Masturbation: Techniques, effects & recommendations

An uncomfortable, taboo subject for most of the world, masturbation is a normal sexual activity and it's time to talk about it. In the absence of real information, many myths have emerged that make you think about whether or not you should give yourself a moment of pleasure. We are here to clarify everything for you.

In theory it is considered an uncomfortable subject, in practice it is about pleasure. Add to that the conflicting information from unverified sources and myths from the popular sphere, and our minds are completely blown. In reality, masturbation is a normal human behavior that appears since adolescence with the maturation of sexual hormones and represents a natural process of self-knowledge. How about treating it just like that and understanding it?

Attention, there is a risk that after reading the article you will know more about your body!

What is masturbation?

Masturbation, the practice of sexual self-pleasure or "solo play" is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual excitement and pleasure, usually until orgasm (sexual climax). Basically, it's a natural and safe way to feel good and release built-up sexual tension, and what you feel ranges from intense pleasure to a deep state of relaxation and happiness. This phenomenon is common among men and women of all ages and plays an important role in healthy sexual development.

However, masturbation is culturally admonished and in many religions it is even forbidden, being considered an act of immorality. Consequence? A lot of cultural beliefs have emerged, including myths that influence a person's sexual behavior. Slowly but surely we are pulling back the curtain and talking beyond the shhhh…

Female masturbation

The general impression is that women do not need or want to masturbate, either because of the stigma associated with this type of satisfaction or simply because it is not talked about. The truth is that a woman who masturbates knows and understands her body better sexually, from her erogenous zones to how she can reach orgasm, and that contributes to a beautiful and healthy lifestyle.

Masturbation in men

Compared to female masturbation, male masturbation is closer to the realm of naturalness. More specifically, studies show that for 92% of men in America, self-pleasuring is a habit, essentially a normality. In addition to sexual liberation, through masturbation a man discovers his body, finds out what gives him pleasure and can become a good exercise that brings you closer to your partner, while increasing the quality of sex as a couple.

Female masturbation techniques

After all, we all want to reach orgasm, to feel that release, peppered with ecstasy and finished with a pleasant feeling of calmness and exhaustion. And we know you want to know more about it. What does orgasm mean, its phases and types or why you don't have an orgasm when you are with your partner, I answered each question separately in the article Everything about Orgasm by ENROUSH which you can read here .

Of course, in the case of solo play to orgasm we have a little journey to go. So how do we get there?
There is no right or wrong method of self-stimulation, but knowing several techniques will certainly bring you closer to the sexual release you desire. If some women love to use various objects or sex toys for self-pleasure, others can achieve orgasm only with the help of their fingers. We are different in the best way.

It's time to discover together what gives us pleasure.

Hand masturbation

Manual stimulation belongs to the category of extremely common techniques, being simple, fast and effective. This method involves gently massaging the clitoris and inserting fingers (usually two) into the vagina. You can do both circular movements and repeated phalanx insertion, basically anything that makes you feel intense pleasure.

Pillow masturbation

Another method that does not require much effort and for which you do not even have to get out of bed is masturbating with a pillow. In moments when you want to get rid of tension, you can simply try rubbing yourself against the pillow by moving back and forth. The first time you will feel a pleasant sensation, which will intensify until the moment when the pleasure will completely engulf you.

Masturbation with meditation

If you want to get rid of stress and improve your mood in addition to sexual pleasure, you can try masturbation with meditation. If you haven't done it before, it's a good time to give yourself a few minutes in a romantic atmosphere, listen to sensual music, do breathing exercises and discover your body. Without chasing an immediate orgasm, watch your hands as you caress, touch your erogenous zones and enjoy every second. This experience can easily become a healthy habit as part of a balanced life.

Masturbation with sex toys

It is no surprise to anyone that there are toys for "big people" too, and using them produces a special pleasure. Stimulation with sex toys does not have to mean a replacement for manual masturbation, it is actually a new stimulation through vibrations, movements and speeds that you could not get in any other way. To your surprise, you may find that you react positively to various sex toy settings that you didn't expect. Vibrators, butt plugs, whatever you find attractive can mean an incredibly pleasurable experience.

