Dear pandaluvboi,

The first step toward enjoying sex is getting to know your body. While you might feel shy at first about exploring "down there," it's vital for young people to become familiar with their sexual anatomy — what it looks like, how it works, and what feels good. By checking out your body, you can also reduce any shame and mystery you may have about your sex organs, which is a great way to boost sexual self-esteem.

Learning what does or doesn't feel good during masturbation can help you communicate with your boyfriend about what you want during sex play.

Masturbation is touching one's own sex organs for pleasure. There's no right or wrong way to masturbate — it's about discovering what kinds of touching and sensations work for you, and it's a way to learn to have orgasms. Most women experience orgasm through clitoral stimulation rather than through vaginal penetration.

Keep in mind that it's quite common for women to have a harder time reaching orgasm with a partner than while masturbating alone. Sometimes women (and men, too) have a hard time reaching orgasm with a partner when they are anxious or distracted, perhaps because of the pressure they feel to perform, or perhaps because of the possibility of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. If you have these concerns, or others, make sure to talk about them with your partner. If you find it difficult to talk with your boyfriend about your thoughts on sex, you might not be ready for sex, or he may not be the best partner for you.

Remember, communication is the key to enjoyable sex. Partners are not mind readers. People need helpful hints and clues about how to please each other best.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.