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Masturbation Guides
Read more masturbation guides
Frequently asked questions about masturbation
Self-pleasure is another word for masturbation; which is when you touch, stroke, or rub yourself to feel arousal and sexual pleasure. You might do this by touching your genitals or other erogenous zones (like your nipples, breasts, scrotum, or perineum). When you first discovered masturbation, you probably used your hands or a pillow to get your pleasure. But sex toys like dildos or vibrators can also deliver new, thrilling sensations to make your play time even better (more on this below).
Touching yourself feels good, but actually is good too. When you orgasm, it releases ‘feel-good’ hormones called dopamine and serotonin, as well as the ‘cuddle hormone’, oxytocin. This delicious cocktail counteracts cortisol, also known as ‘the stress hormone’. That means masturbating can boost your mood, reduce stress, and help you get a better night’s sleep. “Not only does [masturbating] feel good in the moment, the physiological changes of sexual arousal and orgasm are just plain good for your body, health, and overall wellbeing,” says sex therapist, Dr. Megan Fleming. Self love can also boost your self-esteem and body-positivity by encouraging you to explore your body, prioritize your pleasure, and learn what you enjoy in the bedroom. For some, regular solo sex can boost their sex drive – but it’s also known to improve stamina! How good does that sound?
There’s no right or wrong way to self-pleasure. It’s all about exploring your own body in your own time. Try rubbing your clitoris or the head of your penis in a circular motion and alternating that with longer strokers to see what you prefer. Remember that there’s nothing shameful about masturbation, so there’s no need to feel guilty for enjoying it in a specific way. It’s your body, after all. For practical tips on how to masturbate, check out our advice on self-pleasure via the links above.
Yes, anal masturbation can feel good, but it depends on the person. Anal masturbation activates the pudendal nerve – the same one that sends pleasurable sensations from your vulva or penis to your brain. That might explain why so many people love anal sex, no matter their gender! Then there's the prostate, which can be stimulated through the anus in people with male genitals. Also known as “the male G-spot”, the prostate can offer explosive orgasms which feel much more intense than stimulating the penis alone.
Men and non-binary or trans people with a penis can masturbate using their hands or a stroker to stimulate the shaft and head of the penis. The head of the penis has approximately 4,000 nerve endings and is the most sensitive part. Focus your attention here for fast, satisfying pleasure. For slower, more intense orgasms, pay attention to other sensitive areas like the frenulum (the stretchy piece of skin between the head and the shaft) and testicles, both of which can help trigger ejaculation when massaged – depending on the individual.
Women and non-binary or trans people with a vulva can masturbate by touching their vulva with their fingers, riding a pillow, or using a sex toy. If you're not sure where to start, try finding your clit with your fingers. The clit (glans clitoris), is the sensitive, button-like part of your vulva where your labia meet, above the vaginal opening. It can feel good to gently circle, tap, or rub this area with your fingers. You can also use a clitoral suction toy to stimulate the clitoris with pulses of air. It feels a bit like sucking and can be amazing for people who struggle to orgasm in other ways. If you're interested in inserting fingers into your vagina, wash your hands and use lube for smooth entry.
The G-spot is an area on the front inner wall of the vagina. You won't find it in anatomy books, as it's not officially recognised as part of the vagina, but many people believe it's where the different parts of the internal clitoral structure meet. You might be able to find the G-spot by inserting two clean fingers into the vagina and stroking in a “come here” motion towards the belly. If that feels awkward, grab a G-spot vibrator that’s designed to target the area with delicious rumbling sensations. Just be sure to use lube for silky smooth, sensual penetration.
Read more masturbation guides
Frequently asked questions about masturbation
Self-pleasure is another word for masturbation; which is when you touch, stroke, or rub yourself to feel arousal and sexual pleasure. You might do this by touching your genitals or other erogenous zones (like your nipples, breasts, scrotum, or perineum). When you first discovered masturbation, you probably used your hands or a pillow to get your pleasure. But sex toys like dildos or vibrators can also deliver new, thrilling sensations to make your play time even better (more on this below).
Touching yourself feels good, but actually is good too. When you orgasm, it releases ‘feel-good’ hormones called dopamine and serotonin, as well as the ‘cuddle hormone’, oxytocin. This delicious cocktail counteracts cortisol, also known as ‘the stress hormone’. That means masturbating can boost your mood, reduce stress, and help you get a better night’s sleep. “Not only does [masturbating] feel good in the moment, the physiological changes of sexual arousal and orgasm are just plain good for your body, health, and overall wellbeing,” says sex therapist, Dr. Megan Fleming. Self love can also boost your self-esteem and body-positivity by encouraging you to explore your body, prioritize your pleasure, and learn what you enjoy in the bedroom. For some, regular solo sex can boost their sex drive – but it’s also known to improve stamina! How good does that sound?
There’s no right or wrong way to self-pleasure. It’s all about exploring your own body in your own time. Try rubbing your clitoris or the head of your penis in a circular motion and alternating that with longer strokers to see what you prefer. Remember that there’s nothing shameful about masturbation, so there’s no need to feel guilty for enjoying it in a specific way. It’s your body, after all. For practical tips on how to masturbate, check out our advice on self-pleasure via the links above.
Yes, anal masturbation can feel good, but it depends on the person. Anal masturbation activates the pudendal nerve – the same one that sends pleasurable sensations from your vulva or penis to your brain. That might explain why so many people love anal sex, no matter their gender! Then there's the prostate, which can be stimulated through the anus in people with male genitals. Also known as “the male G-spot”, the prostate can offer explosive orgasms which feel much more intense than stimulating the penis alone.
Men and non-binary or trans people with a penis can masturbate using their hands or a stroker to stimulate the shaft and head of the penis. The head of the penis has approximately 4,000 nerve endings and is the most sensitive part. Focus your attention here for fast, satisfying pleasure. For slower, more intense orgasms, pay attention to other sensitive areas like the frenulum (the stretchy piece of skin between the head and the shaft) and testicles, both of which can help trigger ejaculation when massaged – depending on the individual.
Women and non-binary or trans people with a vulva can masturbate by touching their vulva with their fingers, riding a pillow, or using a sex toy. If you're not sure where to start, try finding your clit with your fingers. The clit (glans clitoris), is the sensitive, button-like part of your vulva where your labia meet, above the vaginal opening. It can feel good to gently circle, tap, or rub this area with your fingers. You can also use a clitoral suction toy to stimulate the clitoris with pulses of air. It feels a bit like sucking and can be amazing for people who struggle to orgasm in other ways. If you're interested in inserting fingers into your vagina, wash your hands and use lube for smooth entry.
The G-spot is an area on the front inner wall of the vagina. You won't find it in anatomy books, as it's not officially recognised as part of the vagina, but many people believe it's where the different parts of the internal clitoral structure meet. You might be able to find the G-spot by inserting two clean fingers into the vagina and stroking in a “come here” motion towards the belly. If that feels awkward, grab a G-spot vibrator that’s designed to target the area with delicious rumbling sensations. Just be sure to use lube for silky smooth, sensual penetration.