Regardless of gender, during one’s personal development, individuals rely on the sexual knowledge they have acquired, whether accurate or biased, combined with various sources such as health education textbooks, parental guidance, erotic literature, and adult films. Their instincts drive them to replicate the imagined sexual acts and achieve orgasm. For many people, this constitutes their initial experience with masturbation. Suppose they can experience the pleasure of orgasm in their early attempts. In that case, the factors contributing to their satisfaction are relatively straightforward – stimulating their erogenous zones that align with their fantasies, leading to pleasure and climax.
But where does the complexity lie?
For men, their external sexual organs, curiosity, exploratory nature, and the straightforward path to orgasm, often referred to as the “saintly pattern,” make it easier for them to understand and achieve climax (though it may not necessarily be the same when it comes to their partners).
On the other hand, women face cultural and societal repression, a lack of familiarity with their bodies (some adults have never even seen their genitals), and structural differences. In some health education classes, students are encouraged to observe their genitals using a mirror. However, news reports reveal that some parents have objected to such activities, and some students have felt embarrassed and refused to participate. While it may seem absurd to not know one’s body, this repression is prevalent.
The repression originating from culture and society, the inherent modesty associated with female physiology, and the presence or absence of erogenous zones are among the many factors that interact and contribute to the complexity of female masturbation.
Now, let’s explore the physiological structures involved and take a step-by-step approach to understand the potential erogenous zones in women.
The Clitoris
For most individuals, the most sensitive area is likely the clitoris. The clitoris and its glans are homologous to the male penis and glans. It is highly vascularized and rich in nerves. With gentle stimulation, it can produce various pleasurable sensations, such as tingling and euphoria, playing a crucial role in clitoral orgasms.
Labia Minora and the Outer Third of the Vagina
Compared to the labia majora, which are the outer lips, the labia minora have a more prosperous distribution of nerve endings, making them more sensitive to stimulation. The nerve endings in the vagina mainly concentrate on the outer third of the vaginal opening. In contrast, the deeper parts of the vagina have fewer nerves (some argue that this adaptation is meant to alleviate childbirth pain). During sexual intercourse, the outer third of the vagina experiences noticeable engorgement, and the inner two-thirds expand to accommodate penetration. Pleasure and orgasm mainly arise from the stimulation of the outer third, meaning that focusing on the “itchy spot” can be more effective than a long journey of 30 centimeters.
The G-Spot
When it comes to orgasm, many people immediately think of the G-spot, but it remains a romantic academic debate. There are numerous opinions regarding the location of the G-spot, and no objective evidence has conclusively proved the presence of specialized structures or dense nerve clusters in that area. Most conclusions are based on limited sample sizes and subjective experiences.
Since other women can, why can’t we? Through various explorations, we may discover fascinating entry points for you. The G-spot’s commonly known location is the upper vaginal wall, about 1 to 2 finger lengths inside the vaginal opening. This position is near the backside of the clitoris, leading some to believe that stimulating the nearby nerve endings through the vaginal wall can result in clitoral orgasms. Another frequently mentioned position is the upper vaginal wall, approximately 5 to 8 centimeters inside the vaginal opening. This location is around the junction of the bladder and urethra, and it’s speculated that stimulating this area may lead to orgasms similar to the male prostate orgasm. However, the exact origin is yet to be fully understood (even though the female organ homologous to the prostate is closer to the urethral opening).
Perineum
The perineum is located at the junction between the labia and the anterior side of the anus, specifically the Ren Mai acupoint in the Conception Vessel meridian. The perineal body is the soft and delicate endpoint for many muscles. It is abundantly supplied with nerve endings from the perineal nerve (branching into the labial nerves) and the inferior rectal nerve (mainly distributed around the anal opening and the puborectalis muscle). This unique combination of nerves makes it highly sensitive not only in women but also in men. In medical practice, the bulbocavernosus reflex is used to assess the functionality of the observed spinal reflex.
Anus
The area surrounding the anus is naturally rich in nerve endings, making it exceptionally sensitive to stimulation. In some individuals, gentle push can contribute to arousal and orgasms. However, the rectum is less sensitive; only a tiny percentage of people can experience pleasure through rectal stimulation.
Breasts and Nipples
There is no difference in the distribution of nerves in the chest between sexes. Rather than being solely a sensitive zone for women, the breasts are sensitive for both men and women. Most of the kneading and shaking of breasts are influenced by misconceptions derived from adult films, focusing on sensory and visual stimulation for the person providing the stimulation. Rough handling of breasts only leads to discomfort for women. During sexual intercourse, caressing the breasts primarily brings about emotional, atmospheric, and psychological inducement rather than purely physiological stimulation.
However, some women can experience pleasure through breast stimulation, possibly due to slight swelling and congestion of the breasts, areolas, and nipples during sexual activity.
The nipples, the most prominent part of the breasts, and a concentrated area of nerve endings are naturally more sensitive than other parts. Therefore, they can provide pleasurable sensations through stimulation.
The areas mentioned above are sensitive zones of the genital organs and related regions. Of course, many other areas of the body can be stimulating. For example, the inner thighs, which share nerves with the labia, can be sensitive for some individuals. Other areas rich in nerve endings include the neck, nose, lips, ears, and even some people enjoy stimulation on the abdomen, fingers, or toes. It should be noted that the mentioned areas are commonly recommended, but true exploration and experimentation will ultimately reveal individual preferences.
In addition, some women rarely experience pleasure or achieve orgasm through masturbation. Below are some possible reasons and ways to improve the situation.
Incorrect technique
As mentioned earlier, sensitive areas are closely related to rich nerve endings. Nerve endings have various types of temperature, pressure, touch, and pain receptors. According to research, the stimulation derived from caressing during sexual activity is mainly through the sense of touch. Excessive force or inappropriate scratching and squeezing can cause pain and discomfort. Considering this and safety concerns, beginners or those with limited experience can start with clean fingertips, gently exploring various possible areas they find appealing.
Insufficient lubrication
Unfamiliarity, nervousness, physiological factors, or rushing through the steps can affect the production of adequate lubrication from the Bartholin’s glands. In cases where lubrication is insufficient, simply slowing down the process, trying gentle methods, or using a qualified lubricant can help. It is essential not to use household lubricants or petroleum jelly randomly.
Structural barriers
The most common direct orgasm for women comes from the clitoris. However, some women may have difficulty reaching orgasm due to conditions such as an excessively long clitoral hood. This can be resolved through a simple procedure known as clitoral hood reduction performed by a urologist or gynecologist.
Other physical and psychological factors
Factors such as age (causing mucosal atrophy and dryness), diseases (gynecological conditions or systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes that affect blood circulation and cause nerve damage), medication effects, or previous surgeries can play a role.
In addition, female sexual dysfunction, including low libido or dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), can be present. Due to the complex nature of these issues, they cannot be attributed to specific factors. In such cases, it is recommended to seek professional assistance from a sex therapist, a psychiatrist specializing in sexual health, or a urologist.
External factors
An unsuitable atmosphere and environment, moral education emphasizing sexual suppression, and societal influences can all have an impact. Psychological resistance resulting from upbringing can significantly affect physical responses and even lead to physiological discomfort, dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity. In addition to seeking treatment, it is important to educate oneself and develop a better understanding of one’s own body and its needs.
These suggestions aim to assist those who wish to understand their bodies and have a positive relationship with themselves. Correct knowledge, and gentle and safe exploration, are the keys to mastering the art of masturbation and wishing everyone a pleasant experience.