A group of women came together to discuss their worst experiences of the sexually stimulating variety. One recalled enjoying such self-indulgent pleasures on board airplanes, in cars, during meals and even in the company of her parents.
The seed had been planted, she claims, by a friend who recommended: "If you put a pillow between your legs and rub it a bunch - it feels really good".
Open Image Modal
A woman didn't know what masturbation was and used to do it on planes, in cars and at school
Fair enough, you might think. But while our hero was merrily masturbating on board public transport at the age of 10, it wasn't until some years later that whilst reading Seventeen magazine, that she realised the act is more frequently a private event.
"So I was sat on a plane - in probably about the 5th grade and I had already masturbated on the plane - not knowing what it was," she confesses.
And let's not even go into what her parents made of her activities...
Another interviewee revealed how her group of friends used to throw parties and all "do it together", though she insists she did not partake in the routine.
11 Tips For Masturbation
Hey, Everyone Is Doing It!(01 of11)
Open Image Modal
If you're holding back on masturbation because you feel like you’re doing something strange or wrong, let go of those feelings. Blogger and sex expert Emily Nagoski's research shows that the vast majority of women, across all ages and backgrounds, masturbate. It’s completely normal, folks. (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)
Like Anything In Life, Do Your Research (02 of11)
Open Image Modal
Not sure what really turns you on? Do a bit of digging. Read erotica, watch porn, visit a sex store, fantasize — treat masturbation like an experiment and explore things you haven’t tried before, says sex and intimacy coach Rebekah Beneteau. "You might be surprised at what actually arouses you,” she says. "And these things don't have to make it into the real world. The body can’t tell the difference between physical activity and conceptual thought." (credit:piratedub via Getty Images)
Think Moisture (03 of11)
Open Image Modal
Lubrication — natural or otherwise — is the key to a quality session of alone time. "Make sure you use something without sugars or parabens in it,” advises Erika Moen, creator of the NSFW sex toy-review comic Oh Joy Sex Toy “Those things can cause yeast infections and generally do not do any favours to your vulva.” And if you need a bit of help, don’t feel shy about adding some lubricant — Moen likes the Sliquid line. (credit:shutterstock)
Bring In A Literary Assist (04 of11)
Open Image Modal
Many women find erotica to be stimulating, and there’s an ever-increasing variety available, both in books and online. "Scientific studies have shown that women are generally more turned on by narrative,” Beneteau says. If you want to try out some erotica to see if it works for you, author Alessandra Torre has an erotic serial through Cosmopolitan. Each issue of Bust magazine also features a “one-handed read” that’s perfect for a quick libido boost. Your local sex toy shop may also have a collection of erotic books, beyond 50 Shades Of Grey. (credit:Raymond Haddad via Getty Images)
Go Beyond Penetration (05 of11)
Open Image Modal
Ninety per cent of women masturbate without penetration, according to research cited by Nagoski. "Popular culture has made it look like vaginal penetration is where it's at for pleasure,” Moen says, "but the majority of people with vulvas actually need direct clitoral stimulation to climax.” Focus your attention more widely than just penetration to increase your odds of a satisfying session. Also, try touching others parts of your body, like your breasts, nipples and thighs. (credit:Amy DiLorenzo via Getty Images)
Make A Habit Of Fantasizing (06 of11)
Open Image Modal
Indulging in your own fantasies can make masturbation more enjoyable. "A lot of women can get bored of or frustrated by masturbation, especially if they don't yet know how to orgasm,” Marin says. "Fantasizing is a great way to help yourself stay in the mood, keep your mind from getting distracted, and give yourself enough time to reach orgasm." (credit:Brand New Images via Getty Images)
Take Your Time(07 of11)
Open Image Modal
"It's not a race,” Moen says. “Give your vulva plenty of time to warm up and become turned on from your stimulation.” Everyone gets to climax at a different speed — don’t feel bad if yours is a bit more leisurely. (credit:ThomasVogel via Getty Images)
Remove Distractions(08 of11)
Open Image Modal
It can be hard to take time out for ourselves for anything, even a little self-love. Try to cut out the usual distractions, like turning off your phone ringer. “For women who tend to get distracted, sometimes I recommend trying to rate your level of pleasure on a 1-10 scale as you masturbate,” Marin suggests, "or to try comparing two different strokes to see which one you like better in that moment." (credit:Peter Dressel via Getty Images)
Play With New Toys(09 of11)
Open Image Modal
Mix things up by bringing some new equipment into the mix. Marin recommends the Minna Limon as a favourite vibrator. "It has squeeze control, meaning the harder you squeeze it, the stronger it vibrates,” she said. "You don't have to mess with knobs or buttons, and it allows women to have much more sensitive control over the stimulation it delivers.”
Bring In The Big Guns(10 of11)
Open Image Modal
If you want some heavy duty outside help, or you would like to take a direct route to orgasm, bring in the classic vibrator: the Magic Wand massager, formerly called the Hitachi Magic Wand. And if you’re feeling like splurging on yourself, Moen recommends the Doxy instead.
Get Some Outside Help (11 of11)
Open Image Modal
If you feel lost, or just want to get some new pointers, there are workshops and seminars focusing on masturbation that you might enjoy. For example, Marin is launching an online program to help women learn how to orgasm, and masturbation will be much of the focus. A local sex toy shop may have listings about events near you, or even play host to one. (credit:Miguel Malo via Getty Images)