How Men Can Spice Up Solo Play

Most men think they know how to masturbate, and whatever you're doing is probably fine. But incorporating tips and techniques you've yet to try can help take the experience to the next level or spice it up if you're bored.

How most men play solo

Ninety-two percent of American men masturbate. Almost half, 49.1 percent, say they do it twice weekly, and about 1 in 5 prefer pleasuring themselves over sex with a partner. A 2015 survey reported in the Irish Times indicated that a quarter of men masturbate every day.

If masturbation is part of your regular routine, you've probably established a pattern and set of habits around it. In fact, a We-Vibe survey from 2016 canvassed more than 1,000 people and reported 42 percent of their male respondents have their own masturbation routine.

This is great for efficiency, but maybe less so for pleasure. Playing solo the same way every time can become stale. And if your body knows what to expect, you likely won't experience the same degree of arousal or subsequent orgasm.

Changing your routine each time you masturbate keeps you mentally stimulated and more physically excited.

9 ways to spice things up

Ease up. Gripping too hard during masturbation can lead to decreased sensation (colloquially termed "death-grip syndrome"). Numbness from nerve irritation encourages rougher masturbation, and that only exacerbates the problem. Better to get off from a lighter touch than to do something potentially damaging. Experiment with strokes, speed, pressure and areas of stimulation. Try alternating hands.

Watch yourself in a mirror. It's fun, you'll improve your self-image and it's hot to boot.

Up your lube game. Hopefully, you've discovered how much better masturbation can be when you use some kind of lubrication. But is it great, or just OK? Put some effort into choosing a stellar lube to make your solo sessions more comfortable and pleasurable. Lubricant also prevents microtears that can lead to infection.

Start or expand your sex toy collection. FleshLights, strokers, sleeves, autoblows, male vibrators, vibrating cock rings—so many options. If you own a toy already, explore different ways to use it. Consider buying a second or third toy. No two are the same, and you may be shocked to discover how different toys can make your orgasms feel so different—in a good way.

Slow down. It's tempting to go, go, go. When something feels good, you're unlikely to slow down, but try pausing or dropping the tempo. Teasing yourself can be really hot and so can slowing down when you're about to orgasm. This technique is called edging, and it can help treat premature ejaculation and improve your sexual function overall.

Set a mood. Set the tone before you start the play, whether that means low lighting, feel-good tunes, a warm shower—whatever makes you feel relaxed. Masturbation is self-care. Treat it as such.

Change positions. Standing, sitting, however you most frequently jack off—change it. Try masturbating while standing in the shower, lying on your back, kneeling or any other configuration you fancy. You may find more blood flowing and that can make all the difference in arousal.

Share the love. Orgasm can be reached through the stimulation of more than just your penis. Your testicles are highly sensitive—try playing with them or massaging them with lube. Not everyone is comfortable with anal play, but don't avoid it because you think it's not masculine. We all have butts, and a lot of people find anal stimulation to be super hot. Try using a lubed finger or an anal-safe toy like a butt plug.

Honor your nipples. It varies greatly from person to person, but a lot of guys have super sensitive nipples, which can amp up arousal when stimulated.

Put these skills to work tonight—and just remember, the more you practice, the better you'll be.