How do you feel about touching yourself? Are you aware of your erogenous zones? I've asked individuals about self-loving, and for the most part, men are very comfortable with it. the women, on the other hand, are not as open to the idea of touching themselves.

As a society, we have already accepted that men masturbate. As a matter of fact, boys discover their penis as babies and everyone thinks it's cute. But when it comes to women, the rules and perceptions are very different.

There is still a stigma on women who take matters in their own hands, mainly because it supposedly reflects on their ability to get and keep a partner. Contrary to that belief, masturbation is a natural part of our sexual growth and awareness. So, ladies, I am giving you full permission to explore your own body. Touch yourself until you explode!

Why should you do it? Among the great benefits, masturbation is great for stress relief, helps you sleep, you get to learn your body and figure out what you enjoy, it's the safest sex you will ever have, and my personal favourite, IT FEELS GREAT!

A big part of the sexual self-doubt many women go through comes from her inability to appreciate their bodies. Girls are also traditionally discouraged from indulging in their lust. I say, forget about that and touch your body. It might be hard to believe, but quite a few women experience their first orgasm this way and it's a great boost to her sexy. Our overall attitude towards self-loving is as a result of our socialisation, but we have an opportunity to adjust our attitudes.

Yes, I know there are some persons thinking that I am out of my mind, and that self-loving is just for sad, lonely people. They are uncomfortable to the point where they can't even bring themselves to even consider it. To them, I say: Touch yourself until you like it! It is pointless for us to go around expecting our partners to know how to please us when we don't even know what we like. Plus, as I pointed out before, IT FEELS DAMN GOOD!!! Stay sexy!

Send your questions or comments to sexychatwithshelly@gmail.com or Tweet me @drsexylive or Facebook www.facebook.com/ShellyAnnDrSexyWeeks. Tune in to Shelly-Ann 'Dr Sexy' Weeks on Dr Sexy LIVE on Nationwide 90FM Mondays-Fridays, starting at 10 p.m.

Question:

Dear Dr Sexy,

What I want to know is if a man has HIV and performs oral sex on a woman, is it likely that she will get infected.

K, St Thomas

Dear K,

Any sexual contact with a person infected with HIV can transmit the disease. It is important that she protect herself, so please refrain from have sexual relations with an infected person, including oral sex. If she has already had contact, please get tested so she knows her status. Please practise safe sex to prevent any further risk.

Stay sexy