Written by Robin Jennings, Lovehoney Expert Contributor.

The Ultimate Guide to Penis Pleasure

There’s a pervasive cultural attitude towards penises that paints them with a broad brush. Many think they are simple to operate and easily aroused. We assume there just isn’t much we don’t already know about them. This mindset can lead to less exploration and limited types of stimulation. Today I invite you to get inquisitive about cocks with me and see if we can develop a more nuanced view of the multifaceted penis.

Getting Started

First, let’s take a look at what the penis is attached to - a person! Heteronormative porn often leads us to view penises as objectified sexual tools that are detached from the person wielding it. However, the whole body is an erotic space and the most dynamic and arousing place on the body is not the genitals, it’s the brain. Orgasm happens in the brain. Your body is sending signals to your brain as it senses the world. What your brain does with the pleasure signals it receives is where the magic happens. If erotically engaged, the brain can supercharge sensual situations. An erotic state of mind will make any genital stimulation much more pleasurable. Flirting, role play, anticipation, there’s so many ways to engage the mind before we even work our way down to the cock.

And then there’s the rest of their body! It’s easy to go straight for the dick and forget about that whole body attached to it. Explore and find their erogenous zones - hair, nape of the neck, chest, nipples, feet, back, ass, etc. Every body will respond differently, so talk with your partner to find out their known erogenous zones and see if they are interested in exploring to find more. And always ask about no-go zones. Some places are just off limits.

Anatomy of the Penis

Now for some serious cock talk. Have you ever wondered what’s going on inside a penis? Well, there are two types of spongy tissue running the entire length of the penis from inside the body all the way up the shaft to the tip. Imagine you have three of those long balloons used to make balloon animals. Two of the balloons are inflated to capacity, they’re quite firm and thick. The third balloon is halfway inflated. It’s smaller and squishy. Now you take a really big condom and unroll it over all three balloons, from tip to base. You’ve made an erectile tissue model!

IRL the two bigger, fully inflated balloons are erectile tissue called corpus cavernosum. They are the primary erection makers. They fill with blood during arousal, making the penis harder and longer. These guys love movement and pressure. Give them a good squeeze, stroke them, and add some lubricant to get a nice rhythm and sensual feel.

Along the underside of the cock runs the softer, smaller balloon called the corpus spongiosum. The urethra runs right through this erectile tissue. This is why it is softer and spongier. It allows room for the urethra to stay open during an erection. The tip of the corpus spongiosum is the head or glans of the penis. You may have noticed that the head and the underside of cock have a squishier feel, even when erect. You may also have noticed that these areas are more sensitive and responsive to lighter touch, movement, and vibration. The most sensitive part of the penis is the frenulum. This is the special spot where the helmet of the head tips upward and where the foreskin attaches. In addition to tongue movement, the frenulum often responds well to vibration. Try running a small vibrator up the shaft, circling the head, and resting on the frenulum. For most this won’t lead to orgasm but it’s a great way to play sensually and heighten arousal. If this is too stimulating, try a broad vibrator like the We-Vibe Touch X. You can even lube it up to include vibration when stroking the penis.

Best Vibrator for Warming Up

Lovehoney Rock On Rechargeable Silicone Clitoral Pebble Vibrator
(75)
$59.99

Vibes aren’t just for clits! The ultra smooth silicone and quiet, yet powerful vibrations of the Lovehoney Pebble vibrator are great for exciting the penis too. Try the tip on the frenulum or use the curve of the toy to stroke the shaft. The Pebble is even great for cupping the balls or massaging the perineum. With a versatile toy like the Lovehoney Pebble you’ll find lots of places to enjoy a little vibration in your play.

What customers say: "Love this! It’s small, powerful, and easy to use solo or with a partner."

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The foreskin, head, and especially the frenulum are jam-packed with specialized sexual nerve pleasure receptors. The Arcwave Ion is the only pleasure device to target these pleasure receptors with pulsing air pressure and suction for new levels of pleasure and orgasm. What Womanizer does for clitorises, Arcwave is now doing for the frenulum.

Best Toy for Head Stimulation

Lovehoney Head Master Vibrating Blow Job Stroker
(249)
$24.99

Why not add some vibration to your stroker?! Strokers are a great way to up your masturbation game. This stoker is open on both ends making it a great blow job enhancer as well. Take your stroke to the next level with vibration sending waves of pleasure up and down the shaft. Make sure to use lots of water-based lube for the best, most stimulating results!

