Question: Most people go to their favorite sex toy to masturbate. But how can you masturbate effectively using just your hands?

You can use your hands to masturbate. It’s completely fine.

There are all kinds of ways to masturbate, and no one is better than the other. Do whatever feels good for you. For people with vulvas, clitoral stimulation often feels really good, and might be the easiest way to achieve orgasm. In fact, studies show that nearly every clit-owner requires some sort of external stimulation - start with hands, if you're not ready to have a toy in order to have an orgasm.

Vaginal penetration can also feel good, if it's something you're interested in. If you do decide to try out penetration, you can locate your G-spot (which is more of an area, actually), another potential pleasure center to explore. To find it, insert one or two fingers into the vaginal opening and hook upwards towards your belly button. It’s located behind the pubic bone.

Explore the entire area internally. Try different pressures and motions and see what feels good for you. Keep in mind, as with all forms of sexual touch, that not everyone will like this. Pleasure is like a vast buffet to choose from at a restaurant. Some things will be delicious and others, not so much.

A tips few tips you can use to make it even more pleasurable.

Don't forget lube! When you’re touching yourself with your fingers/hand or toys, you’re creating friction. Friction doesn’t feel very good on the sensitive parts of your genitals, so lube can be your best friend while masturbating. Go to a friendly neighborhood sex shop and try out some lubes before buying a bottle, you’ll be happy you did.

Masturbation is not all about orgasm. Pleasure is pleasure. If something feels good, that’s awesome. The point of all of this self-love (and of this entire article, in fact) is to explore your body, enjoy sexual touch, and learn more about who you are as a sexual human.

XOXO Gigi

This article originally appeared as an interview with Cosmo.

Order the book: All The F*cking Mistakes: a guide to sex, love, and life.