Let’s be real; this is a bit of an interesting topic from the go, and if you’re looking for a post like this (or at least clicked on it), you’re wondering how there could possibly be any other way to masturbate than you do already.
It’s a simple gesture, right?
Not exactly – there are a lot more possibilities than meets the eye, and if you’ve found yourself in a bit of a rut, dominated by the use of porn videos, your mind is all over the place during sex, and you don’t seem to have anywhere near the same amount of sexual connection to yourself or others that you once had, well, you’ve come to the right place.
It’s time to break the taboo and start talking properly about male solo sex, sexual health in general, and what it’s all about. This is your guide to making this happen in your own life.
Let’s get into it.
An Introduction to How to Jerk Off
Masturbation, a practice that dates back as far as humanity itself, has often been shrouded in unnecessary stigma and misinformation. I’m here to clarify, educate, and hopefully entertain a bit along the way as we explain the myriad of ways “to jerk off” and, on a more serious note, its physiological and psychological benefits.
For me, this has been a serious turning point in my life.
I’m in my early 30s, and porn had pretty much killed my sex drive and ambition. I love sex, love oral, and love all kinds of fantasies lived out by my partner and me, but the idea of it sounded great. The reality was that I always felt a bit disappointed. As though there was a lack of spark or connection.
Masturbation-wise, well, that was only ever happening with porn. It wasn’t until I once tried to get myself in the off that I realized I was totally dependent on it and had pretty much zero connection with myself or my sexual side.
Porn addiction and NoFap talk aside, I believed that the best counter was to start enjoying male masturbation again, which meant I had to figure out how to do it for me. I had to buck up and actually get to know myself all over again. All in my early 30s with no idea what I was doing and all in such a taboo subject.
Hopefully this will help you to do the same. We’ll touch upon what constitutes a healthy practice and explore quick masturbation tips and strategies for varied and fulfilling experiences. You’ll learn to view masturbation from perspectives you’ve probably never considered before!
So, let’s dive in and start this conversation around self-pleasure and its integral role in sexual health and wellbeing.
How to Masturbate
If you’ve ever questioned the normalcy of masturbation, let’s clear that up right away—it’s completely normal, and there’s nothing weird about it.
Studies show that 92% of men and 62% of women have masturbated, do so regularly, and have been common throughout history. It’s nothing new, and most people start at an early age.
In fact, it’s a healthy aspect of human sexuality that has a myriad of benefits beyond the obvious pleasure aspect. Men, women, young, old—masturbation is a shared experience.
But if you’re more specifically wondering, how does one masturbate? That’s a little bit of a more layered question, especially since there’s no universal instruction manual, and it’s certainly not something you learn from your parents.
To get down to brass tacks, everyone is different and has their own preferences, so learning how to masturbate comes down to having an open mind, being mindful, and experimenting to find what ticks your own boxes.
For beginners, a basic ‘up and down’ hand motion on the penis is a common starting point. But don’t let this limit you; consider varying your grip or introducing other elements, like a lubricant, to change sensations.
A popular form of variety can be found in ‘edging‘ – where you bring yourself to the brink of orgasm, but instead of letting it happen, slow down and keep yourself on that edge. This can lead to a more intense orgasm when you do allow it to happen. We’ll get into this more in a minute.
What’s principal in all this is your comfort. The goal is pleasure, yes, but this pleasure should come from a place of comfort and relaxation. Navigating what you enjoy shouldn’t be a chore; it’s an exploration—feel free to experiment with what feels good and steer clear from what doesn’t.
Your body, your rules.
The Benefits of Masturbating
Perhaps surprisingly, masturbation doesn’t just feel good; it’s also good for you. Probably some obvious ones here that you’ve experienced yourself, but let’s break them down.
Mental Health
Perhaps most obviously, masturbation provides stress relief. Life comes at us fast (heh). Work deadlines, personal relationships, and daily responsibilities can pile on the stress. Masturbation releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, promoting relaxation.
