Masturbation Tips & Advice

You don't need to hit the gym to do your body some good... That's right, you can get a sexy endorphin rush another way! Masturbating has a load of health benefits, plus it's a normal, healthy way to understand your body and work out what makes you tick in the bedroom.

When you understand your own anatomy it can make you feel more confident, especially when it comes to asking for what you want during sex with a partner. Here, you'll find expert guides and masturbation tips to help you discover your sexual happiness.

Is masturbating good for you?

Yes, masturbating can be good for you! You don't need to feel any shame about exploring your body through self-pleasure. Not only is it completely normal, but it has health benefits too.

Masturbating might help you reduce stress by releasing tension and boosting hormones that can improve your mood and perhaps even help you get a better night sleep. Not only that, but it's a way for you to learn about your anatomy and understand how to feel pleasure during sex. If you masturbate regularly, you might feel more confident showing a partner how to please you in the bedroom too.

Masturbation tips to make solo sex feel amazing

If you've ever masturbated before, it's likely you've used your hands to rub your genitals, and enjoyed a few intriguing pleasurable sensations. Maybe you humped a pillow or squeezed your legs together to turn yourself on – there's no "standard technique" according to sexpert Dr. Justin Lehmiller.

That said, exploring new things can bring you even more pleasure, novelty, and excitement to the experience. “As you explore further and begin to discover what feels pleasurable for you, mix it up and try different positions, techniques, and hand grips to really understand your own body,” Justin recommends.

Quick anatomy lesson coming up! If you've got a vagina, masturbating is even better when you know about the clitoris. The external part of the clitoris is a sensitive bulb-like part of your vulva. It's found above the vaginal opening, where your labia (or "lips") meet at the top. This little button can feel delicious to rub.

Reach down with your fingertips, or the palm of your hand, and draw little circles on your clit to see how it feels. Using a small bullet vibrator or clitoral suction toy can also feel amazing here. Clitoral suction toys work by sending seductive, pulsing air waves to your clit, which some people prefer to the intense buzzing of a vibrator.

Did you know your clitoris stretches deep inside you, with two legs that make a wishbone (or upside down 'V') shape? Some people believe that the G-spot is found where these two legs of your clitoris meet, behind the front inner wall of your vagina.

But what is the G-spot? It's another sensitive pleasure point that some people with vulvas enjoy stimulating. It's not a distinct area of your anatomy, so don't worry if you've never found it. Try slipping two lubed up fingers inside your vagina and pressing your fingertips towards your belly. As you gently side deeper, wiggle your fingers back and forth as though you're beckoning someone to "come here". If you find an area that feels extra intense to touch, that's your G-spot.

Feel good? Adding vibrations could tip you over the edge and give you an incredible orgasm. Grab a G-spot vibrator and slather it with plenty of water-based lube before you play.

Is yours a show-er or a grower? When you're aroused, blood rushes into your penis and causes it to expand and firm up. That's why lots of people find their penises are bigger when they're erect. Yours might grow a little or a lot, maybe it curves slightly one way or the other, or maybe you have a foreskin. It's all perfectly normal.

When you jerk off, consider exploring a few of your erogenous zones first. Yes, the head of your penis is sensitive, and it feels great to move your hand up and down the shaft and over the head. But you can also get aroused by cupping or tugging your balls, stroking your perineum (that's the skin between your penis and your anus), or rubbing your nipples. Whatever feels good to you, enjoy – and don't forget the lube!

If you've got a penis, prostate stimulation can make masturbation feel even more incredible. Known as the "male G-spot", the prostate gland can be stimulated during masturbation by sliding a finger or an anal toy inside your butt. Always use plenty of anal lube and choose toys that have a flared base (they're safer, since they won't get lost inside you).

You might also enjoy anal play if you've got a vulva. There are lots of nerve endings in the anal area, plus some people like the pleasurable "full up" feeling of penetrating the anus and the vagina at the same time. Try wearing a butt plug next time you masturbate. It might take a while to get used to, but the pleasure can be sensational.

Solo sex is relaxing, satisfying, and happens all on your own terms. But masturbating with a partner has its perks too! It can be super hot to watch your partner touch themselves, whether you treat it as foreplay or the whole event.

Look out for how they do it; do they focus on the clitoris or do they have another technique? Paying close attention will show you how your lover likes to be touched, and could lead to even more satisfying sex overall. Don't be afraid to tell them how they good they look while they're at it!