Knowing how to masturbate is often assumed to be something you naturally know. But the truth is, certain upbringings or beliefs can leave some people less informed. So if you’re one of those peeps curious about how masturbation works and how to explore self‑pleasure, this guide is here to welcome you in.
What You’ll Learn:
- What masturbation is
- Benefits of masturbation
- Religious beliefs and myths that create stigma around masturbation
- Different types of masturbation
- Masturbation techniques
- Masturbation styles
- Helpful tips for masturbation
- Recommended sex toys for solo play, especially for beginners
What is Masturbation?
Masturbation is the act of touching your body for sexual pleasure.
Etymologically, the word was introduced around 1711 (earlier as mastupration in the 1620s), from French masturbation and directly from Modern Latin masturbationem (nominative masturbatio), a noun of action from the past‑participle stem of Latin masturbari, “to masturbate.”
However, the term masturbation is rarely used when discussing this activity, as it is often considered vulgar. So in everyday language, people more commonly refer to it through various slang, such as:
- Jerking Off / Jacking Off
- Wanking
- Touching Myself
- Spanking the Monkey
- Getting Off
- Rubbing One Out
- Self-Pleasure
- Beating the Meat
- Fapping
- Flicking the Bean
- Jakol (Filipino Slang)
- Lulu (Filipino Slang)
- Salsal (Filipino Slang)
People who masturbate may use their hands, sex toys, or even everyday items such as an electric toothbrush, pillow, or detachable showerhead to stimulate their genitals. And though it’s usually done solo, some people masturbate with their partners. In fact, some couples deliberately stimulate themselves together for fun, also known as mutual masturbation.
Benefits of Masturbation
Though the topic can feel taboo, the truth is that most people masturbate, and they do so for good reasons:
1It’s the simplest and safest way to reach orgasm.
Sex is great, but you do need to do a bunch of stuff to reach the big O.
Setting the mood, spending time on foreplay, and exploring other activities can all be fun, but there are days when you want to get off quickly, a fast way to destress before sleeping.
That’s where masturbation shines. It’s fast, effective, and all about you. Not only that, but it’s the safest sex there is. Since you’re not directly engaging with a partner, it eliminates risks of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
2It can help you achieve better sex.
Did you know there’s a significant disparity between male and female pleasure? In many cases, women don’t climax during sex, which is why the term “orgasm gap” was coined.
A 2017 study from the International Academy of Sex Research found that 95% of heterosexual men reported usually or always orgasming during sexual intimacy, compared with 89% of gay men, 88% of bisexual men, 86% of lesbian women, 66% of bisexual women, and 65% of straight women. Fake orgasms are also common among women, often used to appease their partners in the bedroom.
The main reason for this gap is that the clitoris doesn’t get the attention it deserves, even though it’s the real pleasure center of the female body.
The clitoris is known to be a tiny nub of flesh located on the upper part of the vulva, but it also consists of extensive internal parts. Numerous sources have always mentioned that this spot has 8,000 nerve endings, but a recent study debunked the initial claim as the clitoris actually has over 10,000 nerve endings.
But despite the newest discovery, clitoral stimulation is still overlooked, as society and media usually frame penetrative sex as the “main event.” And because of the stigma surrounding masturbation, especially for women, some women don’t even know that clitoral pleasure exists.
This is why masturbation is recommended for everyone. Learning how to masturbate helps you discover these pleasure spots, along with other areas you might enjoy being touched. And once you figure out how you like to be touched, you can communicate these discoveries to your partner, leading to more satisfying sex.
3It can relieve stress.
Stressed out? Some solo action could do the trick.
Several studies and health resources have claimed that masturbation can relieve stress, tension, and even anxiety. This is because once you’ve reached an orgasm, the brain releases a bunch of feel-good chemicals:
- Oxytocin – Often called the “Love Hormone.” It fosters closeness and bonding with a partner, and for people with vaginas, it can also increase uterine motility.
- Endorphins – Released during sex, these natural neurotransmitters reduce stress, fatigue, and negative thoughts, creating feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
- Serotonin – Key in mood regulation, it promotes contentment, optimism, and overall happiness.