What customers say: "This is definitely one of our favourites to bring out and I would happily say works amazingly along side abit of oral fun. You won't be disappointed with this one and the power is amazing"

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These erectile balloons don’t end where the penis meets the torso. They continue deep into the pelvis, anchoring the cock within the body. In fact, often half of penis length is below the surface! The penis ends at the perineum, that spot between the balls and the anus, and it cradles the prostate. This is why a firm massage on the perineum is often appreciated. You’re stimulating the inner penis and the prostate simultaneously!

Another way to stimulate the inner penis is by gripping the base of the cock firmly with a bit of inward pressure, toward the belly. Stir the inner cock with smooth, slow circles. Or, to really activate their interior, try a wand on the taint on the lowest, rumbliest setting - it will really awaken their inner pleasure centers. This sensation may take some time to get used to but with a playful mindset you can discover new ways to arouse, new sensations, and even new ways to orgasm.

Don’t Forget the Balls

Now that we have a more intimate view of the penis, let’s explore the cock’s best accessories - the balls. The scrotum is a special type of skin that can expand and contract as needed for temperature regulation of the testicles. Much like its counterpart, the labia, the scrotum is sensitive to light touch, they can get pretty hairy, and they enjoy attention. The testicles inside the scrotum, however, are skittish and easily harmed. Any ball handling will require some skill to please both. Approach with care and do not squeeze the actual balls. Wrap a hand around where the scrotum connects to the body. Gently give a squeeze here, with the balls filling up the scrotum and smoothing out the wrinkles. This will make them very sensitive and it’s a great place for tongue play, especially if they’re shaved. If you’ve never done it, consider shaving your balls. It really heightens sensitivity and can get partners more engaged with them when they’re not protected by a forest of hair. Yes, you will have a few itchy days at the hair regrows but it’s worth it.

Now that you’ve got the balls in your grip, include the cock. You’re now doing a move I like to call a “Cock Ring Hold”. Cock rings are a great toy for any penis owner. They’re typically designed to wrap around the base of the cock and behind the balls. That’s right, both the cock and balls go through the ring to make a nice, plump package. The squeeze of the cock ring restricts outward blood flow, allowing the penis to engorge, making it firmer, larger, and more sensitive. That is why when you wrap your hand around the cock and balls and give it a little squeeze, it’s called a “Cock Ring Hold''. With this move you’ll notice all the benefits a cock ring as long as you keep the grip. There is a vast world of cock rings out there for a hands-free experience. Some cock rings vibrate which can be very stimulating for partners during intercourse or can be worn behind the balls for a vibey good time for the perineum and scrotum.

Best Standard Cock Ring

Lovehoney Get Hard Extra Thick Silicone Cock Ring Set (3 Count)
(196)
$14.99

Simple yet effective, this cock ring set gives you three size options to suit your mood. Find your best fit or wear all three at once for extra fun. These rings are made of stretchy, hygienic silicone that comfortably slip on with the assistance of a bit of water-based lube. The squeeze of these cock rings will make erections plumper, firmer, and more sensitive. And magically, many experience longer, more satisfying orgasms.

What customers say: "I’ve used a few rings in the past (mostly ones with a vibrator built in). These were my first ones of this design. They are very comfortable to wear in any configuration. I’m a slightly above average endowed male and they feel good while wearing them. Ive had no uncomfortable tugging or pulling while having them on or taking them off. Most importantly, the rings allow for added sensitivity while also not cutting off circulation (no numbness). These are great introduction into the penis ring experience."

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Best Vibrating Cock Ring

We-Vibe Pivot App Controlled Rechargeable Vibrating Cock Ring
(59)
$109.00

Upgrade your cock ring experience with the We-Vibe Pivot. Not only is it a soft, premium cock ring, it also packs a powerful vibrator that only We-Vibe can deliver. Give yourself and your partner vibrating pleasure during intercourse or rotate it under the balls for a more tantalizing blow job or masturbation session. Slip your fingers through the hole for an easy to hold finger vibe. Incredibly, the Pivot is also app enabled, allowing your partner to take control or even play long distance.

What customers say: "this was our first app controlled toy and we were very surprised how well it worked. The app gets great updates and it allows my partner to control it via her phone where ever she is. The actual toy itself worked really well and certainly added to our experience and enjoyment together. Once on it is very comfortable and is also very easy to keep clean. Had it now must be 2 years and still works great and still love it."

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We’ve talked a lot of cock here today and I hope you’ve found this helpful. The most important and last thing I’ll leave you with is to remember, just like the people they are attached to, no two cocks are the same. Even if you know all the anatomy and pleasure receptors, everyone has different needs and ways of experiencing pleasure. The best lovers attune to their partner’s body language, ask questions, and take time to explore.

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