Sexual Health Center
Pleasure During Intercourse
Question:
Will masturbating decrease my pleasure during sex?
Answer:
You can rest easy, because there is absolutely no truth to this commonly held belief. The reality is that women who masturbate and know how to give themselves pleasure are far more likely to have orgasms with a partner. In fact, those who masturbate frequently tend to have more sex in general with a partner. Basically, good sex generates more good sex, whether that sex is solo or with someone else.
The clitoris is the center of sexual pleasure for most women, and, in fact, the majority of women cannot have an orgasm without some kind of direct clitoral stimulation. That is not to say an orgasm cannot be had with a partner, but sexual intercourse alone is not usually sufficient. More than half of women rely on other forms of stimulation such as oral sex or masturbation (before, during, and/or after intercourse) to help them reach orgasm.
There are still so many myths about masturbation. Although we no longer hear rumors about going blind, we do hear myths such as the one you describe. In fact, there is no way in which masturbation is harmful or hinders your chances of having good sexual relations with a partner. Furthermore, it is a great way to release sexual tension if you are having erotic feelings but do not currently have (or wish to have) a sexual partner. Many women complain that it is difficult to reach orgasm (with or without a partner), and wind up in a therapist's office because they have never had one. They are usually counseled to masturbate in various ways so they can learn what their body responds to best. You already know this, therefore you should consider yourself fortunate for having discovered what pleases you. Now, it should be relatively easy to teach your future partner(s)!
