Who masturbates? No one knows for sure. It seems that every study conducted has come up with different answers. There are a number of reasons for the different numbers, but the truth of the matter is that it is a personal choice that many people are uncomfortable discussing. In 1994 was answering a question asking if masturbation could be utilized to prevent early sexual activity, then U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders responded “I think it is something that is part of human sexuality and a part of something that perhaps should be taught.” That was the end of her career, but the beginning of National Masturbation Month. Since 1995, May has been declared National Masturbation Month to reduce the negative connotations attached to masturbating. Some of the groups that support the initiative are trying to raise awareness of the physical and psychological health benefits of masturbation for both men and women, others are trying to bring attention to the practice of mutilating women's sexual organs within certain cultures. Planned Parenthood has also supported National Masturbation Month as an alternative to intercourse as a means to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Just as each person has their own methods for reaching climax with a partner, they also have their own way(s) to masturbate. Every year, the sex toy industry becomes larger as a direct result of the fact that more people are finding that utilizing sexual aids can bring heightened enjoyment. Sex toys can be used solo, but they can also be integrated into use by couples as a way to enhance their relationship. I thought I would share a few of these aids...
For the men, there are masturbation sleeves. These can be as simple as a one handed jelly tube that the man would insert his penis into, then stroke until he ejaculates, or more elaborate ones that include vibrations or beads to enhance the experience. These can be used by a couple where the woman is the one holding the sleeve and stroking. Most sleeves can be easily cleaned by turning it inside out and washing with a toy cleaner, then allowing to air dry.
Masturbators can vary from simple, like one that is styled to resemble breast or rear end, to the elaborate, which could be a life sized doll, or mid-range, which would include the entire torso from neck to hips. These masturbators are available in both male and female. Most people would assume that these can only be used solo, however while researching this, I found several instances where they shown being used by a couple.
With all the attention women's g-spots have been getting, there has been a part of the male
anatomy that has been largely ignored. The prostate gland is very important to the male sexual health and pleasure. By utilizing a prostate massage, many health benefits may be reaped. Men who regularly experience an ejaculation while receiving a prostate massage are less likely to suffer from prostate cancer. The climax during a prostate massage has been described as more intense and longer lasting. The massage can be performed manually with the fingers, or with the use of a specifically designed massager. There are many models of massagers, from the simple 'stick' to a remote control vibrating dong type. There are many tutorials and articles available to explain the proper methods of performing a prostate massage.
Women have a seemingly endless array of vibrators and dildos to choose from for their pleasure. Along with the numerous models and features, there are varying materials, sizes and colors. As with anything else, personal preference plays a major role in which one a woman will choose. A dildo is a non-vibrating toy that is generally shaped like a penis. However, there are many glass dildos that are shaped in anything from a simple rod that resembles a stick to a rosebud. Some are curved to help reach the g-spot.
Vibrators are just as varied. They are manufactured from jelly, silicone, or another plastic material. There are those that have gentle shaping and those that are shaped into a penis, some are even shaped like animals or little human figures. Nearly everyone has heard of 'The Rabbit' thanks to the infamous "Sex and the City" episode. There isn't enough room here to speak on the different shapes companies have designed into their vibrators. One thing most have in common is that there is a shaft, as well as some sort clitoral stimulation. The higher price you are willing to pay, the higher quality materials you are going to get, as well as more features, more selection in speeds and vibration patterns. Whatever you are looking for, it's probably out there.
Whether you have used the toys specifically discussed here or one of the, literally, thousands of others, or none, perhaps this will allow you to think about trying something new. The many health benefits certainly make for a good argument to begin, or continue, to masturbate. It helps to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, assists in relationships where one partner wishes for sexual contact more often that the other, can be helpful in cases of depression, raises self-esteem, promotes a feeling of well-being, can help with insomnia, and it is the safest sex you will ever have (especially when performed on a solo basis), with little to no chance of STD's or pregnancy (obviously, if fluids are exchanged, your chances increase). There are many more health benefits than these listed, I found this wonderful and short article that still manages to have a lot of great information.
For those that are concerned with the publicity of going to a physical store to purchase a new toy, there are any number of websites that sell these toys, including Amazon there are also many companies that do in home demonstration parties similar to Tupperware parties, you can also order directly from most of the manufacturers of the toys. My personal favorite manufacturer is Lelo, they have a wonderful line, even if it is a little bit limited and on the higher end of the budget. A company that offers a greater variety with a more affordable price range is Rocks Off. When looking for glass dildos, the go to company is Don Wands. Probably the most well known mail order company for purchasing sexual enhancement items is Adam & Eve. Any of these is a great choice to add to your personal pleasure, although I do have to admit to loving the sex toy parties. The chance to get a bunch of friends together for a fun time while learning about the proper use (as well as some lesser known uses) of the products is way up there on my list of good times. I have been a few parties of this sort and always had a great time. I tend to prefer companies/consultants that allow for co-ed parties, as they can be very entertaining! I also have a friend who is a representative for For Your Pleasure, so I'm rather biased there.
If it feels good, do it!
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