back
to more Q & A
Masturbation
- Q: Is it normal if
a man uses a pillow or sheets for masturbation? According to The Kinsey
Report, male masturbation is largely manual, though it also mentions stimulation
of the penis against some objects. What masturbatory techniques are better
for men: manual or friction against objects?
- Dr. Klein: You wonder
about "normal" and "healthy" masturbation. Within certain
limits, whatever makes your penis feel good is acceptable. What are those
limits? 1) consent: if you are with a person, has s/he given permission?
If you are doing something someone else observes, has s/he given permission?
You don't want to force yourself on someone else. 2) responsible: are you
taking responsibility for the consequences of your behavior? For example,
it may feel good to masturbate while driving, but this could be very dangerous,
and so a person should not do this. 3) safety: are you doing anything that
can hurt you? Some people masturbate 5 or 6 times a day, until their penis
is very sore and even bleeding. This isn't good, just like it isn't good
to do other, non-sexual activities that result in physical harm.
Using these criteria, I would say that masturbating with a pillow, ladies'
panties, vibrator, soft fruit, etc. is fine. True, the majority of people
don't use such objects, but so what? As long as it works for you and doesn't
hurt anyone else, it doesn't matter how rare your practice is. Why don't
people who do use such objects talk about them? Because, like you, they
fear they are weird and that people will make fun of them.

For hundreds more questions and answers,
see my book
Ask Me
Anything.
For details and ordering, click on the cover.
© 2003 Marty Klein, Ph.D. All rights reserved.
Please do not reproduce without permission.