A hands-on approach to masturbation

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Need a helping hand to get the orgasm you deserve? Before you get down to it with your guy, you need to figure out exactly what it is that makes you moan.

According to research from Penn State University, women are more open than their male counterparts when it comes to actual intercourse, but solo sex is still somewhat taboo, with 47 per cent feeling guilty about pleasuring themselves. Masturbation is nothing to be embarrassed about and actually has a proven health benefits as it relieves stress and releases those feel-good endorphins.

The most important thing about a DIY session is to experiment with different erogenous zones and spots that really turn you on. If you have no idea what makes you climax, then how is a guy supposed to know? So as long as you're giving it a red-hot go, then you're one step closer to the big O.

However, there are some things to note: according to a study by the University of Michigan, women that masturbate with saliva (wetting your fingers before you give yourself a hand) actually have a higher risk of developing yucky yeast infections. Apparently the saliva disrupts the balance of bacteria down there, so stick to lubricants if you need to get a little wet.

It's also possible to climax without even touching yourself - and you can hit the high note through regular exercise. Say what? Researchers at Rutgers University proved that women can just think their way to an orgasm - so be careful next time you're day-dreaming about Ryan Gosling doing dirty things to you!

Also, be careful of crunches and leg-raises when you're working out next to the hottie at the gym - these exercises cause the pelvic muscles to tighten and release which can lead to some pretty feel-good contractions down south.

So with these things in mind, lock your doors, set the mood with some candles (and a Ryan Gosling poster), pour yourself a wine and say cheers to some good quality one-on-one time.