How to masturbate: 6 steps to explore your pleasure at your own pace

Written by: SoldDolls editorial teamPublished on October 5,2026
How to masturbate: 6 steps to explore your pleasure at your own pace

Masturbation does not need to follow a specific technique. It is used above all to discover your body, its reactions and the types of stimulation that we appreciate. Some people prefer something very simple, others like to add a sex toy, a special atmosphere or fantasies. Here are six steps that can help make the experience more comfortable and personal.

1. Find a comfortable and private space

Start by choosing a place where you know you won't be interrupted. A bedroom or a closed room may be enough. The main thing is to be able to relax without constantly monitoring the door or the time.

Then adapt the environment to your preferences. You can adjust light, temperature, music or bedding. Some people like dim light, others prefer to see their bodies clearly. There is no good universal atmosphere.

The realistic dildo has a texture similar to the skin, with a powerful suction cup, ideal for hands-free gamesThe realistic dildo has a texture similar to the skin, with a powerful suction cup, ideal for hands-free games25,99€View product

If you live with other people, close the door and curtains if necessary. The feeling of security and privacy often helps more to relax than any accessory.

2. slow

It is not necessary to immediately touch the genitals. Take a few minutes to explore other areas: belly, chest, inner thighs, hips or neck. This helps to spot what creates excitement and avoids turning masturbation into a race to orgasm.

Start with light caresses, then gradually increase the pressure or speed if you feel like it. If you don't like a feeling, change movement. Masturbation is precisely an opportunity to experiment without having to meet the expectations of a partner.

Some people enjoy direct stimulation, others need a lot more time. Both are normal.

3. Pay attention to breathing

Breathing can help to stay focused on sensations. Sit in a comfortable, lying or sitting position, then just try to breathe more slowly for a few moments.

You can then let your attention go back to the physical sensations rather than seeking to control exactly what should happen.

masturbate

4. Use lubricant when useful

The lubricant can make manual stimulation or the use of a sex toy much more comfortable. The genitals are not necessarily «dry» at first and natural lubrication varies enormously from person to person. So there is nothing abnormal in wanting to add lubricant, even if the body already produces a certain lubrication.

Start with a small amount on your fingers, genital area or sex toy. Add if the movements become less fluid or if you feel friction.

Which lubricant to choose?

Water-based lubricants are versatile and compatible with most condoms and sex toys. They can, however, dry faster and require a new application.

Silicone-based lubricants usually last longer. They are very practical in the shower, but they are not always recommended with silicone sex toys: check the manufacturer's instructions.

Oily products are not compatible with latex condoms, which they can weaken. They can also be difficult to clean on some sex toys.

After the session, clean the remaining lubricant on the body and wash the sex toy in accordance with its instructions.

Orion – Vibrating, rocking sex machine with automatic heating, remote control and dildoOrion – Vibrating sex machine with swing and automatic heating with remote control and dildo106,78€View product

5. Test different techniques

There are many ways to stimulate yourself. Rather than looking for a «good» technique, vary a few parameters and observe what changes.

Use fingers

lubricant

Try circular movements, long caresses, light tapping or more stable pressure. On the vulva, the stimulation can be direct on the clitoris or indirect around it. For the penis, you can vary the grip, speed and length of movement.

Change the pressure

Very light pressure can be pleasant on a sensitive area, while firmer pressure may be better suited elsewhere. Increase gradually rather than start abruptly.

Explore erogenous zones

The genitals are not the only interesting areas. The nipples, neck, inner thighs, perineum or other body parts can participate in excitement. The most sensitive areas differ from person to person.

Vary the pace

Alternate slow and fast movements, pauses and repetitions. A constant pace works great for some people, while others like variations. The important thing is to follow the sensations rather than a predefined program.

Add a vibrator or other sex toy

A vibrator can bring an impossible sensation to reproduce exactly with the fingers. Start with low intensity, then only increase if it remains pleasant. For any insertion, choose a sex toy provided for the affected area and use enough lubricant.

6. Use imagination

Fantasies can help increase excitement, but they are not mandatory. You can imagine a partner, a fictional situation or just focus on how you feel physically.

vibrator

A fantasy is not necessarily something you want to achieve in real life. The imagination can remain a private space in which we explore freely what excites.

Frequently Asked Questions about Masturbation

How to masturbate without porn?

Focus more on body sensations, breathing or imagination. You can also try an erotic story or just do without visual support. There is no obligation to associate masturbation and pornography.

How to masturbate without a vibrator?

The hands are enough for many people. Some also appreciate the indirect pressure through a cushion or blanket, without using an object that can hurt the genitals. Avoid inserting objects that are not designed as sex toys.

How to vary your way of masturbating?

Change the body position, hand used, pressure, rhythm or stimulated area. You can also alternate direct and indirect stimulation, use lubricant or integrate a suitable sex toy.

Eagle Cock Realistic Dildo 18cm long and 4cm in diameter, with back-and-forth movements and vibrationsEagle Cock Realistic Dildo 18cm long and 4cm in diameter, with back-and-forth movements and vibrations44,99€View product

There isn't a single right way to do it

Masturbation is a common and personal practice. It can be used to relax, explore your body or simply seek pleasure. As long as it does not cause pain, injury or significant discomfort in everyday life, there is no universal frequency or method to follow.

Take the time to identify what suits you, stop if something becomes uncomfortable and adapt your practice as you wish. The goal is not to achieve a particular performance, but to better know the sensations that make you feel good.