A friend of mine suggested yesterday that men are “bigger masturbators” than women.

“A man holds the world record for masturbation – nine hours and something,” he said defiantly. “Men are just hornier than women. And so they’re more keen on masturbating,” he added. Is that true? If it is, is it the only reason why are women missing out on the safest, easiest form of sex?

“I discovered masturbation by accident,” says Bangalore-based Marion.

Till the age of 16 she didn’t even know that what she was doing was considered masturbation. “I mean I knew what ‘masturbation’ meant when boys did it, but honestly I didn’t think girls could do it.”

Q: I am 24 and have troubles getting erections. I used to have a proper erection, but now it can’t get up even during intimate sexual encounters or masturbation.

The situation seems to be getting worse and I am distracted much of the time about what may be wrong with me. I need help, Auntyji! Pawan, Manipur

I am coming out of the closet. I’m a wanker and proud of it.

I discovered the pleasure of masturbation completely by accident. 'Amazement', 'exhilaration' and 'freedom' are some the words I still associate with that very special day. And in my innocence I was quick to wonder why the process is shrouded in such notoriety.

Masturbation – pretty much everybody does it, but nobody seems to talk about it.

That's too bad, because masturbating is fun and good for you! But then there are some uncertainties and myths. Can it make you blind? Will it impact your chance of having kids? And how do you actually do it? Read on to find out more in the seventh edition of our top five facts.

First time sex, which is also called 'losing your virginity', is something you’ll never forget.

It can be scary. It can also be exciting and special. So it's important to make it a nice experience. But how can you do this? And how can you make sure that your partner is also having a good time? Find out in the fourth edition of our Top Five Facts. 

Q: Is it strange that I still masturbate even though I have sex with my girlfriend?

I’ve been seeing her for almost six months now and we’ve had sex from the start. I decided I was going to stop masturbating. It seemed silly when sex with her was so much more satisfying. But even after having sex with her, I’ve masturbated quite a few times. Is that abnormal? Shams, Phagwara

Vibrators give the most speedy and powerful orgasms. In fact women worry their sex toy could put their partners out of a job.

For women who have trouble reaching a climax, a vibrator is the answer, according to research at the Medical Center for Female Sexuality in New York. But you should be aware of what you’re getting into – it might change the way you feel about sex.