The art of self-pleasure, by Katherine

Katherine, 36, works in PR and has been single for the last 2 years. 

Yes, I masturbate! God, I hate that word - it's horrible! It makes it sound dirty, especially for women. I prefer "self-pleasure!" 

When do you do it?
I masturbate when I'm not in a relationship - when you're with someone you have foreplay. I only ever do it in private at home and I rarely use objects - I don't like vibrators much. 

What do you think of it?
I think of masturbation as something that complements sex, because it's different to having sex with another person. It's totally natural and I don't understand why it's still taboo when everyone does it! Still, times have changed and we are talking about it more and more, though I wouldn't say I talk about it freely. At the same time, it's funny because as soon as the subject of masturbation comes up in conversation with other girls, you realise everyone's doing it!