Masturbation with objects

A creative mind can find erotic pleasure in any object, whether dedicated to sexual pleasure or not. From an electric toothbrush to fruits or vegetables, our imagination can fly far. The only thing we have to be careful about is infections and possible injuries that can occur if we use the objects in inappropriate conditions. We recommend for a pleasant experience to use a condom and, if necessary, lubricant to enjoy a masturbation without unwanted effects.

Types of masturbation

Just as the techniques for stimulating pleasure are multiple, the types of masturbation differ. We talk here about erogenous zones and how you and your partner can enjoy a new experience.

Vaginal masturbation

If you haven't tried vaginal masturbation before, you might find it difficult to reach the peak of pleasure, but we'll tell you a secret. The key is exercise. You can use your fingers, but also sex toys, and once you insert them into your vagina, let yourself be carried away by the wave and move as you feel the need, explore.

Clitoral masturbation

The most erogenous zone is said to be the clitoris, so clitoral masturbation is definitely worth a try. Touch this area (a little above the vulva) at first with light movements, then when you feel that you are aroused enough, you can speed up the movements until you reach orgasm. And in this case you can use sex toys.

Anal masturbation

Anal stimulation still seems to be uncharted territory for many women, but it's good to know that the orgasm you get can be extremely intense. Before you get down to business, make sure you have enough lube on hand, and for deeper penetration, you can use a sex toy.

Penis masturbation

Stimulating the man can be done in many ways from massaging the penis to teasing with tactile or thermal sensations. You can give him pleasure through regular movements, you can increase the speed of the movements or you can try to discover other erogenous zones besides the penis through slow movements. Discover it in another way.

Mutual masturbation

Sure, playing alone can be fun, but with two the pleasure is even greater. Mutual masturbation is a moment of connection where you show and say what you want, while understanding your partner and listening to their needs. Masturbating with your partner is a powerful way to intensify intimacy, while reaching orgasm together and seeing each other really vulnerable.

Benefits - What does masturbation help?

Thanks to studies in recent years, the myths that masturbation does more harm than good are starting to disappear. Now we know the benefits of masturbation, and they are not few:

• Improves mood.
• It helps you sleep better.
• It helps relieve menstrual pain.
• It reduces the risk of diabetes.
• You release sexual tension and you can concentrate better.
• You can improve your sex life and stay sexually active even without a partner.
• It increases your libido.
• Prevent cervical infections thanks to lubrication that eliminates bacteria.
• Your anxiety and stress can be alleviated.
• Significantly lowers the risk of prostate cancer.

Masturbation - Negative effects

On the other hand, there are studies that also show us the not so rosy side of masturbation.

• Morally and ethically, some people experience feelings of guilt when they masturbate due to social stigma and religious beliefs. However, remember that pleasure is not something to be ashamed of.

• From a sexual point of view, an aggressive, excessively practiced method of masturbation can decrease sexual sensitivity, which means that in an intimate relationship the person will need much more stimulation.

• From a psychological point of view, masturbation can be an unpleasant experience for you if you have been through sexual trauma.

Basically, there is no evidence that masturbation could affect health. However, when does it become a problem?

Addiction - Excessive masturbation

Like other addictions, masturbation can be called excessive when it causes changes in your behavior. If you miss work/school, cancel plans with friends or family to spend time watching porn instead, masturbate in public, or simply miss daily activities or social events to masturbate, then yes, becomes a problem.

Addiction to masturbation can really damage your relationships and negatively impact your life. In the case of a partner, there is a risk that he will become unattractive to you and you will choose masturbation or erotic fantasies with other people in exchange for intimate moments with him.

How to get rid of masturbation?

The most common cause for masturbation addiction is habit. In such situations, the most important thing is to accept that you are facing a problem and start moving towards solutions. It's not easy, but it's up to you to work through it. You can...

• You run in the park

• You write in a journal

• Spend time with family or friends

• Go for a walk outdoors

• You watch movies (no erotic moments)

• You focus on a hobby

In this way, you disconnect from one habit and connect to another, perhaps healthier for you and your mind.

If you're worried you might have a masturbation addiction, talk to a professional about other ways to curb the habit, and you can even create a plan for each day that keeps you connected to what matters to you.

Masturbation during pregnancy - How safe is it?

When we talk about pregnancy, we talk about hormonal changes, which for many women means increased libido. Masturbation is a way to release sexual tension accumulated during pregnancy, especially if sexual activity with a partner creates discomfort.

