Self-pleasuring (or “sex with someone you love,” as we like to call it!) is a fantastic way to relax, explore your body, and have a whole lot of fun. If you’re looking to spice things up, this post is for you. We’re diving into the best masturbation positions for men, exciting sex toys, creative techniques, and even some tried-and-true classics, like how to jerk off with a sock.
But why is exploring all this variety so important, especially for enhancing partnered experiences? FemmeFunn asked author, therapist, and sexologist Gloria Brame, PhD, for her expert take. Here’s what she had to say:
“I often recommend trying different positions, angles, and strokes to clients for two big reasons,” Dr. Brame tells FemmeFunn. “First, they get to explore new ways to give themselves pleasure, and may be more successful both at edging and maintaining an erection during self-stimulation if they find fresh ways to get off,” she continues. “Second, because it can help them when they have a partner. If your partner knows you like a few different ways, they have a more creative menu to use, so it doesn’t get boring to do the same thing every time. It also helps men get used to different but successful ways to climax, which promotes intimacy.”
Dr. Brame further emphasized how this adaptability learned during self-play translates directly to better experiences with a partner, while a lack of it can be a hurdle: “Guys who are stuck on only one specific position or technique may find it difficult to climax during penetration, digital stim from a partner, or even blow jobs. Versatility during self-play, on the other hand, can boost their satisfaction during partnered sex.”
So, the key takeaway from Dr. Brame’s advice is pretty clear — becoming more familiar and inventive with your own pleasure can significantly enrich intimacy and satisfaction when you’re with a partner. (A win-win, if you will.)
Best Masturbating Positions for Men
The first thing to know about trying out various male masturbation techniques isn’t tying yourself in more and more elaborate knots but finding which positions give you the most satisfaction.
“Don’t be afraid to masturbate while moving the rest of your body,” Amy R. Marsh, EdD, tells FemmeFunn. “Some people even enjoy dancing in private while masturbating. Give yourself a whole-body experience if you can!”
Excellent advice from Dr. Marsh! So, if you’re ready to find those satisfying positions and maybe even incorporate a bit of that whole-body movement she mentioned, here are some to get you started:
On Your Back
Let’s get your search for arousing masturbating poses off to a good start with the classic Lying Flat On Your Back position. Exceptionally comfortable, this masturbating pose also provides easy access to your anus and perineum (the area between your testicles and anus) — both of which many men find pleasurable to stimulate.
💋 Explore with your free hand: Gentle massage on the perineum (aka the P-spot) or exploring the area around your anus can unlock surprising new sensations for many guys. Don’t forget a good quality lubricant if you’re trying this.
💋 Customize your comfort & angle: Try slightly bending your knees and placing your feet flat, or put a small pillow under your lower back or hips. This can help you find the perfect angle for comfort and access, allowing for an even better experience.
On Your Stomach
Another creative masturbation technique is to flip things over, that is, give lying down on your stomach a shot. As Certified Sex Educator Tim Lagman explains, this masturbating pose is ideal as your widely spread legs “allow for free movement of the testicles, and so is great for edging exercises.”
Edging, if you’re not aware, is a form of guided masturbation where the goal is to get as close as possible to orgasm before pulling back. With enough practice, this male masturbation technique can be a terrific way to gain greater and greater control over when and how much you come.
💋 Boost comfort and maximize freedom: For longer sessions, especially when practicing edging, try placing a thin pillow under your hips or lower stomach. This can ease pressure and even subtly change the angle for new sensations. And definitely take Certified Sex Educator Tim Lagman’s advice to spread your legs wide; that freedom for your testicles can make a big difference in pleasure and control.
Sitting Down
Next up on our list of the best masturbation positions for men is one you might already be familiar with, but if not, it is well worth trying, as men who jack off while seated know how great it can be, such as providing easy access to your testicles.
💋 Optimize your seating and angles: Where and how you sit can make a big difference. Try the edge of your bed or a sturdy chair. Experiment with leaning back or forward, and play with your leg positions — feet flat, legs spread, or one foot propped up. Each adjustment can change the angle of access and the sensations.
💋 Make the most of testicle access: Since your testicles are so accessible in this position, don’t overlook them! Use one hand for your penis and the other to gently cup, massage, or lightly tug (if that feels good) your testicles. Many guys find that incorporating this kind of stimulation can significantly intensify pleasure and lead to a more powerful orgasm.