This also ties in with improved sleep. The same endorphins that help with stress are also fantastic sleep aids. Many find that a session before bed leads to quicker, more restful, better sleep.
Less stress throughout the day because of a masturbation session can also help you drift off, which provides all kinds of amazing benefits like a better immune system, more focus, and an overall better sense of overall well being.
Physical Health
For those with a prostate (all men), regular ejaculation through masturbation can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, specifically for men above 50 years old. It’s like a cleanse for your prostate.
In addition to this, there’s a ton of sexual health benefits. Masturbation allows you to explore what pleases you, increasing sexual satisfaction. Additionally, it can help maintain erectile function and potentially delay ejaculation, enriching your sex life.
Self-Exploration
When was the last time you actually spent time with yourself? I mean really spent time with yourself. Like getting to know yourself and check in. Probably not something you’ve done consistently in many years, I bet.
A great way to get started on this process is understanding your likes and dislikes in sex, something that can bring you joy with yourself, and in your relationship. However, determining what you enjoy isn’t just about satisfaction—it’s about connection.
Masturbation provides a safe, private environment to explore what turns you on, which can improve communication with a partner.
On top of this, regular self-exploration can also lead to increased body confidence. Understanding and appreciating how your body responds to touch fosters a more positive body image.
Bringing all this together, masturbation is more than just a momentary pleasure; it’s an activity with a profound impact on both physical and mental health.
Whether it’s releasing tension, helping to keep your body in check, or fostering an environment of self-love and exploration, the benefits are multi-fold and hard to ignore.
What Classes as Healthy Masturbation?
Navigating the murky waters of what is considered ‘healthy’ masturbation is easier said than done, but let’s lay out some clear markers.
Frequency
The million-dollar question: How much is too much? Honestly, it varies. A healthy frequency fits into your life without disruption. For example, if masturbation becomes a constant priority over social interaction, work, or necessary self-care, it might be time to reassess and find balance. Compulsive masturbation is undoubtedly a thing.
Attitude
How you view masturbation is key. Seeing it as an aspect of self-care and a positive part of your sexuality promotes a healthy relationship with your body. It’s an act of personal exploration, not something to feel guilty over.
Limits and Boundaries
It’s awesome to get into the groove but don’t let it run your life. If you find yourself needing to masturbate all the time, or it’s messing with your relationships, or you just can’t seem to stop… maybe slow your roll. There’s no shame in setting boundaries for yourself.
The bottom line is that healthy masturbation is about finding that sweet spot. It’s about respecting your body, your mind, and your whole life. Listen to yourself, and you’ll find the balance that feels right.
7+ Strategies for Better Ways to Masturbate
So, what are the ways you can get to know yourself and enjoy all the benefits that male solo sex has to offer? Well, there are a ton of strategies. I’ll outline some of the fundamentals but understand now that these can be adapted and changed depending on what you want your experience to be.
Let’s get into it.
Changing Your Same Position
It may sound basic, but experimenting with different positions while masturbating can totally refresh your experience.
Most people have a go-to position, but varying it up can unlock new dimensions of pleasure. Try lying on your back, standing, kneeling, or incorporating a pillow—each position offers unique sensations. Experiment. Have fun with it. Get creative.
Remember, this is your experience, so find a quiet place to relax, carve out some time to spend with just yourself, and get to know the kind of sexual pleasure you can enjoy. The chances are you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Change Speeds and Pressures
Speed and pressure play instrumental roles in the amount of pleasure experienced. Challenge the go-to speed you’ve probably stuck to over the years or pressure you’re accustomed to—slow things down to tantalize and give yourself a chance to revel in the build-up, or speed it up for a more intense climax.
Don’t forget—you control the ‘how’ and ‘when’ of reaching your peak.
For me, this felt a bit weird. Going really slow and “teasing” yourself felt like a waste of time, and it just felt odd. Quite simply, that’s because I wasn’t used to it. Change it up and try consistently over time. Give it a few months. This is the kind of process/journey you’re looking at.
