15 Next-Level Masturbation Techniques That’ll Leave You Breathless
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You handle carpool, client calls, dinner plans, and that endless pile of laundry every.single.day. Add spending weekends at the in-laws and making sure your partner gets enough love and attention…
No wonder it’s hard to find some quality self-love time.
It’s common to think masturbation is only for the horny singles, because why would you engage in self-pleasure when you can simply have sex with your partner?!
Masturbation can be a great way to relieve stress, giving you a chance to reconnect with your body and pleasure on your own terms.
It’s your chance to explore pure, unapologetic pleasure (and it can make partnered sex better, duh!).
But we’re not talking about a rushed shower rub before someone yells “Mom!”
We’re talking about mindblowing solo play that makes your toes curl, your fantasies run wild, and your favorite sex toy beg for mercy.
Curious how?
Whether you’ve got five minutes or a whole evening for yourself, we have 15 masturbation techniques you’ll want to try that will reignite your passion for self-pleasure.
Your body loves to be touched, especially by you.
Benefits of Masturbation
Before we jump into the how, let’s quickly go over the why.
You don’t need a permission slip to touch yourself. But if you’re looking for an excuse to prioritize self-pleasure, the benefits of masturbation speak for themselves:
Reduces Stress (No Better Way to Relax)
Masturbation (and orgasms) is one of the best ways to slap the stress in the face and let your body relax. Fully.
The pleasure that you experience during a self-pleasure session and an orgasm floods your system with feel-good hormones.
Reduced stress has a domino effect, too—when you’re relaxed, you’ll have an easier time falling asleep, enjoy better quality sleep, and overall be in a better mood every day.
Helps You Learn Your Body
The more solo exploration you do, the more you understand what turns you on and what brings you the most pleasure.
Why does it matter?
Well, the better you know your body and sexuality, the hotter partnered sex is. Plus, you will become a better communicator and won’t have to fake orgasms ever again.
It Gets You Out of Your Head
Are you a yoga and journaling fiend? Well, then you’ll absolutely love adding mindful masturbation to your wellness routine.
Touch with intention. Breathe deeply. Edge. Slow it down and get lost in all the sensations your body experiences.
Mindfulness practices like mindful masturbation, meditation, journaling, and yoga (to name a few) can improve sexual satisfaction and reduce fear related to sexual activity.
How to Masturbate: 15 Masturbation Techniques for Vulva & Penis Holders
Ready to take your masturbation routine to the next level?
Pick one (or five) to try tonight.
Masturbation Tips for Vulvas
These seven masturbation techniques are designed to enhance vulva pleasure:
1. Clit Spirals
Apply a dab of lube on the clitoris and your fingers (or a vibe). Place two fingers or a small clitoral vibrator just above the clitoris.
Slowly, start making deliberate circles around that area.
Start wide, teasing the outer labia. Then gradually spiral inward towards the clit itself.
Alternate directions and play with different pressures as you go.
Don’t rush here–let the build-up do the heavy lifting.
2. Vulva Mapping
This masturbation technique is all about the exploration, not the orgasm.
Set the mood with soft lighting. Make sure your hands are warm.
Apply vulva-safe body oil or your favorite lube.
Use your fingertips to slowly explore every inch of your vulva–the outer lips, inner lips, clitoral hood, perineum, even the crease where your thigh meets your pelvis.
What feels electric? What feels soothing?
No goals. No rushing. Just deep breathing and discovery.
3. Temperature Play Solo
Temperature play can make familiar sensations feel brand new–and it’s not reserved for partnered exploration solely!
Run your glass or stainless steel dildo under hot (or cold water), or put it in the fridge for a few minutes.
Test the sensation on your inner wrist first.
If the temperature is just right, slowly trail it over your vulva and the clit before diving in to explore internal sensations.
That contrast of hot and cold? Delicious.
4. Edging During Masturbation
Edging is sexy for partnered play and solo play!
Bring yourself right to the edge, and then stop.
Breathe through the craving. Let your arousal simmer until you’re calm before you continue stimulation.
Repeat two or three times before allowing yourself to orgasm.
Edging heightens sensitivity, draws out your orgasm, and can even lead to a stronger, full-body release.
5. Mirror Masturbation
Bring a mirror next to your bed, or sit in front of one.
Watch yourself as you touch. See your arousal build.
Make no mistake—this is not vanity. It’s a visual stimulation and a massive confidence boost.
You may discover spots, sounds, and visuals you didn’t realize turned you on.
6. Pillow Grind
Who doesn’t love a good old pillow riding?
Straddle a firm pillow or a folded blanket.
Optional: add a bullet vibe underneath if you want extra stimulation.
Rock your hips forward and back, pressing your clit against the surface.
Don’t shy away from using your whole body here—legs, hips, core. It’ll elevate the sensations.
7. Vibe Tease
Instead of going straight for the clit with your vibe, hover the vibrator over your thighs, lower belly, or just along the edges of your labia.
Hold it against your breasts and nipples.
Let the anticipation build.
Move towards the most sensitive spot slowly, teasing the clit without direct contact.
When you finally touch down? Fireworks!
