If you have a penis and you're wondering how to improve your masturbation game, you might assume that it's a straightforward process that doesn't require much guidance. However, there are numerous paths to self-pleasure, regardless of the specific genitalia involved. While there's no "correct" way to get yourself off, there may be masturbation techniques that you haven't tried yet, even if you've been doing it for a while. Everyone can benefit from some tips and guidelines to better understand self-love.
In this article, we'll explore various techniques for penis masturbation, how to switch up your stroke, and some of our favorite tips for reaching orgasm. Before we dive into the techniques, let's discuss the health benefits of masturbation. Not only is it entirely natural, but it can also help reduce stress, improve your body image, and promote better sleep, according to Planned Parenthood. Orgasms are known to release mood-boosting neurochemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins into the brain, but did you know that masturbation can also increase your body's production of prolactin, a hormone that regulates your immune system?
Moreover, there's no chance of contracting sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancy, making masturbation an incredibly healthy and low-risk activity. Self-pleasure can help you figure out what you like sexually and what you're comfortable with, regardless of whether you're having partnered sex. The self-knowledge it brings can be an essential component of your future sex life, making it easier to communicate your desires and boundaries to others.
Embracing solo sex has been linked to a higher likelihood of having positive sexual experiences later in life, making it an excellent way to improve your overall sexual well-being. Now, let's get into the techniques for penis masturbation. Keep in mind that everyone's preferences are unique, so don't be afraid to experiment with different strokes, positions, and sensations until you find what works best for you.
1. Find Your Stroke
Start by using your hand to find a rhythm that feels good for you. It takes time and practice to find your perfect stroke. Some people prefer rapid strokes, while others like it slow and sensual. In general, you'll want to start with slower strokes before gradually building up to a faster pace. Keep experimenting until you find the right stroke for you.
2. Switch It Up
Don't be afraid to change things up! What feels good today might not feel as pleasurable tomorrow. Add some variety to your masturbation routine by using different strokes or switching hands. You can even try using both hands at once. Switching things up can help prevent you from becoming too accustomed to reaching orgasm in one particular way, making you more responsive and flexible with future sexual partners.
3. Take Your Time
Masturbation doesn't have to be a race to the finish. Take your time and enjoy the process of discovering what feels good for you. Listen to your body and explore what erogenous zones work best for you. You might prefer stimulation at the head of the penis, the base, or somewhere else entirely. Take your time to figure out what feels best for you.
4. Lube Is Your Best Friend
When it comes to masturbating, using lube can make a big difference in your pleasure levels. The friction of your hand on your penis for a prolonged period of time can be uncomfortable, and the right lube can help reduce that discomfort and make your experience more enjoyable. Contrary to popular belief, lotion is not a good option for masturbation. While it might be easy to find around the house and convenient, it's not designed for use as a lubricant.
Your penis is a sensitive area, and some scented lotions can cause irritation. Instead, always opt for lube. If you have access to or can purchase lube, go for a water-based, unscented option. Anything with warming components or flavoring may cause itching or irritation. In some cases, getting your hands on lube may be difficult. If this is the case, there are some household options that can work in a pinch. You can use 100% coconut oil or 100% aloe vera as lube (this does not include sunburn lotion with aloe vera or similar products). Vaseline can be used as well, but only when externally applied for solo sessions. For partnered sex, it can cause condoms to break, and if your partner has a vagina, it can lead to infection. In general, it's best to make sure what you're using is 100% pure.
5. Give Your Balls Some Love
Don't forget about your testicles when you're exploring your body on your quest for orgasm. They're highly sensitive and packed with nerve endings, making them a key erogenous zone for many people. Try rubbing them gently with one hand while using the other hand to maintain a stroke on your penis. You can even stop stroking altogether and just pay close attention to your balls. How much pressure you apply to your scrotum will depend on your individual preference. Experiment with different levels of pressure during your next masturbation session to find what works best for you.
