14 Ways to Mix Up Masturbation
Written for GFH by Luna Matatas
Many of us are still masturbating in the same way, in the same position, and with similar fantasies as when we first started masturbating. We’ve got our go-to moves and fantasies, and it gets the job done. There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you like, but if you could get pleasure another way wouldn’t you want to know?
Our bodies can get used to a particular kind of mental and physical erotic stimulation, and this can make our masturbation feel lacklustre. Mixing up your masturbation practices can help you discover new ways to get turned on, new fantasies that get you aroused, and new kinds of pleasure—including but not limited to orgasms.
Here are 14 ways you can mix up your masturbation routine today:
Change up your regular space or location where you pleasure yourself. If you always masturbate on the bed, try on the floor or in the shower. If your bed is most comfortable, try facing a different direction and setting the ambiance of the room—a sexy playlist or light a scented candle.
Are you curious about double-ended dildos? Dual-stimulation vibrators? Glass dildos? The world of sex toys varies from shapes, functions, materials, and vibration. Check out remote controlled sex toys too.
Sex toys aren’t just for vulva pleasure, if you have a penis you have options for sex toys too. You can also find strokers dedicated to FTM pleasure. Learn more about solo sex toys for every body here.
Do you always masturbate on your back? Do you always use the same hand? Have you experimented with a sex cushion or sex pillow? Mix up your position to see what self-pleasure feels like in new ways.
Are you a kitten in your fantasies? Are you dominant? Are you a naughty maid? Dress up for your masturbation with accessories like costumes, lingerie, collars, or butt plug tails. Getting into the headspace of the character in your fantasy can bring out a different flavour of naughtiness. Even just one accessory can help you get into role.
Masturbate in front of or with a partner. Enjoy showing off and watching each other. You can also pay attention to how they touch themselves to get feedback on how to give them pleasure.
Is your butt hungry for some attention? Testicles? Perineum? Labia? Nipples? What other parts of your body can you seduce with touch and sensation before you head to your go-to hot spot? Change up the pressure, speed, and texture of your touch.
Fancier lubes usually add a sensation in addition to lubrication. You can explore lubes that add warming or cooling sensations as well as cannabis lubes.
Slow things down by entering your masturbation mood with a long shower, rubbing lotion all over your body, doing some naked stretching, or slow-moving dance. You might enjoy helping your body slow down, relax, and sink into a sexy mood. Pick up the pace of things by trying to get off before your alarm goes off. Some people enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with knowing you only have a limited amount of time to play with yourself. Or see how many orgasms you can have in a given amount of time.
Vibrators, dildos, and stroker sleeves are popular go-to toys for self-pleasure. You can also try playing with nipple pleasure through nipple clamps. Try a spikey toy like the Wartenberg Pinwheel or play with cold or warm sex toys to explore temperature play.
Explore moving your body as a way to engage more energy. For example, try grinding against your sex toy or arching your back to see how that increases or decreases intensity of sensation. Try gyrating your hips against your hand or sex toy. Explore toys with a suction base.
Explore your erotic imagination. Do you always go to the same type of porn, with the same bodies, same fantasies? Try mixing it up, exploring erotica, erotic audio, or even just using your own imagination.
If you're not going to disturb anyone in your household, explore making noises—moan, groan, exhale loudly. Give your auditory sense a chance to be seduced by the sounds of your self-pleasure. Alternatively, if you usually make noises, pretend that you have to be quiet or else get found out.
Try being your own voyeur and exhibitionist at the same time! Masturbate in front of a mirror. If a mirror isn’t available, try recording yourself on your laptop or phone just for your private viewing.
Orgasms are fantastic, but they aren’t the only rewards of masturbation. Some people masturbate to feel sensual—arousal brings lots of blood flow and feel good chemicals in the body. Others enjoy masturbation because it’s relaxing. It can be a way of you staying open and curious about your sexual relationship with yourself whether you’re with a partner or not. Touching yourself can also help you learn about what your body likes and doesn’t like, which can support your consent and sexual health during partnered sex.
As you mix up your masturbation, your pleasure might change at first as you re-route erotic stimulation, so give it a few tries to see if you sink into your adjustments. For more wisdom on masturbation, read Sex Yourself. Enjoy the delight of discovering new ways to get off!
