Masturbation May: Why Self-Pleasure Deserves to Be Celebrated

If there were ever a month dedicated to minding your own business (literally), it’s Masturbation May.

Yes, it’s real.
And honestly? We think it deserves way more attention.

Because, despite self-pleasure being completely normal, healthy, and incredibly common, many women still carry shame, awkwardness, or guilt around it. Even now.

So this Masturbation May, we’re reclaiming the conversation.

Not with cringe.
Not with pressure.
Just honesty, curiosity, and a reminder that pleasure is nothing to feel bad about.

Wait… What Is Masturbation May?

Masturbation May is an annual celebration of self-pleasure, sexual wellness, and bodily autonomy.

It originated after May (and specifically May 28) was declared National Masturbation Month in the 1990s following the controversial dismissal of US Surgeon General Dr Joycelyn Elders, who publicly suggested masturbation should be discussed as part of sex education.

At the time, the idea that self-pleasure could be openly discussed, especially in educational or health contexts, caused outrage.

Which says a lot, really.

Decades later, we’re still undoing the idea that pleasure should be hidden, embarrassing, or only acceptable in certain circumstances.

Why Self-Pleasure Still Feels “Taboo”

For many women, masturbation wasn’t something openly talked about growing up.

Maybe it was ignored.
Maybe it was joked about.
Maybe it was treated as something shameful.

Meanwhile, male pleasure has historically been treated as expected, inevitable, even funny.

Female pleasure? Much more complicated.

That’s why so many women still quietly Google questions like:

• “Is it normal to masturbate in a relationship?”
• “Is using a vibrator bad?”
• “Why do I feel guilty after masturbating?”

The good news?
More women are starting to reject that shame and reconnect with their bodies on their own terms.

Monsoon Maker, one of six toys to be found inside That's The Spot Surprise

The Benefits of Self-Pleasure (Besides the Very Obvious One)

Yes, orgasms are great.
But self-pleasure isn’t just about climax.

Masturbation can also:

• Reduce stress and tension
• Help improve sleep
• Increase body confidence
• Support sexual wellness
• Help you understand what feels good
• Improve communication in partnered sex

And honestly? Sometimes it’s just nice to spend time with yourself without expectation or performance.

Self-Pleasure and Relationships Aren’t Opposites

One of the biggest myths around masturbation is that it means something is “missing”.

But solo pleasure and partnered intimacy are completely different experiences.

Masturbation isn’t:

• A replacement for the connection
• A sign your partner isn’t enough
• Something you “grow out of” once partnered

For many women, it’s simply part of maintaining a healthy relationship with their body.

You’re still allowed pleasure that belongs entirely to you.

That's The Spot Surprise, a beginner-friendly blind box from That's The Spot.

New to Self-Pleasure? Start Simple.

If you’re curious but unsure where to begin, you’re definitely not alone.

A lot of first-time shoppers feel overwhelmed by:

• Complicated toys
• Intimidating sizes
• Too many options

That’s why beginner-friendly products matter so much.

At That’s The Spot, we focus on pleasure products that feel:

• Easy to use
• Non-intimidating
• Body-safe
• Actually enjoyable for beginners

Think:

• Soft silicone
• Simple controls
• Gentle, buildable intensity
• Toys that feel approachable, not overwhelming

Because your first experience with self-pleasure shouldn’t feel stressful.

Pleasure Is Not Something You Need to Earn

This might be the most important part.

You don’t need:

• A reason
• A partner
• Permission
• To justify your curiosity

Pleasure is part of being human.

And the more we normalise conversations around self-pleasure, the easier it becomes for women to experience their bodies without shame attached.

Which is exactly what Masturbation May should be about.

Steamin' Demon: One of six That's The Spot Surprise silicone toys.

How to Celebrate Masturbation May

Honestly? However you want.

Maybe that looks like:

• Reading more about sexual wellness
• Trying your first vibrator
• Setting aside guilt-free time for yourself
• Exploring what feels good without pressure

Or maybe it’s simply allowing yourself to think about pleasure differently than you have before.

That counts too.

Final Thought

Masturbation May isn’t really about one specific day or month.

It’s about normalising the idea that women deserve pleasure, autonomy, curiosity, and connection with their bodies without shame following close behind.

And that?

Feels worth celebrating.

Ready to Explore Without the Overwhelm?

Whether you’re completely new to self-pleasure or just looking for something more beginner-friendly, That’s The Spot offers body-safe vibrators and pleasure products designed to feel approachable, empowering, and genuinely enjoyable.

Explore our beginner-friendly range and discover what feels good — at your pace.