- Dopamine – Central to the brain’s reward system, it generates feelings of pleasure and reinforcement.
- Adrenaline – Produced by the adrenal glands, it heightens excitement and typically peaks at climax.
- Prolactin – Contributes to satisfaction and relaxation, helping ease fatigue, stress, and tension after sexual activity.
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4It can promote a positive body image.
Masturbation can’t automatically make you love your body, but it sure can help. Some stories, like an article by Mary Madigan, share that masturbating regularly has helped her celebrate her body and feel sexy in her own skin.
There’s also a 2003 study that found a positive relationship between women’s sexual self-pleasuring and body image. However, the sample size was small, and the positive effects were observed only among European American women. For African American women, body image remained the same regardless of masturbation frequency.
Though masturbation can support feelings of comfort and sexiness, inner work is still needed to fully embrace and love your body as it is.
5It can help relieve menstrual cramps.
For our female readers, menstrual cramps are something you probably deal with from time to time. Some might feel just a little pressure, while others may need to rest in bed to get through the pain.
If you’re in the latter group, you might want to consider masturbating. Those feel-good hormones released after orgasm can sometimes help ease the discomfort and bring a bit of relief.
However, after checking numerous sources, there’s no concrete research yet to fully validate this claim. In some cases, like this post on Reddit, note that orgasm contractions can make cramps more uncomfortable. That’s why we recommend not fully relying on orgasms to reduce menstrual cramps.
There are also plenty of other home remedies to explore, which you can find in these articles:
- How to Relieve Period Cramps: 20 Remedies for Menstrual Pain
- 4 Ideal Exercises For Period Cramps
- 10 Foods That Help with Period Cramps (And Foods To Avoid)
- 10 Helpful Sex Positions For Menstrual Cramps
6It can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Masturbation isn’t often seen by men as something beneficial for health, but it can actually help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
A Harvard study, which began in 1986 and concluded in 2000, followed over 29,000 men who reported their average number of ejaculations per month in young adulthood (ages 20–29), middle age (40–49), and in the most recent year. This included sexual intercourse, nocturnal emissions, and masturbation.
After years of follow-up, researchers found that men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who reported 4–7 times per month.
Religious Views on Masturbation
After talking about the benefits, we also want to keep things real and point out one big reason why masturbation still carries stigma: religion.
- Roman Catholicism – Sex is seen as “the total meaning of mutual self-giving” (CCC, n. 2352). It’s considered a sacred act between a married couple, where the two become one. Because of this, followers are discouraged from touching themselves or having sex before marriage. The Tale of Onan is also brought up as the closest biblical reference to masturbation. In the story, Onan “spilled his seed” rather than fulfilling his duty to have children with his late brother’s wife, and he was condemned for failing to fulfill that responsibility.
- Eastern Orthodox Church – Masturbation is seen as a distortion of sexuality, which they regard as a gift from God. Sexuality is meant to be expressed in ways that honor that gift, so self-pleasure is generally discouraged within this belief system.
- Oriental Orthodoxy – In this tradition, masturbation is discouraged because it’s seen as a “form of sexual pleasure outside of God’s design.”
- Protestantism – Many Protestant teachings emphasize that sexual expression should happen within marriage. Over time, these views have shifted, but the stigma around masturbation still lingers.
- Islam – There’s no direct statement about masturbation in the scriptures, but it’s still considered Haram (Forbidden) by most scholarly opinions.
- Judaism – Traditional rabbinic sources strictly prohibit male masturbation, viewing it as “wasting semen.” Female masturbation is also considered sinful because it involves “impure thoughts” and is believed to create harmful spiritual forces (Kelipos).
- Buddhism – Masturbation is often seen as something that takes people further away from enlightenment, keeping them longer in samsara, which is the ongoing cycle of birth, suffering, death, and rebirth shaped by karma.
- Taoism – In Taoist belief, masturbation is thought to reduce a man’s life force by depleting “origin qi” from the dantian, the energy center in the lower abdomen. Women are also believed to lose some life force through masturbation, though not as much as men.
