Masturbation May: Celebrate the Month of Self Love With Us
It’s May, which means it’s officially National Masturbation Month. Masturbation May was started by sex toy retailer Good Vibrations in 1995 when then-Surgeon General Dr. Elders was fired for suggesting that masturbation should be part of the discussion in sex-ed curriculums.
Today, this sort of reaction seems unimaginable, but in the 90s, sexuality was more of a taboo topic. In defiance, Good Vibrations decided to turn this moment into a national holiday, and sex-positive folks like us have been celebrating it ever since. But how come this iconic day takes place in May? Well, besides the golden opportunity for alliteration, May has always been considered the month of sexual awakening throughout history.
Why is Masturbation May important:
Although we’ve come a long way since the unjust firing of Dr. Elders in the 90s, we still have a long way to go. National Masturbation Month helps normalize conversations about sexual self-love and works to break the stigma that unfortunately still exists around the topic. This month sends out the message to people that self-pleasure is the best way to get to know yourself, your desires, and your body better. Self-pleasure is the foundation of sex education, and learning about it (whether in educational formats or through a more “hands-on” method) can help bridge the orgasm gap, making people of all genders and sexualities feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Beyond improving self-esteem and confidence, masturbation has other health benefits, like improving sleep patterns, decreasing stress, and even reducing the risk of prostate cancer in people with penises.
Make the most of National Masturbation Month
Given the difference in their anatomies and how they orgasm, the best ways men and women masturbate will differ greatly. Here are some of our top tips (and toys) for both genders.
Best female masturbation techniques
Unlike what you see in porn, women don’t always orgasm from having their legs splayed open in a sexy position for the male gaze, climaxing after just a couple of minutes of aggressive rubbing and performative sounds.
Some of the best female masturbation techniques include lying on your stomach so that more weight and pressure can be placed on hands, increasing friction on the clitoris. A hunched back might intensity climax rather than the arched position often seen in mainstream adult content. Experiment with other positions like kneeling in the “woman-on-top” position and placing a toy on top of a pillow (or multiple pillows) as you grind, or going into the all-fours position. Rather than spreading the legs open, consider rotating them inwards, which can provide more intensity for the pelvic floor and clitoris. Some women even climax better with their legs clamped shut.
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The sensations you enjoy will differ from person to person—some people prefer a gentle tapping motion, while others prefer cupping a broad surface area with their palm or alternating between a soft and firm touch. There are plenty of toys to play around with different sensations. Rabbit vibrators can provide penetration combined with clitoral stimulation; bullet vibrators can provide pinpoint stimulation; and wands can provide broader coverage. There are even air pressure-based stimulators that create the sensation of oral sex.
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Best male masturbation techniques
The best male masturbation techniques will often revolve around simulating the head of the penis, the shaft, and the testicles via vibration or orifices that simulate penetration. Sex toys can be a big help in enhancing the experience. Two of the best male masturbator options are a stroker or a male vibrator. Strokers have a soft, sometimes textured interior and can resemble mouths, vaginas, or anuses. But there are equally pleasurable options that don’t resemble human body parts.
Prostate massagers and butt plugs can also provide fantastic p-spot stimulation. Different stroking methods can provide variety and help you figure out what you like best—besides up-and-down, a twisting motion can also feel incredible, as can moving your hips (either back and forth or in a circular motion as you do during partnered sex) to maximize your orgasm.
Prostate massagers take things beyond the penis and pleasure the p-spot, which is often considered the male g-spot, and provides more pleasure than your average butt plug. Options like the Anal Fantasy Elite Ultimate P-Spot Milker rock back and forth on the perineum while massaging the prostate with multiple vibration and intensity modes. The perineum and testicles are often-ignored parts of jerking off, and they each have tons of nerve endings, so make the most of them!
Even something as simple as a silicone cock ring can provide added pleasure during masturbation. This affordable beginner sex toy increases blood flow as it grips different parts of the penis and makes for longer, harder erections and hence a more intense orgasm. Buying a set of three o-rings is the ultimate experience—the first ring goes onto the base close to the testicle, while the second goes around the shaft, and the third is placed over the head for maximum intensity.
Finally, take your time. This isn’t something to hurry and get over with—it’s an essential part of your self-care routine, and you should take all the time you need to explore.
How we celebrate National Masturbation Month and sales to know
If there’s one thing we know at Amazing Intimate Essentials, it’s how to get down and celebrate solo play the way it deserves. To help you celebrate, we’ve curated a list of goodies to help you get the most out of Masturbation May. From the best trending male masturbation toys to vibrators for women and everyone in between, lots of our best-sellers are available for 20% off during the entire month of May. And for the month of May (through 5/30/24), you can also get a free product of your choice when you spend $50+ on Satisfyer products!