February 10, 2023

Reviewing Masturbation Types

While masturbation is as natural and normal an activity as breathing air, there are as many masturbation types as there are flavors of ice cream available at your local store. In this article, we would like to discuss some of the various types of masturbation, some you may have considered, some you may not have even thought about, just in case you are thinking about expanding your repertoire of self pleasure.

Sex Toys for Partnered and Self Pleasure

Of course, the most basic method of masturbation is manual stimulation, which involves using one's hand to stimulate the genitalia. Manual stimulation is a great way to start exploring your body and discovering what feels good, but it can also become repetitive after a while. That's why many people choose to incorporate sex toys into their sex life. For example, TENGA and iroha have a large variety of toys available, for the first timer to the experienced user, that can add a new and pleasurable experience. Sex toys have become increasingly popular for both men and women, and offer a variety of stimulating options to enhance your solo or partnered play. iroha products, for example, have been designed by women for women, and address the sensitive details that older generation sex toys that were designed only by men had difficulties realizing.

Sex toys for couples are also available, and can reignite sexual activity with a partner if the routine has become a bit stale. Mutual masturbation can be a great way to experience sexual pleasure without penetration, and can also be a fun way to explore each other's bodies. It can also be a great way to teach each other what feels good and what doesn't. These toys can be a great way to experiment and rekindle a relationship, even for a sexless marriage, or help alleviate symptoms of a partner suffering from menopause.

Virtual or Fantasy Stimulation

Another type of masturbation is fantasy-based stimulation, which involves visualizing sexual scenarios and experiences in a virtual situation. This can be a great way to explore your sexual desires and fetishes, and can be a fun and safe way to experience sexual pleasure. Some people find that incorporating visual aids, such as porn or erotica, or even recently virtual reality (VR) porn, can enhance the sexual experience, but it's important to be mindful of the content you choose and the impact it might have on your well-being. An overuse of such media can create unrealistic expectations in real life and potentially make sex a bit difficult to achieve satisfaction outside of virtual reality. However, having said that, technology and artificial intelligence are improving in seemingly exponential leaps and someday we may soon see experiences that seem and feel far more realistic than we know today.

Proceed with Caution with These Masturbation Types

However, it is important to know and tread with caution on some riskier methods of masturbation. Floor humping, which is generations old, involves rubbing against a hard surface, such as the floor or a pillow. This may eventually cause serious injury or a lack of sensitivity to the genitals, and may even cause difficulty having sex with your partner, as you get used to needing unnaturally strong pressure to achieve orgasm.

Erotic asphyxiation (or breath control play) is the restriction of oxygen to the brain for the purpose of sexual arousal. Restricting oxygen from reaching the brain induces a hypoxic state (too little oxygen) to create a sense of euphoria that is said to intensify orgasm. There have been cases of people practicing this dangerous method of pleasure who are often found comatose or even dead. And if asphyxiophilia (erotic asphyxiation) is incorporated into solo masturbation, the chances of it becoming more dangerous increases if there is no one nearby to help. In any form of risky masturbation play, be careful to ensure that there is a way to stop immediately or help is always nearby. There are, of course, always other ways of achieving pleasure if you want new experiences.

Summary

photo courtesy of Dainis Graveris

In conclusion, masturbation is a normal and healthy form of sexual expression, and there are many different ways to enjoy it. Whether it's manual stimulation, sex toys, fantasy-based stimulation, or mutual masturbation, there's a form of masturbation that's right for everyone. However, it's important to reduce the risk of hazardous methods and to prioritize health and safety. If you're experiencing difficulty ejaculating or have other sexual health concerns, you may consider speaking with a healthcare professional before engaging in anything new.