Masturbate, of course! The fact that it feels phenom is reason enough to get down with your bad self. I know what you're thinking: duh! But if you're looking to avoid pregnancy or eliminate your risk of STIs, masturbation is the way to go, says Wendasha Jenkins Hall , PhD, a sex educator and researcher. All the pleasure, none of the risk! Try masturbating!
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Here's the lowdown on how to subscribe to Allure's print edition for more beauty routines, recommendations, and features. Masturbation can sometimes feel daunting. I also get frustrated by how easily I can get thrown off course, or about how particular I am with my environment. Ultimately, though, I feel happy to have one reliable way to get myself off. I know from my experience as an educator that there are many, many others who have yet to find a way they like to do it. When we take the time to explore on our own, though, both our solo and partnered sex lives benefit. Exhibit A: I need intense pressure or vibration to get off, but my sexual partners for the first five years of my sex life only executed light, fluttery rubs and tickles or suction-y cunnilingus — which I hated. But remember: We're all different. No two people like exactly the same things.
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After all, masturbation is all about exploring your body and finding out what brings you pleasure. Still, going about that might require some trial and error. Where do you even start? Maybe you've tried masturbating before but just can't figure out how to do it without a vibrator. Sure, some things feel good, but unless you use a sex toy , you can't reach orgasm with just your hand. According to Marin, there's no need to feel bad. No one ever gets taught how to masturbate, and there are plenty of people who feel just as clueless as you do. In fact, Marin says, the majority of her female clients feel at least somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of it. If you're not opposed to masturbating, but still harbor some conflicting feelings about it, it's worth taking the time to explore those further. Start by asking yourself questions like, "Where did these feelings about masturbation come from?
Plus, in addition to being safe and feeling real damn good, masturbation can improve body positivity, promote sleep, and instantly improve mood. We love to see it. You're welcome! Just like you would with your significant other, get yourself "ready" for the occasion. Get dressed up, throw on that red dress you know looks bomb, and take yourself out to dinner or for swanky drinks. Getting dressed up for the occasion and making yourself feel special will help you feel even better and more in the mood when you do decide to touch yourself. Masturbation Avoid spectatoring, aka looking in on yourself masturbating from an outside experience instead of enjoying the physical sensation itself.
