“I Should Not Be Doing This Thing”: A Qualitative Exploration of Masturbation Experiences Among Young Indian Women

Introduction: Masturbation in India is a sexual behavior enveloped in taboo, a manifestation of cultural norms that have been deeply ingrained through generations. Objective: This study aims to address the paucity of contemporary research on women’s experiences of masturbation, particularly in the Indian context, using phenomenology. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with twelve heterosexual women aged 18-30, and the technique of reflexive thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data. Result: The three themes that were actively constructed by researcher were: Theme 1: Influence on Young Women's Masturbation Experiences (Societal Norms and Cultural Biases, Impact of Media), Theme 2: Barriers to Masturbation Practices (Inadequate Sexual Literacy and Resource Scarcity), Theme 3: Impacts of Masturbation (Positive Experiences and Emotional Vulnerabilities). Conclusion: This study addresses a significant gap in the literature on women’s experiences with masturbation in India, providing a foundation for future research. The themes identified can serve as a basis for developing culturally relevant programs to enhance sexual well-being among Indian women.