Masturbation

Masturbation is the manual excitation of the sexual organs, most often to the point of orgasm. It can refer to excitation either by oneself or by another (see mutual masturbation), but commonly refers to such activities performed alone. It is part of a larger set of activities known as autoeroticism, which also includes the use of sex toys and non-genital stimulation. There are also masturbation machines used to simulate intercourse. Masturbation and sexual intercourse are the two most common sexual practices, but they are not mutually-exclusive (for example many people find the sight of their partner masturbating highly erotic). Some people are able to achieve orgasm only by masturbation and not by sexual intercourse. In the animal kingdom, masturbation has been observed in many mammalian species, both in the wild and in captivity.

Masturbation techniques

Ways of masturbating common to members of both sexes include pressing or rubbing the genital area against an object, such as a pillow, inserting fingers or an object into the anus (see anal masturbation), and stimulating the penis or vulva/clitoris with electric vibrators, which may also be inserted into the vagina or anus. Members of both sexes may also enjoy touching, rubbing, or pinching the nipples while masturbating. Both sexes sometimes use lubricating substances to improve the sensation available.

Related Topics:
Genital - Pillow - Anus - Anal masturbation - Vibrators - Nipple - Lubricating

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Reading or viewing pornography, or sexual fantasy, are common adjuncts to masturbation in adolescence and adulthood. Masturbation activities are often ritualised. Various fetishes and paraphilias can also play a part in the masturbation ritual; potentially harmful or fatal activities include autoerotic asphyxiation and self-bondage.

Related Topics:
Pornography - Sexual fantasy - Ritualised - Fetish - Paraphilia - Autoerotic asphyxiation - Self-bondage

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Female

Female masturbation techniques are numerous and perhaps more varied than those of males. They are influenced by a number of factors and personal preferences.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Techniques include stroking or rubbing of the vulva, especially the clitoris with her middle or index fingers, or even index and second fingers. This is pleasurable for most, especially when rubbing the breast and nipples concurrently. Sometimes one or more fingers may be inserted into the vagina to repeatedly stroke the frontal wall of the vagina where the g-spot is located. Masturbation aids such as a vibrator, dildo or Ben Wa balls can also be used to stimulate the vagina and clitoris. Anal stimulation is also preferred by some because of the thousands of sensitive nerves located in the anus. Lubrication is sometimes used to facilitate masturbation, especially when penetration is involved.

Related Topics:
Vulva - Clitoris - G-spot - Vibrator - Dildo - Ben Wa balls - Nerve - Lubrication - Penetration

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some prefer to masturbate in a bathtub, shower, or even hot tub by using warm running water to stimulate the clitoris; or others may straddle a pillow, stimulating the clitoris through the labia and clothing in a manner similar to frottage. Some reach orgasm by crossing their legs tightly and clenching the muscles in their legs, which creates friction. It could potentially be done in public without observers noticing. Still others use only pressure applied to the clitoris, though not with direct contact. This can be done by pressing the palms against underwear or other clothing.

Related Topics:
Bathtub - Clitoris - Frottage

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Those who have difficulty reaching orgasm through sexual intercourse may find it easier to achieve an orgasm through masturbation.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Male

Males tend to use fewer masturbation techniques. These too are influenced by a number of factors and personal preferences. Techniques may also differ between circumcised and uncircumcised males, as some techniques which may work for one can often be quite painful for the other.

Related Topics:
Circumcised - Uncircumcised

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The most common technique is to simply hold the penis with a loose fist and then to move the hand up and down the shaft until orgasm is achieved. When uncircumcised, stimulation to the penis comes from the pumping of the foreskin up and down the length of the shaft, which usually uncovers and covers the head in the process. This gliding motion of the foreskin reduces friction. When circumcised, on the other hand, the stimulation is from direct contact with the hand; many massage (with some using a personal lubricant to reduce friction) the glans, the rim thereof and the notched indent left over from the removal of the frenulum.

Related Topics:
Foreskin - Gliding motion - Personal lubricant - Frenulum

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Another technique is to place the index finger and thumb around the penis about halfway along the shaft and move the skin up and down to produce a pleasureable sensation leading ultimately to orgasm and ejaculation. A variation of this technnique is to place both index fingers and thumbs on the penis in a position similar to playing a flute. The person then shuttles the penis back and forth. This technique is known as the "shuttle cock" and can produce very powerful orgasms.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A less common technique is to lie face down on a comfortable surface such as a mattress and rub the penis against it until orgasm is achieved. However, some clinicians have claimed that this is potentially harmful. Some people claim such masturbation may result in pain, irritation, or abrasion if performed too roughly. (See Traumatic masturbatory syndrome for more details) Other techniques include the use of an artificial vagina or simulacrum for masturbation. Many fondle their testicles or other parts of their body while masturbating.

Related Topics:
Traumatic masturbatory syndrome - Artificial vagina

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The prostate gland is one of the organs that contributes fluid to semen. As the prostate is touch-sensitive, some directly stimulate it using a well-lubricated dildo inserted through the anus into the rectum. Pressure applied to the prostate from the outside can be pleasurable as well. Similarly, a partner may provide the masturbation by hand and/or mouth and tongue, or by inserting a well lubricated finger into the anus for direct stimulation of the prostate.

Related Topics:
Prostate - Semen - Dildo - Anus

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ejaculation of semen is sometimes controlled by wearing a condom or by ejaculating into an artificial vagina, a sock, a tissue, regular underpants, male guard, a folded tee shirt, disposable diaper, or the toilet. A controversial ejaculation control technique is to put pressure on the perineum, a spot about half way between the scrotum and the anus, just before ejaculating. This can redirect semen into the bladder. However, the technique may cause long term damage due to the pressure put on the nerves and blood vessels in the perineum. A dry orgasm is one that is reached by withholding ejaculation (or by those too young to ejaculate). Proponents of tantric sex say that this is a learnable skill that can shorten the refractory period.

Related Topics:
Ejaculation - Semen - Condom - Artificial vagina - Sock - Tissue - Underpants - Toilet - Perineum - Scrotum - Anus - Dry orgasm - Tantric sex - Refractory period

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Males who can reach and stimulate their penis with their tongue or lips are said to be capable of

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

autofellatio.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Historically, some have seen a connection between circumcision and masturbation frequency, which remains a debated topic. In a 1410-man survey in the United States in 1992, Laumann found that: "A total of 47% of circumcised men reported masturbating at least once a month vs 34% for their uncircumcised peers."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~