More than 50% of 2,056 women, aged 18-60, used a vibrator either during masturbation or during intercourse, a study found. Some of the women in the study used the head of a vibrating toothbrush, the handle of a hairbrush or water jets in the bathtub instead of a vibrator, says Debbie Herbenick, director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University. Masturbation is self-stimulation of the genital organ to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm. It is performed by touching, stroking, or massaging the penis or clitoris until climax is achieved. Masturbation is often practiced with the hands as well. Some highly sensitive women also succeed by rubbing their thighs against each other. 1. Who masturbates? Almost all. Masturbation is a common behavior, even among people who have sexual relations with a partner. A survey shows that 95% of men and 89% of women admit to having practiced masturbation. According to psychologists, masturbation in a growing child is a normal part of exploring their body. Most people continue to masturbate into adulthood, some throughout their lives. 2. Why do people masturbate? Masturbation is a way to relieve sexual tension that can build up over time, especially for people without partners or whose partners are not ready for sex. It is also a safe sexual alternative for those who wish to avoid pregnancy or the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases. NEWS_MORE_BOX 3. Is it normal to masturbate? Although some consider it a perversion and a sign of a mental problem, masturbation is now seen as a normal, healthy, pleasurable and safe sexual activity. Masturbation is considered a problem when it begins to suppress sexual activity with a partner. 4. Is masturbation harmful? In general, the medical community considers masturbation to be a natural and harmless expression of sexuality in both men and women. It does not cause any physical trauma or damage to the body, and can be done in moderation throughout life as part of a person’s normal sexual behavior. According to experts, masturbation can even improve sexual health and relationships. By exploring one’s own body through masturbation, a person can learn which specific gestures are particularly pleasurable for him and share them with his partner. Some partners use mutual masturbation to discover techniques for greater pleasure in sexual relations. Research shows that masturbation on a regular basis helps women relieve menstrual cramps and improve PMS symptoms, such as irritability and low mood. However, excessive use of a vibrator during masturbation can reduce a woman’s sensitivity to orgasm with a real partner.says psychiatrist Frank Summers. “Excessive use of a vibrator “accustoms” the autonomic nervous system to such stimulation that a person cannot duplicate it,” the specialist believes.