There’s one general religion that doesn’t condemn masturbation, though, and that is Hinduism. Touching yourself is considered natural, since seeking kama (sexual pleasure) is one of the four permissible goals of Hindu life. Unless you’ve taken a vow of Brahmacharya, which involves practicing sexual chastity, you’re free to express your sexuality.
But note that Hindu teachings emphasize moderation. Balance is central to the religion, and anything done in excess is believed to harm oneself.
What Do These Views Mean for You?
Your beliefs matter, and we respect if you choose to refrain from masturbation because of your religion.
But it’s also worth remembering that choosing to masturbate doesn’t make you a bad person, nor does it bring “bad energy” into your life as some teachings might suggest. In fact, it’s often the opposite: self‑pleasure can offer benefits, including ones that support your overall health.
However, we completely understand if you don’t feel ready to explore self‑pleasure right now. If that’s the case, you can always come back to our “How to Masturbate” guide whenever you feel comfortable and ready to take that step.
Read More: https://www.lauvette.ph/culture/is-masturbation-a-sin/
Common Masturbation Myths
Aside from religion, masturbation is also discouraged because of several myths, such as:
- Masturbation can cause health conditions like vision loss, infertility, memory loss, hormonal imbalance, and erectile dysfunction.
- Your body will physically change from regular masturbation, like getting hairy palms, desensitized genitals, losing semen, penis shrinkage, or excessive acne.
- Masturbation can result in mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
- You’ll lose energy whenever you masturbate.
- Masturbation can drastically change your libido. You might end up with low libido or, on the other hand, a libido so high you become addicted to sex or self-pleasure.
Some of these myths might sound believable, while others are purely questionable. But one thing’s for sure: none of these claims is true. There’s no study or other concrete evidence to support these myths.
Read More: https://www.lauvette.ph/health/masturbation-myths/
Types of Masturbation
As you start exploring self‑pleasure, it helps to know that masturbation can take different forms. You can mix and match these types, either manually or with the help of love toys. The intensity of orgasms can also vary, but it really comes down to the kind of stimulation you prefer.
1Clitoral
This type focuses on stimulating the clitoris, widely recognized as the center of female pleasure. It has both internal and external parts, but when you masturbate, the focus is usually on the external part, which is a tiny, sensitive nub at the top of the vulva. Gentle touch or varied pressure here can feel especially rewarding.
2Vaginal
It involves stimulating the vagina, a muscular tube in the pelvis. The main area of focus here is the G-spot, a small patch on the anterior vaginal wall (if lying down, it’s the upper part of the vaginal wall). It’s not a separate organ, as it’s connected to the internal part of the clitoris.
3Penile
This is the most common type of masturbation for men. It usually involves massaging, stroking, or gently squeezing the penis. They can also use sex toys like masturbators or fleshlights.
4Anal
This type can be enjoyed by both men and women, but the pleasure feels more intense for men because they have a prostate gland. It’s a walnut‑sized gland that produces seminal fluid and helps semen exit the body. The prostate is highly sensitive, which is why it’s often nicknamed the “male G‑spot,” capable of delivering deep, powerful orgasms.
Going solo with anal play can be tricky, especially at the beginning, but with patience and the right sex toys, like anal dildos or butt plugs, it can become a highly pleasurable experience.
5Nipple
As the name implies, the focus is all on the nipples, which are the raised areas at the center of the breasts. They’re sensitive, though not usually as responsive as other pleasure zones. Still, many find nipple stimulation enjoyable, whether through touch, gentle squeezing, or using sex toys, like nipple suckers, mini vibrators, and, for those who are experienced enough, nipple clamps.
How to Masturbate
After learning the basics, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some simple steps to guide you through your first experience with self‑pleasure.
Getting Started
Before getting into self-pleasure mode, here are some things you should do at the start to make your experience safe and seamless.
1Find or create a distraction‑free space.
