Michelle Moscova does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. New research reported in the media says the clitoris plays an important role in fertility and reproduction, making it more than an organ that exists purely for sexual pleasure. But some media headlines were misleading , including:. The reports were based on a controversial review by retired UK scientist Dr Roy Levin published this week in the journal Clinical Anatomy. He brings together evidence to support a new theory that the clitoris is equally important for reproduction as it is for sexual pleasure, which he first proposed in This is controversial as the clitoris has not previously been given a direct role in reproduction.
After all, getting busy with your own bod can help you chuck unwanted inhibitions. Throw out any taboos or guilt surrounding masturbation right now. Pleasuring yourself has health benefits that go beyond the body — it can help untangle shame that affects confidence with yourself, partnered sex, or in a relationship. You may notice that stimulating in round patterns feels better than up and down, or that you enjoy stimulation using your inner labia over your clitoris rather than direct clitoral stimulation. A little teasing yourself can also amp up the pleasure and save on hand cramps.
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