In most Arab societies, self-pleasure is perceived to be shameful, dirty, and reprehensible. Women are discouraged from exploring their bodies and pleasure on their own and encouraged, instead, to only discover that part of themselves through the lens of a partner.

As a result of that, myths and misinformation have made their way into our cultural discourse, creating even more stigma and shame around female pleasure. 

If you’re on a journey of self-discovery, but you feel held back by the beliefs you’ve learned to internalize, know that you’re not alone. We all have to go through this process of un-learning and re-learning truths about ourselves and our bodies. To help you on that path, we’ve debunked some of the most common myths around self-pleasure. 

Myth: You don't need self-pleasure in a fulfilling relationship.

Truth: Being in a sexually fulfilling relationship does not mean that you should stop practicing self-pleasure. Self-pleasure is a form of self-care and an excellent tool to relax and unwind. It also improves your sex life: the more you know what you want, the better you can help guide your partner.

Myth: Practicing self-pleasure is cheating.

Truth: When you find pleasure with your partner, you are sharing the pleasure that your own body can experience. Whether you are in a relationship or not, your body always remains your own to experience pleasure in.

Myth: Vibrators make your vulva less sensitive.

Truth: The sensitivity of your vulva depends on your anatomy alone! While using intimacy products might allow you to discover more pleasure in your body, they do not affect your sensitivity in the long run.

Myth: Self-pleasure can negatively impact your sex life, making you feel less pleasure with your partner than you do when you're alone.

Truth: It doesn't! Self-pleasure is simply the act of exploring yourself. It doesn't directly harm your sexual relationship with your partner. If pleasure with yourself feels better than with your partner, ask yourself: How can you better communicate your pleasure points to your partner?

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