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This article is part of SELFsKeep It Hotpackage, a collection of content that celebrates love and lust.
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For others, shame around masturbationacommon sex concernmay factor into hesitation about getting yourself off.
Consider their advice your masturbation inspiration.
Get to know your clitoris (it bears repeating).
Get intimately familiar with your vulva, in general.
Understanding what contributes to pleasure makes it easier to seek it out for ourselves, Rashid-Dawdy says.
Dont limit lube to partner penetration.
Its not really about needing it, but about adding it as an enhancement, she says.
If youre using toys, Smith recommendswater-based lube, since silicone formulas can break down silicone sex toys.
Prioritize foreplay for solo sex too.
Often, masturbation requires a level of comfort and safety, Laureano says.
Starting from a place thats less intimidating welcomes more expansion to find that comfort in touching ourselves.
Put your hips into it.
you’re able to writhe, wiggle, or thrust your hips, she suggests.
That motion will increase circulation, and more blood flowparticularly to sexually sensitive areascan heighten arousal.
In other words, masturbate like no ones watching.
Give yourself the full-body treatment.
Remember that sex toys can be a lot of fun.
Maybe youre getting off just fine without a toy, or you dont know where to start with one.
Not sure where tobegin with toys?
I strongly recommend starting with aclitoral vibrator, particularly one with multiple speeds and patterns, she says.
But, if you know you like combining external and internal stimulation, then go with arabbit vibrator.
Know that less might be morepleasurable, that is.
But clits are super responsiveyou may not even have to touch yours directly to feel intense pleasure.
For a lot of people, the clitoris is too sensitive for that.
Free your mind; the rest will follow.
Another way to become more dialed in during your sexy self-time is to stop hyper-focusing on reaching orgasm.
Know that if you build it, you will (be more likely to) come.
Plus, it can be a fun way to stretch out your me-time.
Seek out porn thats ethicalandsexy.
Visual and audio stimulation can be a game changer in terms of pleasure.
(Well also leave SELFs list of hotaudio pornoptions here for your listening pleasure.)
Distractions can take up a lot of mental energyenergy that could be dedicated to getting into the self-pleasure zone.
Also be sure to put your phone on Do Not Disturb.
As Rashid-Dawdy says, Getting a call from Mom when youre about to orgasm isnotideal.
Oh, and speaking of technology, she also offers this friendly reminder: Charge your sex toys!
A dead battery is another masturbation buzzkill.
Just add waterwith a showerhead or not.
you could control the speed, pressure, and theres no cleanup.
Experiment with temperature play.
Learn if your body likes cooling sensations, warming sensations, or both, Dr. Thorpe says.
water, or to stick it in the freezer for five minutes or so, asSELF previously reported.
you’re free to also try running your toy of choice (or your hand!)
under hot or cold water for a minute or two.
Seduce yourself like you mean it.
venture to let yourself release guilt and shame, she says.
Explore new sex positions solo.
Making love to yourself can be just as adventurous as making love to someone else, she says.