Your bedroom is the best place for masturbation, aside from the bathroom. Still, bedrooms can sometimes bring distractions, like random clutter, work items like documents or your laptop, pets running around, or even odd smells you can’t quite figure out where they’re coming from.
That’s why setting up your room as a cozy, distraction‑free space is key. Freshen up the sheets, clear away clutter, and consider darker curtains for a more private vibe. A spritz of room spray, a humidifier, or a scent diffuser can also help create a relaxed atmosphere.
Timing matters too. Bedtime or early morning often works best when interruptions are less likely. Of course, you can choose any time that feels right for you, as long as it’s a moment when you won’t be disturbed.
2Prep the essentials.
You don’t need to prepare a lot, especially when you’re just starting out. As long as you’ve cleaned up beforehand and have a private spot to masturbate, you can go for it.
But we do recommend having a water‑based lubricant on hand to make things smoother, whether you’re fingering yourself, stroking your penis, or playing with your nipples. It also helps to keep some wet wipes, tissues, or a clean towel nearby for easy cleanup afterward.
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3Get into the mood.
It can be tempting to jump straight into action, but taking time to get your mind and body ready for pleasure is often a better approach, especially for women.
Unlike the penis or anus, the vagina produces its own moisture when fully aroused, thanks to the Bartholin’s glands and the cervix, which secrete fluid to keep the area smooth and ready for stimulation. This makes it easier for women to insert their fingers or sex toys inside the vagina, and they can also use their natural lubrication to reduce friction when rubbing their clitoris.
Aside from natural lubrication, taking time to get fully aroused before you masturbate allows your clitoris to swell, making it even more pleasurable to touch. It also helps the G‑spot become easier to find if you prefer vaginal stimulation.
For guys, warming up first can also be beneficial. Orgasms tend to hit harder when there’s a little anticipation.
So how do you get in the mood? You can…
- Read some erotica
- Watch erotic videos, preferably ethical porn
- Imagine sensual scenarios. It could be a past experience or a fantasy that gets you heated up
- Sext with your partner
- Touch yourself everywhere except the genitals
- Use a guided masturbation app and choose audio with longer foreplay
Masturbation Techniques
After building that much-needed anticipation, it’s time for the fun part: touching yourself. Here are some of the basic techniques that you can try when masturbating, depending on your preferred masturbation type.
Clitoral: Fingering Techniques
When you masturbate through fingering, one or more of your fingers rub or tap your vulva, specifically the clitoral hood, which is the flesh of skin that covers the clitoris.
Start by lightly grazing your fingers around the clitoris, especially along the labia minora. Once you’re naturally lubricated, dip your finger(s) into your vaginal opening, making sure your middle or index finger is coated with wetness. From there, you can return to rubbing the clitoris for added pleasure.
1Up and Down / Side to Side
Use your middle or index finger to rub your clitoral hood in a straight motion, either up‑and‑down or side‑to‑side.
2Circular
Use your middle or index finger to rub the clitoral hood in a circular motion.
3Swirling
Start by placing your finger outside the clitoris, then glide it over the hood and back out again in a circular, flowing motion.
4Vaginal Dip
You’ll need to dip your finger first in your vagina that’s fully lubricated, glide it upwards till it reaches the clitoris, rub it a bit, then glide back down to your vagina.
5Clit Tap
Instead of rubbing the clitoral hood, try tapping it in a rhythmic pattern. You can decide how light or firm the pressure feels best, and adjust the speed of your tapping to match your arousal.
6Clit Squeeze
Using your index finger and thumb, gently squeeze the clitoris to add a different kind of stimulation.
Clitoral: Non-Fingering Techniques
If you’re looking to switch things up, or if fingering techniques aren’t giving you the oomph you want, you might want to explore these techniques instead:
1Pillow Humping
Start by grabbing your preferred pillow and laying it on its side. Get on top of the pillow, with the tip or corner of the pillow just pressed onto the clitoris. You will then gently start grinding so that the plump corner of the pillow hits and rubs your clitoris.
2Corner Rubbing
The approach is similar to pillow humping, but for this one, you will be standing and rubbing your clitoris on the corner of a table or counter. Make sure that the counter has a soft edge to avoid injuries.