Use Edging
Edging, or the practice of stopping just shy of climax to build up for a more intense orgasm using a stop and start method, can revolutionize your masturbation routine. Simply get close to orgasm and stop, either squeezing your penis or letting go completely. Get as close as you can to the point of no return.
To start with, simply do this three or four times, and then let yourself cum. You’ll be amazed by the difference.
It’s about training your body to sustain the heightened state of arousal for a prolonged period. By delaying the end goal, you can significantly amplify the eventual pleasure. It’s an exercise in patience but one well worth trying!
Oh, and this will also help you last longer in bed, so it’s well worth it if you’re looking to make your general sex life better and more enjoyable for all. Try it yourself during your next masturbation session and see for yourself.
Use Lube
Lubrication isn’t just a bonus; it can be a game-changer for both comfort and pleasure. Lube reduces friction, making the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable. It all helps fantasies feel more realistic and gives you more opportunities for different kinds of pleasure!
Here’s why incorporating a water based lube could elevate your solo sessions:
- Variety of Sensations: Different types of lubes offer unique sensations. From warming gels and baby oil to cooling lubes, there’s a world to explore.
- Increased Comfort: It boosts comfort, particularly during longer sessions or when experimenting with different speeds and techniques.
- Enhanced Pleasure: With less friction, your strokes can feel more pleasurable, potentially making your orgasms more intense.
Probably avoid scented lotions, however, if you want to avoid any nasty stings.
Stimulate the Perineum
The bit of skin under your balls but before you get to your anus is the perineum, and if you’ve ever had oral here, you’ll know that it can feel amazing. Yet, for much of my life, I completely ignored it. Ignorance is not bliss, in this case.
The perineum is an erogenous zone, which isn’t one of the main dinosaurs from the Jurassic World movies but is a part of your body that, when stimulated, can turn up the intensity of your experience.
- Locating the Perineum: You’ll find this sensitive stretch of skin by tracing a line from your anus to your genitals.
- Why Stimulate It: Packed with nerve endings, pressing or massaging the perineum can produce pleasurable sensations and enhance your orgasms. Again, probably gonna get bored of me saying this, but experiment! That’s all it takes!
If you want to go as far down as the anus, then you can. It’s all on you and there’s nothing to be ashamed of there. A sex toy like a dildo or anal beads can work wonders here, especially if you’re looking for prostate stimulation and the intense orgasms they can bring.
Use a Sex Toy
If you haven’t used sex toys before, especially with yourself, then you’re in for a treat. It’s thrilling, exciting, opens up a world of pleasure, but can often feel a little scary or out there. Don’t worry, it’s about taking things at your own pace.
Let’s look at a few:
- Fleshlight: Designed to simulate a vagina, anus, or mouth, fleshlights add a level of realism to your fantasy. These are probably the most creative and immersive toys out there, great for roleplaying with yourself and really leaning into the penetrative sex part of the sexual experience. A masturbation sleeve might work, too.
- Butt Play Plugs: Possibly introducing you to little-known pleasure points and new sensations, butt plugs can be incorporated seamlessly into your routine. These sounds a bit out there, maybe, but anal stimulation feels great for guys. Start with a small plug for anal play and work up. Just pop it in and jerk off. That’s all there is to it.
- Cock rings: These aim to enhance erections by restricting blood flow out of the penis, which can also lead to intensified climaxes. Great for most immersive masturbation and to train yourself with edging.
Of course, there are plenty of other sex toys out there, but this will usually be your best jumping-off point. Remember, you don’t need to go too crazy or spend a fortune. It’s not about the novelty (although that’s certainly part of it).
It’s about exploring a wider range of sensations, learning about what elevates your pleasure, and adding to your self-pleasure repertoire.
Use Different Hands
It’s easy to settle into a routine with masturbation, including which hand you use. By simply switching hands, you introduce your body to a whole new range of sensations. Here’s why:
- New Sensations: Your non-dominant hand might offer a different pressure or rhythm, which can feel surprisingly refreshing, perhaps even mind blowing.
