Question: I feel kind of weird asking this but. I have been masturbating for a few years now. And my clitoris used to be very sensitive. But now it isn't sensitive hardly at all. I don't touch the clitoris directly when I do masturbate I just move the top of my lips around it. I used to rub the vain I guess it was before but stop doing that. My legs used to twitch when I touched my clitoris but they do not now unless I have already orgasmed or I was having oral sex done. Is this normal or have I damaged my clitoris?

Answer: Unfortunately, part of you still feels masturbation is bad and harmful to you. The first thing you need to do is accept that masturbation is normal and actually beneficial.

Your clitoris may not be less sensitive, it just may be that you are accustomed to the feelings touching it causes; it is not new and exciting anymore.

Many factors in life can cause stress that decreases a persons responsiveness to sexual stimulation. The stresses of being an adult may impair your sexuality. Make sure you can spend time exploring your body and making love to your body. Make sure you are relaxed and not hurried when you masturbate.

Your body may not be producing hormones in as great a volume as when you were going through puberty and soon after. If you believe the sensitivity of your clitoris is much less and your desire for sex has decreased substantially, ask a doctor to test your testosterone level. Please read Question 1 on Q&A Page 3 for information about this.

Try using a lubricant when you masturbate. See if you do not masturbate as often if some of the sensitivity returns. Wait until you are horny.

Another possible cause is wearing tight clothing. If your pants are stimulating your vulva and clitoris all day they may be desensitized to stimulation when you masturbate. See if wearing loose fitting clothing, dresses and skirts, for several days in a row has any affect. Tight pants are not good for a woman's sexual health any way.

Her Reply: Thank You for answering my question so quickly. I was afraid that I was "broken" or I had done something to cause it. I understand what you mean about masturbating when you are in a hurry and when you are not horny. I have had a lot of stress in the past few months and that is when it all started. Thank you for you help. This is a very good site and you give good advice as well as information on any subject you could think of and if you don't have it you can ask. I am going to tell anyone about this web site that needs to know something. This is a great site because I wasn't sure how to ask my doctor or anyone I thought could help. This is very helpful. Thank you again. And have a wonderful day!