3Water Masturbation
If you have a detachable showerhead or a bathtub at home, this can be a fun way to masturbate.
Find a comfortable position where your vulva is fully exposed, get the showerhead, and turn the opening right in front of your clitoris. Turn on the faucet, and let the water pressure stimulate your clitoris. If you’re using a bathtub with a fixed faucet, lie back and position yourself so your clitoris is directly under the stream. Turn on the faucet and make any necessary adjustments.
4Syntribation
One of the most niche masturbation techniques, syntribation stands out because it doesn’t involve directly touching the clitoris. Instead, it creates indirect pressure through thigh‑squeezing.
To try this technique, lie down on your side, cross your thighs, and squeeze them together firmly until you feel the clitoris being gently compressed. You can intensify the sensation by slipping your hand between your thighs or placing it over your crotch area for added pressure and pleasure.
Read more: https://www.lauvette.ph/self-love/syntribation
Vaginal: Fingering & Dildo Play Techniques
If you want to masturbate vaginally, here are some of the techniques that you can try with your fingers or with a sex toy like dildos and g-spot vibrators:
1In and Out
Gently push your finger or sex toy into your vagina and move it back and forth. Adjust the depth and rhythm until you find what feels most pleasurable.
2Come Hither
Insert your middle finger and try to locate the G‑spot, which is on the anterior vaginal wall about 2–3 inches deep. When you’re fully aroused, it often feels spongy and distinct from the rest of the vaginal wall.
Once you’ve found it, curl your finger in a “come hither” motion while applying gentle pressure. If you’re using a toy, angle the tip toward the anterior wall. G‑spot vibrators are already curved upward, so you can move them back and forth without changing the angle.
31-2-3
This one is for fingering only. Start by inserting one finger only in the vagina and move it back and forth. After a few minutes, use two fingers, then after a few minutes, use three fingers. You can even add one more if you’re comfortable with it.
4Spot the A-Spot
Besides the G‑spot, there’s another pleasure zone inside the vagina that sits deeper along the anterior wall. Known as the A‑spot, it’s located about 4-6 inches in, closer to the cervix.
When you masturbate and want to explore this pleasure zone, try a sex toy with a longer shaft to help you reach comfortably. Once inserted, angle the toy so the tip presses against the upper part of the vaginal wall. As you move closer to the cervix, be gentle and notice if you feel a slight pleasurable pressure. If you do, stimulate the area using a “come hither” motion, or switch on the vibrations if you’re using a dildo, G‑spot vibrator, or A‑spot vibrator.
Read more: https://www.lauvette.ph/sex/a-spot/
Penile: Stroking Techniques
Most media tend to depict male masturbation as just one move: stroking the penis quickly back and forth. But that’s far from the whole picture. In reality, there are plenty of fun ways to masturbate with a penis.
Just make sure you have a water-based or silicone-based lubricant ready, since stroking or massaging your penis without one can be uncomfortable.
1The OG
If you’re new to masturbating, this move is the perfect one to begin with. Hold your erect penis, then slide it back and forth until you orgasm.
2Hand Tunnel
You’ll need both hands for this technique. Use your main hand to hold the shaft, and your other hand to loosely cup the head (glans). Once both hands are in place, move your shaft in and out through the “tunnel” you’ve made.
3Balling The Jack
If you enjoy massaging your balls, this technique is a perfect fit. Use both hands: one hand gently cups and massages your balls, while the other holds the head (glans) of your penis. You can then stroke or massage both areas simultaneously for a fuller sensation.
4The Pincher
This technique focuses on the head of the penis. Place your thumb, index, and middle finger around the spot where the head meets the shaft. The frenulum is located here, and it’s one of the most sensitive areas. Gently pinch or squeeze the head with your fingers, then massage it back and forth to build pleasure.
5Pillow Pump
If you want a completely different approach, try this hands‑free technique. Wear a condom for lubrication and to keep your pillows clean.