Kneeling Down
This masturbating pose, as Lagman notes, “Encourages hip thrusting to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and is a great alternative to standing up when your feet are tired.” Kneeling is also splendid if you’re into anal sex toys like butt plugs, prostate massagers, or anal beads. (Generous amounts of quality lube are absolutely essential for safety, comfort, and maximum enjoyment with any anal toy.)
💋 Kneel in comfort, thrust in power: To make kneeling sustainable and more pleasurable, always use a soft surface under your knees (think pillows, a yoga mat, or a folded blanket). When you get into the hip thrusting Lagman mentioned, consciously engage your core and pelvic floor muscles — this can intensify sensations and provide that strengthening benefit.
On Your Side
Last but certainly not least, stretching out on your side can be a novel and absolutely rousing way to wank. For one thing, by curling or stretching, you can use it to find your own perfect, backache-free sweet spot.
💋 Pillow up for comfort: Lying on your side is all about finding that ideal ergonomic angle. Using a pillow between your knees helps align your hips (key for keeping your back happy!) and can make the position much more comfortable for longer. Don’t forget one under your head, and some guys even find hugging a third pillow adds to the coziness and stability.
Lagman’s great advice in sampling these and other masturbation positions for men is to “Start with a position that is comfortable for you, then work your way to more adventurous positions. For example, start by lying on your back to feel relaxed. Then, you can work your way up to raising your legs, knees to chest, or feet over your head. There is no wrong way to experiment with positions as long as your body is safe and not in pain.”
Creative Ways to Masturbate
Discovering new positions could be just the beginning of your sexual journey, as there’s an entire world waiting for you to discover.
Starting with playing not just with your body but your mind as well, though there’s also a wide range of cool sex toys for you to test out.
Guided Masturbation
Whether with a partner or a pre-recorded story, guided masturbation is essentially following another person’s instructions, such as slowing down, speeding up, edging, or a host of other erotic instructions designed to enhance your masturbation experiences.
Mutual Masturbation
Self-pleasuring is great, but why not try it with someone else? As a way to get both of you really (as in really) aroused, as a prelude to flicking through the pages of the Kama Sutra, or as a sexually steamy game of “touch yourself, but not each other,” mutual masturbation should definitely be on your sexual dance card.
Sock Masturbation
Of all the different male masturbation techniques, changing up how your hand feels has to be right up there. And what better way to do just that than by utilizing the pleasures of a good, old-fashioned cum sock?
There are many thoroughly exciting reasons why sock masturbation remains popular. Only needing what every warm-blooded male already has — it’s as easy as it is stimulating. Just be sure to wear a sock that’s not especially itchy, like wool. Otherwise, head over to your closet, grab a couple of socks, and give it a try. You’ll be very glad you did.
Use a Male Sex Toy
Buckle up, guys, as here’s where male masturbation techniques get well and truly wild, compliments of the dozens and dozens (and more dozens) of super-exciting male sextoys there are to choose from.
“When using any toy, it is always a good idea to use some lube,” Lagman explains. “Toys can help enhance the masturbation experience. Using a masturbator suction cupped to the wall is a great way to enjoy a hands-free experience. Lying down on your stomach with an anal vibrator lets gravity do the work for you so it doesn’t fall out.”
From high-tech strokers and prostate massagers to restraints and lifelike sleeves, our personal choice are cock rings like our 3 Piece Cock Ring Set. Another popular classic for practically every sort of male masturbation position, cock rings can assist in achieving and maintaining an erection, delay and amplify orgasms, and can’t be beat when it comes to dialing your masturbation sessions up to eleven.
The Bottom Line
Whatever toys you use, positions you enjoy, or techniques that turn you on, remember that masturbation is and has always been a healthy sexual outlet.
Not only that, but it can aid in improving your personal and shared sex life and also help maintain your overall health.
More than anything, masturbation should be as much about personal discovery as it is about having a fun time with yourself.
Lagman put it beautifully, saying, “Exploration reframes masturbation from being goal-oriented to an embodiment practice and intimacy with oneself. Through experimentation, men can understand their unique arousal patterns, unlearn shameful scripts about their body, learn to control their pleasure, and improve their connection to partners by learning what they like and don’t. Ultimately, it turns a routine act into a tool for sexual growth, self-acceptance, and deeper pleasure.”