Masturbation
Masturbation is normal and healthy.
It is a great way for you to learn about your body.
Masturbation is all about SOLO sex— which involves YOU and YOU alone! Although it is not talked about often, most of us do it.
There is no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed.
(4,13)
What is masturbation:
Masturbation is when you touch your body because it feels good
You might touch private parts like your penis or vulva
Masturbation is a PRIVATE act with yourself or consenting partner
Masturbation is done in a PRIVATE space
Masturbating in a public space is ILLEGAL
(2,10)
Masturbation is the safest sex there is.
One of the biggest benefits of masturbation is that you can experience sexual pleasure and have orgasms — without worrying about spreading STIs or getting pregnant.
Masturbation doesn’t have to be boring or a less-fun substitute for sex with someone else. You can try some of the following:
Try sex toys
Read, watch, or listen to erotica
Watch yourself in the mirror
Explore different fantasies
Plan a “masturbation date” with yourself and make a night of it
Masturbate with a partner
(11)
Benefits of masturbation include:
The benefits of masturbation include:
It can help you get to know your body better
It can enhance your sex life
Stress reduction
Improved sleep
Feeling more relaxed
Boosted mood
It can reduce pain (such as period cramps)
(2,10)
Side effects of masturbation include:
Chafing and discomfort: if you masturbate a lot your genitals might get chafed and sore. Try using lube or consider taking a short break from masturbating
Decreased sexual sensitivity: you may experience a reduction in pleasure due to the friction of touching sensitive areas for a long time. Try taking a break or trying something new.
(13)
Can you masturbate too much??
The short answer is no, frequent masturbation isn’t bad for your health.
However, if you find your desire to masturbate is starting to interfere with your everyday life or if it gets in the way of your relationship or stops you from seeing friends, then it may be a sign you’re masturbating too much. (10)
What can you do if you think you have a masturbating problem?
You can talk to a sex therapist
You can stop “cold turkey”
You can adopt a “harm reduction” approach and set healthy limits for yourself- for example, only masturbating at night
All About LUBE
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Personal lubricant, or “lube,” is a liquid or gel that’s intended to prevent unwanted friction during sex.
You can use it for many types of sex, including penetrative and anal sex, as well as masturbation. Some types are also safe to use with toys.
(6)
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Here are just a few examples of popular lube brands:
KY Jelly
Astroglide
Trojan
Durex
Replens
You can buy lube at big box stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, specialty stores, and online. text goes here
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Lubes come in a variety of bases:
Water: versatile, won't harm condoms or silicone sex toys
Silicone: good for sensitive skin, won't wash off in water
Oil: stays on a long time but breaks apart latex condoms- don't use them together.
Hybrid (combining a few of the above): easy cleanup of water-based options and silky quality of silicone-based ones
(1)
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Squirt some in your palm and rub it between your hands to warm it up. You can apply it directly to the penis, vulva, anus, or sex toy.
if you are using a condom apply lube before penetration and put a little bit inside the condom to help ease friction.
You can also use it during foreplay and masturbation.
(6)
All About Sex Toys
Sex toys- aka adult toys- are objects people use to have more pleasure during sex or masturbation.
Remember! It it totally normal to use sex toys and it it also totally normal not to!
It is very important that you
Wash – Dry – Clean
your sex toys after every use!
STIs can be transmitted via sex toys when used with a partner and not properly sanitized
(7)
Dildos
A dildo is a sex object made for penetration, although it has many other uses as well. Dildos typically have a pronounced tip in the shape of a human penis and a conical shape. (3)
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Non-flexible materials like glassware, stainless steel, or crystal make hard dildos. These tougher dildos are excellent for stimulating extremely certain regions, such as the A-spot. (3)
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Soft dildos are more stretchy or even mushy and are often constructed from silicone. (3)
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Bullet vibrators are usually found within vibrating dildos, which are often constructed of silicone. (3)
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These objects can be simultaneously used by two lovers or a single person. (3)
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While many dildos can be worn with or without a harness, you should first ensure that the base of your chosen strap-in dildos is suitable with a harness before proceeding. (3)
Vibrators
Vibrators are used by placing the device on sensitive erogenous zones, which are places on your body that increase sexual pleasure. They can be used externally on the penis, vulva, clitoris, and anus, or can be used internally in the anus or vagina. (8)
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Artificial vaginas resemble the female sex organ and feature an inner sleeve with a firm grip that penis owners can use for stroking. These toys are made from soft material and sometimes have heating capabilities.(8)
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Bullet vibrators, wand vibrators, and air-pulse clitoral stimulators are designed for clitoral stimulation. Wand vibrators are typically phallic-shaped with a large motor on one end that emits powerful vibrations that can be intense for beginners. (8)
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Vibrators aren’t just for vulva owners: Cock rings are available in vibrating and non-vibrating options and work by constricting blood flow at the base of the penis during penetrations, with or without other buzzy sensations. Stretchy, silicone-based cock rings are designed for easy removal. (8)
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For those who enjoy simultaneous penetration and external stimulation, the rabbit vibrator is the most versatile of the vibrator offerings. This popular vibrator features a vibrating dildo and a clitoral stimulator for simultaneous internal and external stimulation. (8)
Cock Rings
Cock rings are rings that go around the penis and/or scrotum. They slow blood flow out of an erect penis and can help make erections harder and longer-lasting. Some also have knobs or little vibrators to increase pleasure for you and your partner. (14)
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These use lasso adjusters, Velcro, or other fasteners to allow the wearer to adjust the fit as needed.(14)
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These have a small vibrator attached. The sensation may feel good on your penis, but these are generally designed to stimulate a partner’s clitoris during sex. (14)
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These objects can be simultaneously used by two lovers or a single person. (14)
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These are best left to experienced users. Even then, you may want to avoid one-piece solid rings in favor of those with magnetic closures that make them easy to remove. Hard plastic or metal cock rings that fit poorly, get stuck, or are left on for too long pose a risk of penis strangulation. This is a medical emergency that happens when circulation to your penis is cut off. (14)
Be aware of what you are buying, especially the material!
This is the very first thing you must consider before you buy any sex toy.
Unlike other items that are consumed/used by the body like food, medicine etc., sex toys are not commissioned by any health authorities (for eg. like the FDA does for food brands).
(7)
Don’t Forget!
Masturbation isn’t unhealthy or bad for you at all.
You get to decide if masturbating is right for you!
There is nothing wrong with you if you masturbate infrequently.
There is nothing wrong with you if you don’t like to be touched a certain way
There is nothing wrong if you use masturbation to fall asleep, regulate your emotions, or reach orgasm with your partner.