Kneel on the bed and stack pillows until the pile is level with your crotch. Gently slide your penis between the top pillow and the one beneath it, pressing down a little so it feels snug. Then start moving back and forth through the pillow stack for stimulation.
6Polishing Head
Here’s another male masturbation technique that focuses on the head. Hold the base with one hand, and use the other to “polish” the head; move your palm in a circular motion with light pressure at the top of the penis head. You can also combine this with stroking the shaft for added pleasure.
7Rolling Clay
This is another unconventional technique you can try if you’re curious. Use both hands to hold your penis and gently roll it back and forth, almost like you’re shaping clay. The motion is simple, steady, and can create a unique sensation compared to regular stroking.
Anal: Fingering Techniques
When you masturbate anally, be extra careful. Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t self‑lubricate, and the anal sphincter naturally makes it tighter. That means you’ll need patience, plenty of lube, and a gentle approach.
1In and Out
As the name suggests, insert your finger and move it back and forth in a steady rhythm.
2Come Hither
Similar to the vaginal “come hither” technique, you’ll insert your index or middle finger and focus on finding a sensitive spot. For men, this is the prostate gland; for women, it’s any area inside the anus that feels especially good to touch. Once you locate it, use a gentle “come hither” motion while applying light pressure.
3P-Spot Massage
This technique works best for men and is fairly simple. Insert your middle finger with your palm facing slightly upward, then try to feel for the prostate gland (often called the P‑spot). Once you locate it, you can gently tap or rub the area to build pleasure. Continue until you reach orgasm or until you’re ready to move on to other activities.
Read More: https://www.lauvette.ph/sex/how-to-finger-anal/
Nipple: Fingering Techniques
The nipples may not be as sensitive as the other genitals we’ve shared here, but with the right techniques, nipple play can be a real game-changer.
1Circling
For this technique, you’ll need to move your index or middle finger in a circular motion. Start outside the nipples, then gradually get closer and closer until you’re massaging the sides of your erect nipples.
2Nip Rub
This one’s simple: rub your nipples in an up‑and‑down or side‑to‑side motion for instant tease.
3Pinch the Nip
Gently hold your erect nipples between your thumb and finger, give a light squeeze, then play with pressure.
Masturbation Styles
Now that we’ve talked about masturbation techniques, let’s move on to masturbation styles. Techniques are the physical actions you do when you masturbate, while styles are the patterns or rhythms you follow.
1Rhythmic
It’s basically about repeating the same pattern until you reach orgasm. The rhythm can be steady or have pauses, but one thing’s for sure: the pattern you choose stays consistent to be considered rhythmic.
For example, you might rub your clitoris for about 10 seconds, pause to glide your fingers along the labia, then return to rubbing your clitoris for another 10 seconds. That’s rhythmic because it follows a set pattern.
Most people, especially women, tend to masturbate this way because steady stimulation builds up gradually into a more satisfying orgasm.
2Freestyle
Also known as “surprise” in some sexual wellness resources, this masturbation style is all about spontaneity. There’s no set pattern to follow. You go with whatever feels good in the moment.
For example, you might rub your clitoris for a minute, switch to humping a pillow, then return to rubbing your clitoris for a few seconds before bringing in a toy for the grand finale. Many people enjoy this style because the unpredictability keeps things exciting.
3Layering
Layering is when you masturbate with your underwear on. Some people enjoy the soft fabric against their skin, while others like the slightly “restrictive” feeling it gives.
To try this style, keep your undies or shorts on while you touch yourself. Just avoid fabrics that are harsh or rough on the skin.
4Edging
This is probably the most popular masturbation style, often referenced online as a joke. But when done right, edging is actually an incredibly satisfying way to masturbate.
So how does edging work? You masturbate until you’re right on the edge of orgasm. Instead of pushing through, you stop, remove your hands or toy, and pause the session. Once you’ve calmed down, you start again, stopping each time you’re about to climax. How many rounds you do before finally letting yourself orgasm is totally up to you.
Masturbation Tips
As we’ve reached the end of this guide, here are some of the things to take note of as you move along and start your self-pleasure sessions.
