Amanda: In my experience, both professional and personal, women do not masturbate as a substitute for intercourse. Many women would feel like losers if they only masturbate because they do not have a regular sex partner. Amanda (cont): When a woman masturbates, she is taking control of her sexual pleasure, enjoying an alternative to intercourse as a way of experiencing erotic pleasure. Intercourse, in a broader sense, involves two people, whereas masturbation is usually a solo activity, where one pleasures oneself. Amanda (cont): If a woman wanted to simulate intercourse, she could easily do so while masturbating, but this is not usually the way a woman masturbates. Rather, a woman touches herself in a way that is pleasurable. Intercourse is not always the most pleasurable sensual or erotic experience for women. Amanda (cont): I am basing my comments on my clinical experience only. In recent years, I have seen an increase in both men and women who often reject the opportunity for partnered sex and prefer to masturbate because it is less hassle. Amanda (cont): Men tell me they must jump through hoops to get sex with their partners and it isn’t worth the effort. Women tell me they prefer to masturbate because of the pressure to be hot and happening with a partner and involve themselves in activities that aren’t particularly pleasing to them. Dedicated to womens enjoyment of sexual pleasure