It’s not something we’re always comfortable talking about, but masturbating is crucial for an amazing sex life. There’s no better way to figure out what we like and learn to enjoy sex and the sensations that go with it. Whether you’ve never tried it or already have a self-pleasure routine, read on for ways to improve your alone sessions and, in turn, the rest of your sex life.

Being able to “get off” alone means more intense orgasms with someone else. One of the best ways to maintain your sex drive is to set regular pleasure sessions—with yourself.

Having better orgasms means being able to put your finger on the right spot. If you know how to turn yourself on, you can point somebody else in the right direction.

Sex researchers estimate that around 80 percent of women masturbate—and that means most of us are doing it.

Often in a stable relationship the frequency of masturbation sessions drops off. This is all well and good, but you can get into bad habits in bed and associate any negativity or frustration with the sex act itself. That’s why it’s crucial to be able to make yourself come satisfactorily—you can separate desire from the whole range of complex feelings you may have about your partner.