Kathy Greaves hosts self-pleasure workshop

Dr. Sex hosts clinic aimed at helping women and men become more familiar with female genitalia

By: Haylee Campbell

Posted: 11/13/08

OSU's Women's Center hosted a "self-pleasure workshop," given by human sexuality Professor Kathy Greaves, Ph.D. on Wednesday night.

The title may be misleading since it was not a workshop but more of a general information discussion about the female anatomy and orgasms, followed by a question and answer session.

"This is the biggest event of the term here, and the room will usually fill up," said Christina Blanchard, a junior in English and the program's coordinator for the Women's Center. "We try to hold at least five to six guest discussions per term, and the speakers really vary depending on who is available."

Greaves has been teaching at Oregon State in the human development and family sciences department for 14 years and received her master's degree and Ph.D. at OSU in HDFS with minors in sexuality and intimate relationships.

"I usually do presentations in residence halls for question and answer sessions about anything from relationships to sexuality," Greaves said.

The main topic of the discussion on Wednesday was information about the female orgasm and what measures should be taken in order for women to reach climax.

"We are focusing on this because the man typically needs instruction on how to stimulate the G-spot and clitoris. This is not the same for men since there isn't much instruction needed to operate the penis," Greaves said.

Greaves drew a vagina on a white board in order to show the audience the basic anatomy of the female genitalia.

The clitoris' sensitivity varies between women; some can handle direct stimulation while others require indirect stimulation in order for the stimulation to be pleasurable, not painful.

"When it comes to marital distress, divorce or break-ups between couples living together, there are five main reasons why disputes occur, and sex is always one of them," Dr. Greaves said. "Sex education is important, and if we are better informed and comfortable with our sexuality, we will be better off in our relationships."

OSU's Women's Center was founded in 1973 and provides a place for women to gather for discussions or for quiet study time.

They provide advocacy, support, activism, job opportunities, library books and a plethora of other services for students on campus.

"I loved this event. I am really glad about the turnout, and the questions were awesome," Blanchard said.

"It was good to see men show up, even for a class. Men should learn about this topic since most society focuses sex around them," she said.

Haylee Campbell, staff writer

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231