How to masturbate — 5 tips and techniques

Masturbation—and sex—are as much an art as they are a science. There are biological and psychological forces at play, which we are able to explore extensively with Lioness Smart Vibrator, but when it comes down to it... everyone's bodies and preferences are different, and we all have had different experiences that have shaped how we view and experience pleasure.

So based on what we know, here are 5 rules-of-thumb to keep in mind when you're looking for the best ways to masturbate and take self-pleasure to the next level.

1. It's not all about the orgasm

Don't get me wrong, orgasms are great, but they shouldn't be the point of masturbation. If you're looking to improve your masturbation technique, it should be more about trying new things, exploring fantasies, and learning how to set aside other thoughts and stress to focus on the here and now.

2. Don't expect fireworks every time

Remember when you were learning how to ride a bike when you were young, and there were many times when you fell over or didn't make it very far? Masturbation can be like that, falling and all.

Self-pleasure won't be something you necessarily "just know" without some practice and experimentation, and you won't always get the experience you desire. Heck, even if you do know exactly what makes you tick, sometimes we have off days. And as we age, our bodies go through different changes, and what worked for us in our teens may not work for us in our 30s, 60s, or 90s.

If you go into the experience interested in what you'll learn about yourself rather than achieving a specific outcome, you might discover something unexpected and greatly pleasurable that works for you.

3. Take your time

Be patient with yourself. Ironically, the more you put pressure on yourself to do a particular thing, the less likely it'll happen.

Plus, from our experience at Lioness, there is a huge diversity of times people spend on masturbation — our project with cannabis and masturbation shows this well. Taking a longer time is not always a bad thing. Some people even spend MORE time on masturbation and foreplay because it can result in a bigger burst of pleasure.

If you get tired or bored, take a break and do something else. You can always try masturbating again another time.

4. Try different techniques and fantasies at different times

Just because something was uninteresting the first time doesn't mean it'll be a bummer again. And likewise, things that were once titillating can become routine and not get your juices flowing like they used to.

That's why you should always be on the look out to try out different things that interest you, and don't cross something off if you're still interested, just because it didn't work the first time.

5. Try different sex toys

Don't be afraid to add different sex toys into the mix. We recommend the Lioness Vibrator not only because we made it, but also because it is designed to help someone self-explore and figure out what they like through data and biofeedback. There are so many different kinds out there that can enhance your experience in different ways.

Although some people feel ashamed that they own one (or that their partner owns one) — there is no need to feel that way. They're simply a tool to enhance pleasure, just like any other fantasy or technique.

There is no need to be ashamed, either — a 2009 study from the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University found that over 53% of women and 43% of men have used sex toys. Research has also shown that sex toys such as vibrators don't desensitize you, so you don't need to worry about limiting your sensations should you include one in your pleasure routine.

Remember, practice makes perfect

With these tips and an open mind, you are well on your way to enhancing your pleasure. Happy exploring!

Want to jazz up your masturbation technique? Check out the Lioness Vibrator

Looking to hone your hone your technique with even further precision? Try the Lioness Vibrator.

Not only does it amp up the pleasure, but precision sensors let you see arousal and orgasms so you can learn exactly what works for you.

Click here to learn more about how others have explored with the Lioness.