Linda: I am writing to you because I think there is a problem with my genitals and I’m embarrassed to talk to someone else. When I have intercourse with my partner I don’t feel anything in my vagina. Some vague sensation from time to time, but I don’t feel pleasure. Linda (cont): I don’t feel anything either in my clitoris. I don’t feel pleasure. Is this normal? All I can feel during vaginal penetration is pressure in my pubis, nothing else. But when I masturbate, I do feel pleasure. I’m worried and frustrated. JANE: Intercourse is a male pleasure. It is a mating act and is not designed to provide female orgasm. If you masturbate to orgasm, you will know that fantasies are vital to achieving orgasm. These don’t work with a partner for many reasons. JANE (cont): Clitoral stimulation is not pleasurable in itself. The glans of the clitoris is too sensitive to be stimulated directly. If your masturbate to orgasm, you will appreciate that it is the internal clitoral organ that is stimulated during masturbation by pressing either side of the labia. JANE (cont): Most women never orgasm throughout their whole lives. Erotic fiction provides turnons for men and is not a realistic account of female sexual responsiveness. Linda: Thank you so much Jane! I have been reading many of your amazing articles to conclude that the problem is the male vision of sex, not my problem! Now I know I’m not crazy for thinking intercourse doesn’t offer me any stimulation. Linda (cont): I tried your masturbation method, and it was even more effective than mine! The most important thing is that I was able to feel pleasure. Now I have a better understanding of how my body works. I don’t feel like a freak anymore, thanks to your writing, which I identify with. From your new fan, Linda. JANE: Hi Linda, I am glad to help but I am not sure that you are having orgasms. Responsiveness, arousal and orgasm, occur when the brain responds positively to eroticism. This mental arousal causes blood to be directed to the genitals called tumescence (swelling). JANE (cont): This is what makes orgasm possible. Physical stimulation is ineffective without it. As I have said, the pleasure of sexual response comes from the mental arousal (caused by a focus on fantasy) and when this reaches a peak, there may be a sexual release that we call orgasm. The use of fantasy is critical to masturbation. Dedicated to womens enjoyment of sexual pleasure