Female masturbation techniques include a woman stroking or
rubbing her vulva, especially her clitoris, with her index and/or
middle fingers. Sometimes one or more fingers may be inserted into
the vagina to repeatedly stroke its frontal wall where the
g-spot is located. Masturbation aids such as
a vibrator, dildo or Ben Wa balls can also be
used to stimulate the vagina and clitoris. Many women caress their
breasts or stimulate a nipple with the free hand, if these are
receptive areas for sexual stimulation. Anal stimulation is also
enjoyed by some. Lubrication is sometimes used during masturbation,
especially when penetration is involved, but
this is not universal and many women find their natural lubrication
sufficient.
Common positions include lying on back or face down, sitting,
squatting, kneeling or standing. In a bath or shower a female may
direct tap water at her clitoris and vulva. Lying face down one may
use the hands, one may straddle a pillow, the corner or edge of the
bed, a partner's leg or some scrunched-up clothing and
"hump" the vulva and clitoris against it.
Standing up a chair, the corner of an item of furniture or even a
washing machine can be used to stimulate the clitoris through the
labia and clothing.
In the 1920s, Havelock Ellis reported that turn-of-the-century
seamstresses using treadle-operated sewing machines could achieve
orgasm by sitting near the edge of their chairs.
Women can sexually stimulate themselves by crossing their legs
tightly and clenching the muscles in their legs, creating pressure
on the genitals. This can potentially be done in public without
observers noticing. Some masturbate using only pressure applied to
the clitoris without direct contact, for example by pressing the
palm or ball of the hand against underwear or other clothing.
Thoughts, fantasies, and memories of previous instances of
arousal and orgasm can produce sexual excitation. Some women can
orgasm spontaneously by force of will alone, although this may not
strictly qualify as masturbation as no physical stimulus is
involved.
Sex therapists will sometimes recommend that female patients
take time to masturbate to orgasm, especially if they have not done
so before.
