Yes, you read that right! May is officially International Masturbation Month – the answer to your prayers if you’re one of the many people who’s always wished they had a genuine reason to really celebrate self-love. Here are some great ideas to explore on your own or with your partner along for the ride.
1. Take stock of the ways it’s good for you
Masturbation isn’t just something that feels good and is fun to do now and then. Like all forms of sex, it’s also good for you from a health standpoint, and what better time to remind yourself of that than International Masturbation Month?
Masturbating regularly can help relieve stress and elevate your moods. It can take the edge off of common complaints like menstrual cramps. It can even help you sleep better. Masturbation can also improve the overall quality of your partnered sex life over time.
2. Treat yourself to a new toy
Whether the toy you buy will be your very first or simply the latest addition to a vast, varied collection, there’s nothing like a new sex toy to get you eagerly looking forward to your solo time again. Here are some ideas to guide you in your shopping endeavors.
- Treat yourself to an upgraded version of your favorite go-to sex toy – something with more bells and whistles to get excited about, a more powerful motor, more different settings, etc.
- Invest in a sex toy that’s completely different from anything you’ve ever tried before.
- Try something discreet or compact that you can easily take on the go or play with in a new setting.
- Try a waterproof toy that you can take into the shower or tub with you.
3. Try masturbating with more than one toy
Even when people genuinely enjoy and treasure their solo time, they tend to figure out what works for them and then stick with it the vast majority of the time. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, it can make masturbation a little routine after a while.
Deliberately trying something new now and then is worth it, so go out of your way to experiment a little this month. Using more than one toy per session is a great way to do this. Try stimulating yourself in a new way or exploring the potential of a new erogenous zone.
4. Try chasing multiple orgasms
When people think of making room in their schedules for a marathon love session that pulls out all the stops, they automatically picture a romantic rendezvous with their partner. Why not make this the month you try that for yourself and by yourself? You’re worth it, and it’s a lot of fun, too.
Do whatever you’d normally do to set the scene for a love session with a partner. Light candles, put luxurious sheets on the bed, play music, and so forth. Then make a night of indulging in all of your favorite sensations and seeing how many orgasms you can have before you’re completely spent.
5. Start (or end) your day with some shower play
Showers and baths can already be such sensual, grounding ways to either start or end your day. So if you’re not already in the habit of getting down and dirty with yourself when it’s tub time, there’s no time like the present to get started.
Of course, you can go the all-natural route if you like, but don’t underestimate the amount of oomph the right waterproof toy can bring to the table. Many vibrators are designed to be waterproof especially for this purpose. Dildos equipped with suction cups also make excellent shower-time playthings.
6. Experiment with mutual masturbation
Although masturbation is definitely a fun pastime to enjoy on your own, it’s also a great way to turn up the heat when you’re with your partner. So many people overlook mutual masturbation as an activity to enjoy with someone else along for the ride, and they really shouldn’t.
Mutual masturbation gives you each a chance to indulge in some exhibitionism. It’s also a sexy way to show each other how you most enjoy being touched. Be sure to experiment with different ways to enjoy it, too. You can put on shows for one another, touch each other, or touch yourselves while in each other’s company.
7. Explore new fantasies
When was the last time you entertained a new fantasy about something new or explored a new kind of porn, either on your own or with your partner? International Masturbation Month is a great time to find a new rabbit hole to explore. Take note of any bright ideas that come to mind during that process, and explore them further during one of your future love sessions if you like.
However you ultimately decide to celebrate International Masturbation Month, be sure to do it shamelessly and with pride. Pleasure is an incredible gift, whether you share it with someone else or enjoy it on your own. It’s time to start treating it that way!