Masturbation Tips for Penises
We’re not done yet!
We’ve got plenty of good stuff for the penises, too. Here are eight masturbation techniques for penises you want to try:
1. Tip Worship
Lube up generously and focus on the head of the penis—one of the most sensitive areas.
Use small circular strokes, tap lightly with your fingertips, and squeeze just below the ridge.
Stop now and then to build up that delicious pressure before you resume stimulation.
2. Grip Switch
Change the strength of your grip to refresh the sensations.
Alternate between a loose grip and a tighter one. Switch hands. Add a twist on the upstroke.
The novelty keeps your brain engaged and enhances the pleasure.
3. Under-Hand Stroke
Flip your hand so your palm faces you.
This simple switch of the angle changes the pressure, hitting the nerves in a new way.
Pair it with a slow rhythm and deep breaths–you’ll be surprised how good things feel.
4. Mindful Masturbation
Slow down. Focus on sensations in your body, not the speed.
Breathe with your strokes. Deeply.
Notice the texture of your skin, the sound of your breath, the way your hips move.
Where in your body do you feel the pleasure concentrated the most?
Is it the spine? The hips? The toes?
Notice how pleasure travels through your body.
Masturbation doesn’t have to be a race to an orgasm every time!
5. Erotic Fantasies for Masturbation
Stimulate your mind before you stimulate your body.
Switch things up—instead of using porn, try using erotic fantasies and your imagination.
Replay a hot memory from that time with your partner…
Fantasize about a sexy scenario you’d love to bring to life…
Or, listen to an erotic audio story.
Our brains are the biggest sex organs! Mental stimulation enhances arousal and can bring you more intense orgasms.
6. Masturbation Playlist
Set the mood with music!
Build a self-pleasure playlist with slow, sexy tracks that help you relax and feel into your body.
Think bass-heavy beats, sultry vocals, or even instrumental rhythms that match your tempo.
There’s no right or wrong way to create a masturbation playlist—do what feels good.
7. Towel Trick
Wrap a warm, soft towel around your shaft and stroke gently.
The texture creates a unique pressure, and the warmth can feel soothing and erotic.
This trick adds variety and texture if you don’t have a toy.
8. Incorporate Solo Sex Toys for Better Orgasms
Ready to level up?
Try a vibrating penis sleeve, a suction stroker or a prostate massager.
Toys are designed for solo penis play can be so much fun! It’s a great way to explore new sensations and deepen your orgasms.
Add plenty of lube, and have patience while you figure out what feels the best with your new little friend.
Best Masturbation Positions
Switch up the positions to change how you experience solo pleasure.
Different angles stimulate different nerves, help you get deeper with the toys or fingers, and let you discover new sensations.
Here are a few great masturbation positions you want to try:
On Your Stomach: Lie flat on your stomach and slide a toy, your hand, or a pillow under your pelvis. Rock your hips to grind against the pressure. Great for clit stimulation or using a stroker hands-free.
Straddling a Pillow: Prop a vibe or a wand vibrator between your thighs, straddle it like a lover, and ride it! Hold onto the headboard or edge of the bed for balance.
All Fours: Kneel on hands and knees. Use one hand or a toy, either from behind or from the front (depending on what type of stimulation you go for). This is a great position for deeper penetration during G-spot or P-spot stimulation.
On Your Back with Legs Up: Lie down and bend your legs at the knees, or put your legs in the air or against the wall for support. Great for reaching the clit, or a penis and for switching up the penetration angles.
Standing: Standing masturbation against a wall, especially in the shower, gives a new thrill. Perfect for stroking, clit play and using a sex toy. The water draws out the noise (if you don’t live alone), and the steam gives the sensual warmth and illusion of being in a spa where you can get caught at any moment.
Play around with different positions to find what feels best for you!
How Often Do Women Masturbate?
Are you curious to know how often other people masturbate? Yeah, same!
Our friends at Tenga have the answer for us—for their 2021 Self-Pleasure Report, they surveyed over five thousand people from five different countries (the United States included) to figure out more about people’s masturbation habits.
What did they find, you may ask?
Well, it turns out that more people than you probably think masturbate, especially women.
According to Tenga, 82% of women have ever masturbated. However, only 35% of women say they masturbate weekly or more often.
Women use external sex toys while masturbating more often than men–34% of women use sex toys, while only 6% of men do.
How Often Do Men Masturbate?
Statistically? A lot.
But all jokes aside, masturbation is more common among men than women, even to this day.
Tenga’s report reveals that 94% of men have ever masturbated. And 67% of men say they masturbate weekly or more often.
Ready to Make Solo-Pleasure Part of Your Routine?
Whether you’re rediscovering how to masturbate after a dry spell or simply want to learn new masturbation techniques to elevate your current routine, consider this your permission to play!
Be curious. Be turned on. Be loud if the baby monitor is off or you’re home alone.
Actually, even if your partner’s home, be loud. Play your sex playlist and let them know you’re having a great time.
They may join you for a passionate mutual masturbation session…
Are you The Romantic or The Director?
Curious to find out? Take our 5-minute Erotic Persona quiz now.
About Arya
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