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 we identified:
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 wellbeing among Indian women.