When a Savvy Miss member asked the following question, we turned to Anne Semans for her expert opinion.

I’ve been masturbating for about a year now but haven’t been able to bring myself to buy a vibrator or anything. I usually use water, sometimes pillows and other things, to get there. I love masturbating but sometimes feel ashamed and that it’s wrong for a woman to do. I’ve even heard that vibrators are illegal in some states. What’s a good vibrator for first timers? Can I buy one online?

First, let me welcome you to the self-love club and assure you that there’s nothing wrong with masturbation. The reason many of us feel ashamed has everything to do with cultural baggage and absolutely nothing to do with whether it’s bad for you. On the contrary, masturbation has many positive health benefits, for example, it improves blood circulation and can help alleviate menstrual cramps. And it’s a great way to discover what types of stimulation feel good to you, so you can show a partner how to please you later on.