaxed to share yourself with a partner. We suggest mutual masturbation while telling your partner what feels good. This can make sure you both know how to please each other.

• Women only masturbate through clitoral stimulation

There are many erogenous zones that women can hit during a session of self love. Women enjoy dildos, anal stimulation, and touching their breasts. Masturbation can be as complex and involved as partnered sex. If you limit yourself to only one kind of stimulation, you are missing out.

• Masturbation kills libido

The opposite seems to be true. Being sexually satisfied begets more relaxed sexual experiences. If you are not frustrated sexually because of a healthy sex life, either alone or with a partner, you are more prone to relax and enjoy sex. Masturbation can serve to prime the pump, so to speak, more than kill your sex drive.

Masturbation should be a joyful connection to yourself and your sexuality. Cutting through the myths takes away some mystery and even guilt from the practice of self love. So get to know yourself on that sexual level.

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