1Take your time.
We cannot emphasize this enough: take your time when masturbating, especially for women or those exploring anal masturbation.
Teasing your body and warming it up helps you relax, increases natural lubrication if you have a vagina, and ensures you’re fully comfortable and connected with your sensual self. The more you rush, the greater the chance it will feel uncomfortable or less satisfying.
You don’t need hours to warm up. Just a few minutes of caressing your body, reading erotica, or imagining sensual scenarios can be enough to get you ready for the main action.
2Try guided masturbation apps.
If you want more guidance on how long to spend on pre-masturbation tease or what moves to try, you might explore guided masturbation apps or videos from erotic platforms.
These videos or recordings feature a character who leads you from start to finish, teasing you along the way and helping you avoid climaxing too quickly so the final release feels more satisfying. There are countless options to choose from; some characters lean dominant with a darker aura, while others are sweet and reassuring. It all depends on the audio you pick.
Our guided masturbation article has plenty of suggestions, but here’s a quick look at some popular ones:
3There’s no wrong way to masturbate.
You know what’s great about masturbation? The only person you need to please is yourself.
Whether it’s a detachable showerhead, clit sucker, fleshlight, or just your good ol’ hands, you can go for it. As long as what you’re doing isn’t harming anyone, you can focus more on enjoying and less on worrying.
4Keep your solo plays in moderation.
Like with any pleasure-filled activity, you should masturbate in moderation.
The DSM-5, which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States, does not list masturbation addiction as an official disorder. Still, it can be linked to behavioral addictions or impulse control challenges. When masturbation becomes compulsive, it can spill over into daily life, affecting your work, relationships, and even your health.
That’s why balance is important. According to the ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision), masturbation may be considered an addictive or compulsive behavior if:
- It continues excessively for at least six months
- It starts to affect the person’s quality of life
- It goes on despite problems or consequences
- Attempts to cut back or stop are unsuccessful
It’s normal to go through a phase, especially at the beginning, where you seem to love masturbating. That’s usually because of the novelty it brings. Over time, those intense urges often settle down. But if you find yourself masturbating multiple times a day to the point that it’s interfering with other important parts of your life, it may help to reach out to a professional, such as a sex therapist.
Recommended Sex Toys for Solo Play
The hands can do such wonders, but toys take it to the next level. Here are some beginner-friendly toys that you could use while you masturbate.
Watch & Read
Still yearning for more information? Here are some recommended books, websites, and articles that explore not only masturbation, but sex and pleasure in general:
- Unpacking Masturbation – Watch Here
- OMGYes – Sign Up Here
- The Orgasmic Quest – Download the FREE Ebook Here
- “Sex for One” by Betty Dodson – Check it Here
- “Come As You Are” by Emily Nagoski – Check it Here
Summary
- Masturbation involves touching yourself for sexual gratification. While it’s deemed sinful in most religions and surrounded by plenty of myths, it actually offers many health benefits, including reduced stress, better sex, improved body image, relief from menstrual cramps, and more.
- There are five main types of masturbation: clitoral, vaginal, penile, anal, and nipple. Techniques for each type involve stimulating the area with hands, sex toys, or even household items.
- Masturbation also comes in different styles, which are the patterns or rhythms people follow when they touch themselves. These include rhythmic (repeated movements), freestyle (unpredictable), layering (masturbating with underwear or clothes on), and edging (stopping right before climax, then starting again for a stronger orgasm).
- When you masturbate, it’s important to take time to relax. This helps the vagina lubricate more easily, or the anus feel more comfortable, rather than jumping straight into stimulation.
- Masturbation can be highly beneficial, but overdoing it may cause problems. That’s why moderation is key.
References
- ‘Origin and History of Masturbation’ Available at: https://www.etymonline.com/word/masturbation (Accessed 26 November 2025)
- ‘The Orgasm Gap and Why Women Climax Less than Men’ Available at: https://theconversation.com/the-orgasm-gap-and-why-women-climax-less-than-men-208614 (Accessed 26 November 2025)
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