A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MASTURBATION
It's National Masturbation Month (don't feel bad, we had no idea this existed either) and what an awesome time it is to talk about self-pleasure and sharing that experience with someone—if you so choose. If you've been feeling like you need a release during this time in isolation and nothing seems to hit the spot, maybe hitting your own spot is just what you need?
Sex doesn't always have to be about giving and receiving, you can do it yourself and that's STILL sex. Masturbation is not only a prime way to understand what you like and how to communicate that to a partner, but it's also beneficial to your health. When you masturbate, the body releases endorphins which causes a temporary boost in mood. Dopamine and oxytocin help create those feelings of satisfaction and positivity.
Take some of your alone time to find your stride and work out the likes and dislikes of your own pleasure. And when penetrative sex isn’t on the table at the moment, mutual masturbation is a great way to be intimate. Masturbation can actually be a great tool to strengthen the bond between you and a partner, and also a great way to improve your skills in bed because it will help you define what you like and what gets you off.
We're here to help debunk a few masturbation myths, tell you more about the benefits and how to make it more pleasurable for you and a partner.
GENERAL BENEFITS OF MASTURBATION
According to research, masturbation has some great health benefits both mentally and physically.
Relieve stress.
Releases mental and bodily tension.
Promotes a good night's sleep.
Relieves menstrual cramps.
Helps you define what you like sexually.
Can improve body confidence
It's safe
MASTURBATION MYTHS & THEIR TRUTHS
MYTH: It should always lead to an orgasm.
TRUTH: Sometimes masturbation is more about exploring yourself, getting in tune with your body, figuring out what you like and fantasizing about what turns you on. Don't feel defeated if you don’t orgasm at the end, it's not a game to be won. Grant yourself the time and energy to learn about your body and what it needs to feel good.
MYTH: It only has to do with your genitals.
TRUTH: You've been there before, you begin daydreaming about a certain someone in a particular scenario and then boom, you're hard as rock or wetter than a rainy day. When physical masturbation isn't an option, mental masturbation can sure help. Playing out certain scenarios in your head and fantasizing about the details of how you'd pleasure someone and how they would pleasure you is a great way to get those stress-relieving chemicals in your body going. If you're looking for inspiration, we recommend reading erotica novels or looking at erotic art or films that can help create sexy visuals in your head. Check out Minx's erotic book suggestions for some steaming hot reading material that will get you in a fantasizing mindset.
MYTH: If you masturbate, that means you aren't sexually satisfied in your relationship
TRUTH: Loving someone else should not end self-love. You shouldn't depend on your partner for 100% of your sexual satisfaction. They have wants and needs as well, and sometimes, they aren't going to be able to give you what you need when you need it—and that's ok! No one can tap into your fantasies the way you do, because no one can see the visualizations in your mind but you. No one can connect with your body image the way you do and that shouldn't be put on your partner to make you feel good about your body. When you can balance masturbation and partner sex, you'll find that masturbating can actually help you communicate your desires better and thus improving your sexual experiences in partner sex.
MYTH: If you do it too much, you'll prefer it to partner sex.
TRUTH: Masturbation does not replace sex with your partner. While it's a great way to tap into your fantasies and get in touch with your body, but can't substitute the deep sense of personal connection you'll gain by enjoying sex with your partner. Plus, you can't have a good post-sex cuddle session alone. And there's always mutual masturbation which you can enjoy with your partner. This is the perfect opportunity to explore each other in a new way, introduce sex toys to the bedroom and acts as great foreplay. Not to mention, this is probably your safest bet during a pandemic.
WAYS TO MAKE MASTURBATION MORE PLEASURABLE
Watch or read erotic videos or novels
Masturbation is a very mental exercise. Stimulate your mind and ignite you fantasies with erotic films, art or novels. Check out our blog for Minx's favorite erotic novel (you'll be surprised who the author is).
Add some lube
Wetter is better. Adding a little lube to your masturbation practice helps you get a more in-depth feel of yourself, thus enhancing the experience.
Focus on erogenous zones
The erogenous zones are hot spots on the body that when stimulated, can help lead to sexual arousal. Some research suggests that stimulating different spots can lead to different reactions in the body. For females some of these zones include: the clitoris, mouth and nipples. For males: the penis shaft, scrotum or ears.
Switch positions
Do you like masturbating while laying on your back? Or maybe you prefer standing in the shower? Whatever your preference, try switching it up and seeing what that does. You might be surprised to find a new position or way of going out self-pleasuring.
Experiment with toys
If you've always depended on your trusty hands to get the job done, try seeing what it would be like to experiment with a new vibrator, dildo or massager. Some of these toys deliver a type of vibration or texture that differs from your hands which can provide a brand new type of stimulation.
Share the experience
Watching someone masturbate, having someone watch you masturbate or watching each other masturbate is a type of sex that doesn't get the credit it deserves. You can build up so much anticipation and hunger for each other through doing this. Tell your partner what you imagine them doing to you and what you'd be doing to them, while pleasing yourself and giving them a front row seat to the show. Our Naughty Video Chat is the perfect place to do this without getting kicked off or suspended from your online account. Meet someone you know or introduce yourself to a new friend in our chatrooms, head into your own private chat where you can engage in pleasure through watching the one another get off. More about Naughty Video Chat here.