- Brain Stimulation: This switch can also stimulate your brain differently, potentially leading to more dynamic experiences.
Mutually Masturbate
Masturbating with a partner isn’t just about mutual pleasure; it’s a deep dive into vulnerability and intimacy. Sharing this experience can significantly benefit your relationship:
- Learning Opportunity: Discover each other’s likes and dislikes in a transparent setting.
- Increased Intimacy: Sharing such a personal act can strengthen your emotional connection.
- Communication Enhancement: It opens the door to better sexual communication, allowing both partners to express desires and boundaries clearly.
Now, I’d personally advise you only doing this with a consenting partner, and try to steer clear of watching porn.
It’s probably okay every now and then, but compulsive usage can lead to addiction and harm your sexual relationship with yourself and others, as well as damage your mental health, which could keep you in a masturbation rut over time.
Focus on the Journey, Not the Destination
Our fast-paced world often prioritizes ends over means, but when it comes to masturbation, the journey is where the magic truly happens. Here’s how to relish the moment:
- Mindfulness: Pay attention to each sensation, tuning into your body’s responses without rushing.
- Exploration: Take this time to explore different techniques, pressures, and rhythms. You might uncover new sources of pleasure.
- Stress Reduction: Slowing down can transform masturbation from a quick stress reliever into a profound relaxation technique, deepening the overall experience.
By adding these strategies into your masturbation routine, you’re not just exploring new avenues of pleasure; you’re also deepening your connection with yourself and, potentially, with your partner.
Each of these aspects—trying different hands, mutual masturbation, and focusing on the journey—adds layers to your experience, enriching your sexual wellbeing.
Slow Down
I’ve spoken about speeds already, but this deserves a thought in itself. When was the last time you slowed down during masturbation and just stopped to tune into how you’re thinking or feeling?
This is almost near impossible if you watch porn and you’re lost in whatever content you’re watching, and if you’re not, then it’s easy to think you just want to get to the end as fast as possible. Instead, taking the time to slow down and explore your body during masturbation can yield exceptionally rewarding results.
Here’s why:
- Amplified Pleasure: Slowing down allows you to fully experience each touch, stroke, and sensation, often leading to more intense pleasure.
- Broadened Horizons: It grants you ample space to explore little-known areas of your body that could unveil new pleasure points.
- Stress Reduction: A leisurely pace can transform masturbation from a quick stress reliever into a deep relaxation technique.
Use Mindfulness Techniques
You’ve probably heard of mindfulness and meditations, and this is a practice than means way more than just sitting cross-legged and emptying your mind.
The importance of mindfulness is to bring your ability to calm your mind and be present into your active, everyday life, and this includes all activities, from partnered sex to solo masturbation.
Mindfulness, or the practice of being fully engaged in the present, has the power to significantly enrich your masturbation experience. By focusing your full attention on what’s happening in the moment, you can:
- Heighten Sensations: Staying present helps focus your attention on the physical sensations, making you acutely aware of each touch and, therefore, enhancing pleasure.
- Reduce Stress: Mindfulness can turn a solo session into a form of meditation, releasing tension and fostering relaxation.
- Understand Your Desires: It encourages you to tune into your body’s responses, thereby aiding in self-understanding and sexual satisfaction in the long run.
And the trick is that when you bring slower movements, toys like prostate stimulators, different speeds and positions, and mindfulness techniques into your masturbation routine, you’re not just exploring new avenues of pleasure; you’re also building a deeper connection with your own body and desires.
Conclusion
And there we have it – our exploration of healthy masturbation has revealed that it’s far more than simply a release; it’s a regular, enriching aspect of human sexuality.
From refining your solo techniques to understanding the importance of mindfulness, there are manifold ways to enhance this self-care act.
Remember, it’s about finding a rhythm that suits you—don’t forget to balance and listen to your body.
Now you have these insights, why not put them to practice? See how improving your solo sessions can bring not only physical satisfaction but also elevated mental wellbeing.
One thing’s for sure: the journey towards sexual self-discovery promises to be intriguing.
