And There’s More to It Than the "Big O"
The Redhead Bedhead recently wrote that we often think of masturbation as a "frantic, furtive tugging or rubbing to try to get to an orgasm as quickly as possible." There’s nothing wrong with that, per se. The problem is, we tend to miss out on a lot along the way.
"We live in an orgasm-centric world, and that's a shame in my opinion," Jenne told us. "Yes, orgasms are great, but so is the journey we take to get there. If we slowed down and instead of focusing on achieving an orgasm lived each moment it takes to get there, we would likely find many things that we enjoy but missed because we were looking for that often elusive 'Big O.'"
We Could All Stand to Experiment
Both Jenne and Hercules felt there was still stigma attached to touching ourselves, which could explain why many people seem so hesitant to experiment. But have you heard that old adage that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become truly expert at something? That’s a lot of masturbating, people, and it won’t be nearly as much fun if you don’t mix things up.
"By simply switching masturbation positions, you will discover some new and pleasurable sensations your body can produce," Jenne said. "If you are in a relationship, try watching or allowing your partner to watch you masturbate. It's surprising what you can learn by simply sitting back and watching, plus it's sexy too!"
Bring a Toy (and Lube!)
According to most counts, more than half of all men and women have used a sex toy. If you’re part of the other half, well, you’re missing out. There are literally bajillions of toys out there - more than you can even imagine - and each brings its own unique experience. Have you tried nipple clamps? What about bondage gear? Or Ben Wa balls? Or a sex swing? Or a strap on? OK, so those aren't all necessarily intended to be used for masturbating, but you get the idea. And hey, if you're creative, maybe they could be!
"Sex toys are fun. If you have never used a toy before to masturbate, make sure that when you buy the toy, you also buy a compatible lube. This detail is often overlooked in the toy buying process, but just the addition of a small amount of lube can make a huge difference to the pleasure that a toy can bring," Jenne said.
A high-quality lube is a great tip for guys too. Hercules recommends the Tenga, where lube is a must! (Learn more about lube in The Ins and Outs of Sexual Lubricant.)
Go Forth and Masturbate!
Unlike most other calendar holidays, this one doesn’t involve eating too much or feeling obligated to buy a bunch of junk you can’t afford. You don’t even need a partner. If you haven’t celebrated yet, you are really missing out. So, what are you waiting for?