Many times, it can happen that the orgasm is accompanied by light, irregular cramps or Braxton-Hicks contractions, and if they do not disappear, become painful and frequent, it is recommended to contact the doctor immediately.

Masturbation becomes unsafe in some cases as orgasm can increase the chances of labor. I wrote more about sexual activity during pregnancy in the article Everything about sex during pregnancy .

Masturbation during menstruation - Is it recommended?

During that time of the month, it is said that women should avoid masturbation. False! Some women have an increased libido during menstruation, and the pleasure caused by masturbation can be even more intense. Many times, masturbation even helps reduce unpleasant symptoms, such as painful menstrual cramps or stress, due to the endorphins released during orgasm.

For painful cramps during that magical time of the month, we also have a 100% natural solution: menstrual patches that fight pain with heat. A single patch applied to your underwear protects you for up to 8 hours from the pains that put your day on hold. Trust in your powers, choose hyperlink products that want to be with you especially in delicate moments and enjoy every day, without compromise: 100% organic products and 100% friendly to nature and your body.

Masturbation in children & babies

Starting from the age of 5-6, children tend to analyze the world, but especially to analyze themselves in detail. That includes discovering the sexual apparatus and of course they get to play with it. Masturbation in children can take various forms from rubbing against other objects to massaging the intimate area with the hand, what is important to remember is that a child does not associate this activity with adult sexuality or sexual relations until much later, during puberty.

Most of the time, masturbation is a normal stage in the child's development. However, there are some cases when this activity goes beyond normal limits and a specialist should be consulted. When…

• the activity becomes compulsive and interferes with other normal activities

• the child cannot be easily distracted from masturbation

• the child simulates sexual intercourse with another child

• any type of penetration occurs with another child

• masturbation becomes painful and the child shows symptoms of pain

• the frequency of masturbation increases unexpectedly

• the child becomes particularly unhappy or sad

• masturbation is followed by scratching or inflammation in the genital area (the child may have a pinworm infection or a bladder infection)

In such cases, do not hesitate to consult a specialist for specialized help.

What NOT to do when masturbating

When you say masturbation, you mean take care of the health of the intimate area. We know how unpleasant it is to hurt, to sting, to feel any kind of discomfort. We even have an article about urinary tract infection and it is only good to read on the principle of better safe than sorry. Right?

So how do we take care of ourselves when we masturbate?

• Many times, in the case of a moment of self-satisfaction, either fingers or an object (sexual or anything else) are inserted into the vagina, so it is important that they are sterile to avoid infections. When we talk about the hand, we recommend hand washing, and in the case of objects it would be ideal to use a condom.
• Maybe you didn't expect it, but even when we're talking about masturbation, sometimes you need extra lubrication in cases where you're not aroused enough, or you just feel the need. For this use a sex lubricant.
• Another real issue to watch out for when masturbating is the little sores and irritations you can cause if you use overly aggressive repetitive motions. You have to know your limits and respect them.

Frequently asked questions about masturbation

Many myths, many problems, let's get rid of them. Here are some of the questions we know you've been asking yourself and the real answer you needed.

How long can a person last without masturbation?

The body's needs differ from person to person, and often masturbation is a personal choice, not a biological need.

Is masturbating in your sleep normal?

Masturbating in your sleep is more than a "wet dream" and is often considered a real condition. In these cases it is recommended to consult a doctor, although there is no miracle drug. Treatment suggestions will most often be therapy sessions.

How long does female masturbation last?

Masturbation in women can last longer than in men, due to the fact that the female sex reaches orgasm after a longer time. However, there is no rule, and the better you know your body, the easier it will be to reach the release point.

How to get excited before masturbation?

The brain is the most erogenous organ in the body, so let your imagination run wild. Maybe you want to watch porn that you like or choose to light scented candles and caress yourself while looking in the mirror, whatever the atmosphere you create is very important if you want it to be a pleasant experience.

Why is it bad to masturbate?

You should know that doctors and psychologists agree that masturbation is absolutely normal and healthy behavior. However, there are many cultures and religions that consider it an "unclean" act because they claim that pleasure should take another form or that sexual activity should only take place together with a partner in a marital relationship.