6. Prostate Stimulation Is Definitely an Option
Masturbation doesn't have to be limited solely to the penis. Your prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just inside the anus that can feel great when stimulated. To give it a try, lube up and use your fingers or a small butt plug to gently insert into the anus. Remember to go slowly and relax the anus before insertion. In pursuit of the prostate, you'll also get the benefits of stimulating the entrance to the anus itself, which has just as many nerve endings as the tip of the penis. Keep in mind that anally stimulating yourself while stroking your penis may be challenging. It might be best to focus on one or the other, at least to start. And if you're not open to trying prostate stimulation, that's perfectly fine. When it comes to the best way to masturbate, it's important to understand that everyone has personal preferences for reaching orgasm. Prostate stimulation is enjoyable for some and not for others. Deciding what to try and what to skip is entirely up to you.
7. Include Other Erogenous Zones
Erogenous zones are places on the body that feel really great to be touched, and they're not limited to the penis or testicles. From your inner thighs, nipples, and neck to your inner wrist and ears, the body is packed with erogenous zones that often look different on different people. Using a masturbation session as an opportunity to explore where else on your body brings you pleasure is a great idea. Not only can it help you have a more fulfilling solo sex life, but it can also make for more fulfilling partnered sex later on, too.
8. Try Different Positions
Masturbation doesn't have to be a stationary activity. Try out different positions to not only switch things up, but also to enhance your pleasure and find what works best for you. You can stand up, lie down, sit up, kneel, or elevate your hips with a pillow – really, the options are endless. Different positions can also help you target different erogenous zones and provide different levels of stimulation. For example, some people prefer standing up with their legs slightly apart, while others prefer lying down with their knees bent and feet flat on the bed. You can also try kneeling and leaning forward, using your hands or a toy to stimulate your penis. Experimenting with different positions can also help you find what works best for you and can add more excitement to your solo play.
9. Introduce Toys to Your Repertoire
Vibrators and sex toys can be a great way to take things to a new level when you’re learning how to masturbate – and, for the record, they’re definitely not just for vaginas! You can opt for a traditional vibrator, using it to massage your balls or shaft, or you can try a masturbation sleeve for a new sensation (just be sure to use a water-based lube with these!). If you're interested in prostate stimulation, there are toys specifically for that purpose, too. Don't be intimidated by the variety of sex toys available – just start with something simple and work your way up if you feel comfortable. Masturbation sleeves and strokers are a great place to start, as they're affordable and come in many different textures and shapes. If you prefer something hands-free, consider a vibrating cock ring or prostate massager.
10. Tap into Some Fantasies
A big part of masturbation, of course, isn’t just knowing how to jerk off, but figuring out what to jerk off to. Though visual aids are obviously helpful here, it’s totally possible to masturbate without porn. While porn can function as a normal, healthy, and fun way to discover new things about what you’re attracted to, one cool thing about masturbating without it is that you’re totally in control of the fantasy. Whereas watching porn is passive, masturbating to a fantasy means your mind gets to wander in the direction of what excites you. It’s another great way of figuring out what you’re into, and it can be super helpful if and when you want to share your fantasies with partners later. (If you do choose to watch porn, look for ethically made options, and remember that it’s NOT a model for real sex, but simply a fantasy.)
11. Try it With a Partner
Speaking of partners: If you have a partner that you’re in a close relationship with, you could try masturbating together. This works well both for sexually active couples and those who are waiting a bit before having penetrative sex. This super-stimulating activity allows you both to feel intense pleasure while being together physically. And who knows? Reaching orgasm together but apart just might be the hot new thing to check off your to-do list.
12. Remind Yourself That Masturbation is a Healthy Form of Self-Care
Hopefully, you have a supportive community that values sexual health and free expression, but this isn’t the case for everyone. We live in a sex-negative culture – one that puts a lot of pressure on people to act in a certain way, without providing information about the significance of sexual health in a person’s life. Masturbation is a healthy practice, and you should in no way feel ashamed for wanting to engage in it. It’s a way to explore what you like, release stress and energy, and learn about your body. And it’s not a “second best” option to having sex with partners either – far from it! A healthy solo sex life is just as important as other kinds of sex, as well as an important way to show yourself a little care. So feel free to get to it, sans any stigma!
In conclusion, there are many different ways to masturbate and explore your body. While there is no "correct" way to do it, taking the time to experiment and find what works for you can lead to more fulfilling and enjoyable experiences. Don't be afraid to switch up your stroke, try new positions, or introduce toys into your solo sex life. And remember, masturbation is a healthy and natural practice that can have numerous benefits for your physical and mental health. So go ahead and indulge in some self-love – you deserve it!