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Male masturbation (or hand-jobs), while accepted and normalized in many ways, is often not taken seriously. Jokes about jacking off, hairy palms and going blind still abound. In addition, we often assume that it is a very simple procedure, a means to an (orgasmic) end. Terms like “jerking off” make it seem quick, abrupt and awkward, but hand-jobs can be a vehicle for intimacy and connection — either solo or with a partner. Because we may not have a lot of language to talk about hand-jobs, “Doin’ It Well” decided to explore hand-jobs and the genius behind the stroke.

Handy Information

The penis is much more than a shaft. In fact, there are a lot of important parts to the penis that relate to masturbation. The frenulum, or the front of the penis when it is erect, is one of the most sensitive parts. The urethra runs underneath the frenulum along the shaft of the penis, continuing through the scrotum and along the perineum (the area between the testicles and anus). During masturbation, most of the focus may be on the frenulum. However, the glans (or head), the scrotum/balls, the shaft, perineum and anus may also be sensitive and pleasurable. Like a cock-ring, some men may apply pressure to the base of their penis or scrotum to constrict blood flow and intensify orgasm, or to the perineum, which may externally stimulate the prostate.

During solo masturbation, men often grasp the shaft of their penis with their fingers (not fingertips) along the frenulum. The foreskin (extra skin along the shaft) provides some elasticity, which can allow the skin to glide back and forth over the glans during masturbation. Because the frenulum is sensitive and the foreskin is only so elastic, during un-lubed masturbation, a partner may want to lie beside or behind their partner to get a good grip. For lubed masturbation, though, the position of the hand isn’t as important. Also, different areas may feel good to the touch at different stages of arousal.

Get a Grip

There are an infinite variety of techniques for male masturbation, and we present just a few here. Men can try these out solo or invite a partner to experiment with different hand job styles. Either way, enjoy!

Anvil or Fists Up:

Making sure the penis is well-lubed, make a fist with one hand. The “anvil” stroke is downward, gripping the head of the penis and moving down to the base. When the first hand hits the bottom, release it and repeat the downward stroke with the other hand. This creates a constant downward motion. For “fists up,” do the same motion, but start at the base of the penis and make a continual upward stroke.

Perpetual Penetration:

Much like the “anvil,” but instead of gripping the head of the penis each time, let the head of the penis penetrate into the fist.

Two-Handed:

Place both hands along the shaft of the penis, using both of them to stroke. Alternately, your hands can go different directions.

Human Cock-Ring: Use one hand to grip around the base of the penis and pull the skin tight. With the other hand, stimulate various parts of the penis, either with a stroke or applying pressure.

Climbing the Mountain:

This is a progressive technique. Gently stroke the penis with one hand for several seconds, then make one quick up-and-down stroke. Return to gently stroking the penis for several seconds, then make two quick up-and-down strokes. Repeat and increase the strokes each time until orgasm.

Fire:

Using two hands (and lots of lube), rub the penis between both hands like rubbing a stick to make a fire.

Practice makes perfect

Paying attention to your body during masturbation may be a new trick for men. Masturbation or hand-jobs may be a quick way to “get off,” rather than a route to deeper intimacy with yourself or a partner. Don’t get us wrong; there’s nothing wrong with a quickie. But oftentimes, the focus becomes on the orgasm rather than the pleasurable sensations leading up to that. Slowing down, paying attention to your body and also, communicating what feels good to your partner can sometimes be a new (but exciting) challenge.

For men, it may be helpful to pay closer attention during solo masturbation. How do you hold your penis? What feels good and when? Also, what other parts of your body are sensitive? Since you only have two hands, where would you like another set of hands (or lips, or whatever) to be during masturbation? What would you like a partner to say to you? Reflecting on this and sharing it with a partner can liven up your solo and mutual masturbation and turn hand jobs into more than just “foreplay.”

Stay tuned next week as we talk about the allure of the drunk hook-up.